Global Major Cities Guide

An overview of Malmo's payment landscape and the widespread acceptance of cards and mobile payments.

Currency Used: The official currency in Sweden is the Swedish Krona (SEK), abbreviated as "kr."
Cash Usage: While cash is still legal tender, its use is extremely rare in Malmö. Many businesses, including restaurants, shops, and even public transportation, do not accept cash at all. Instead, digital and card payments dominate.

Card Payments: Debit and credit cards are widely accepted everywhere, from large retailers to small cafes. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted, while American Express and Diners Club may not be as universally supported.
Mobile Payments: Mobile payment apps are extremely popular. The most widely used app in Sweden is Swish, which allows instant peer-to-peer and business payments. However, Swish requires a Swedish bank account and a Swedish phone number, so it may not be accessible to short-term visitors.
Contactless Payments: Contactless payments via cards or mobile wallets (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) are widely supported. Most payment terminals in Malmö are equipped with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology.
E-commerce: Online shopping and digital services are also cashless, with payments typically made via cards, Swish, or online banking.

Card Transaction Fees:
- For visitors, foreign transaction fees may apply when using international cards. These fees are typically around 1-3% of the transaction amount, depending on your bank and card issuer.
- Some ATMs may charge a withdrawal fee if you need cash, but this is rare in Sweden as cash is seldom used.
Currency Conversion Fees: If your card is not in SEK, you may incur currency conversion fees. Always choose to pay in SEK when given the option, as dynamic currency conversion (paying in your home currency) often comes with unfavorable exchange rates.
Mobile Wallets: Using mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay linked to your card does not usually incur additional fees, but the same foreign transaction and currency conversion fees may apply.

Using Debit/Credit Cards:
1. Ensure your card is enabled for international use before traveling to Sweden.
2. Insert, swipe, or tap your card at the payment terminal. Most terminals in Malmö are contactless-enabled.
3. Enter your PIN or sign if required. For small transactions (typically under 400 SEK), no PIN is needed for contactless payments.
Using Mobile Wallets:
1. Add your card to your mobile wallet app (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.) before arriving in Malmö.
2. Hold your phone or smartwatch near the payment terminal to complete the transaction.
Using Swish (for residents or long-term immigrants):
1. Open a Swedish bank account and download the Swish app.
2. Link your bank account to your Swedish phone number.
3. Use the app to send or receive payments instantly by entering the recipient’s phone number or scanning a QR code.

For Short-Term Visitors:
- Bring a debit or credit card that supports contactless payments and has no or low foreign transaction fees.
- Notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid your card being blocked for suspicious activity.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, as it is rarely accepted and may be inconvenient to exchange or use.
- Use mobile wallets for convenience if your card is compatible with Apple Pay or Google Pay.
For Long-Term Immigrants:
- Open a Swedish bank account as soon as possible. Major banks like SEB, Swedbank, Handelsbanken, and Nordea offer accounts that include Swish functionality.
- Apply for a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer), as it is often required to open a bank account and access Swish.
- Familiarize yourself with Swish, as it is the most common way to transfer money between individuals and pay for services like second-hand purchases or small businesses.
Language Barrier: Most payment terminals and apps in Malmö offer English as a language option, so you won’t face significant issues if you don’t speak Swedish.
Receipts: Digital receipts are common, and many businesses will ask if you want a printed receipt or prefer to skip it. Always request a receipt for larger purchases or if you need proof of payment.

Cashless Norms: It is entirely normal and expected to pay with a card or mobile app in Malmö. Attempting to pay with cash may be met with surprise or even refusal in some establishments.
Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory in Sweden, and service charges are usually included in the bill. If you wish to tip, you can round up the total or add a small amount when paying by card.
Public Transportation: Malmö’s public transportation system (buses and trains) is also cashless. Tickets can be purchased via the Skånetrafiken app, at ticket machines, or with a contactless card.

Lost or Stolen Card: If your card is lost or stolen, contact your bank immediately to block the card. Most Swedish banks offer 24/7 customer service.
Backup Payment Methods: Always carry a backup card or have access to an alternative payment method, such as a mobile wallet, in case your primary card is declined.

Malmö is highly cashless, so prioritize having a reliable card or mobile payment method.
If you’re staying long-term, integrating into the Swedish banking system and using Swish will make daily life much easier.
Plan ahead for any fees associated with your card or currency conversion to avoid surprises.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate Malmö’s cashless payment system with ease.