The Swedish Krona
Sweden's basic unit of currency is the krona (or SEK). Note that the Swedes spell the plural kronor with an o instead of an e as in the kroner of Denmark and Norway. One krona is divided into 100 oüre. Bank notes are issued in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000, and 10,000 SEK. Silver coins are issued in denominations of 50 oüre and 1SEK and 5SEK.
For American readers -- At the time of this writing, $1 US = approximately 7.2SEK. (Stated differently, 1 krona = 13.8 US cents.) This was the rate of exchange used to calculate the dollar values provided throughout this edition, rounded off to the nearest nickel.
For British readers -- At this writing, £1 = approximately 13.40 kronor (or 1 krona = approximately 7 p).
Regarding the Euro -- At the time of this writing, 1€ = 9.25SEK, or, stated differently, 1SEK = 10.8 eurocents.
These monetary relationships can and probably will change during the lifetime of this edition. For more on exact ratios between these and other currencies, check an up-to-date source at the time of your arrival in Sweden.
ATMs
Plus, Cirrus, and other networks connect with automated teller machines throughout Scandinavia. Always determine the frequency limits for withdrawals and check to see if your PIN code must be reprogrammed for usage on your trip abroad. For Cirrus locations abroad, call tel. 800/424-7787 or visit www.mastercard.com. For Plus usage abroad, check the Plus site on the Web at www.visa.com or call tel. 800/843-7587. Note: Remember that many banks impose a fee every time you use a card at another bank's ATM, and that fee can be higher for international transactions (up to $5 or more) than for domestic ones (where they're rarely more than $2). In addition, the bank from which you withdraw cash may charge its own fee. For international withdrawal fees, ask your bank.
Credit & Charge Cards
American Express, Diners Club, and Visa are widely recognized throughout Sweden. Discover cards are not accepted. If you see a Eurocard or Access sign, it means that the establishment accepts MasterCard. With an American Express, MasterCard, or Visa card, you also can withdraw currency from cash machines (ATMs) at various locations. Always check with your credit or charge card company about this before leaving home. Also, note that many banks now assess a 1% to 3% "transaction fee" on all charges you incur abroad (whether you're using the local currency or your native currency).
Traveler's Checks
You can buy traveler's checks at most banks. They are offered in denominations of $20, $50, $100, $500, and sometimes $1,000. Generally, you'll pay a service charge ranging from 1% to 4%.
The most popular traveler's checks are offered by American Express (tel. 800/807-6233 or 800/221-7282 for cardholders -- this number accepts collect calls, offers service in several foreign languages, and exempts Amex gold and platinum cardholders from the 1% fee); Visa (tel. 800/732-1322), from which AAA members can obtain Visa checks for a $9.95 fee (for checks up to $1,500) at most AAA offices or by calling tel. 866/339-3378; and MasterCard (tel. 800/223-9920).
American Express, Thomas Cook, Visa, and MasterCard offer foreign currency traveler's checks, which are useful in Sweden, since they're accepted at locations where dollar checks may not be.
If you carry traveler's checks, keep a record of their serial numbers separate from your checks in the event that they are stolen or lost. You'll get a refund faster if you know the numbers.
