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Public Telephones

Details about public telephone services and where they can be accessed, if needed.

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Comprehensive Guide to Public Telephones in Malmö, Sweden

Public telephones, once a staple of urban communication, have become increasingly rare in Sweden, including Malmö, due to the widespread use of mobile phones and internet-based communication. However, for visitors or immigrants who may need to use public telephones, here is a detailed guide to their availability, usage, and cultural considerations in Malmö.

1. Availability of Public Telephones in Malmö

Public telephones in Sweden, including Malmö, have largely been phased out. The Swedish telecommunications company Telia, which historically managed public payphones, began removing them in the early 2000s due to declining usage. As of today:

  • Public telephones are extremely rare in Malmö.
  • You may find a few remaining payphones in high-traffic areas such as train stations, bus terminals, or airports, but these are not guaranteed.
  • Instead, most Swedes and visitors rely on mobile phones or internet-based communication (e.g., WhatsApp, Skype, or Zoom).

If you are in urgent need of a public telephone, your best bet is to check at:

  • Malmö Central Station (Malmö C): This is the city’s main transportation hub, and if any public telephones remain, they are likely to be here.
  • Malmö Airport (Sturup): Airports sometimes maintain public telephones for international travelers.

2. Costs of Using Public Telephones

If you do find a public telephone, here’s what you can expect regarding costs:

  • Local Calls: Typically cost around 2–5 SEK per minute.
  • International Calls: Rates vary depending on the country but are significantly higher, often starting at 10 SEK per minute.
  • Payment Methods: Most public telephones in Sweden used to accept coins or prepaid phone cards. However, modern payphones (if available) may only accept credit/debit cards or require a prepaid calling card.

Prepaid calling cards can sometimes be purchased at convenience stores like Pressbyrån or 7-Eleven, which are common in Malmö.

3. How to Use Public Telephones

If you locate a public telephone, follow these steps:

  1. Check the Payment Method: Determine whether the phone accepts coins, cards, or prepaid calling cards.
  2. Insert Payment: Insert coins or swipe your card as instructed.
  3. Dial the Number:
    • For local calls: Dial the 10-digit Swedish phone number directly.
    • For international calls: Dial the international access code (00), followed by the country code, area code, and phone number.
  4. End the Call: Hang up to end the call and retrieve any unused coins (if applicable).

4. Alternatives to Public Telephones

Given the scarcity of public telephones, here are some practical alternatives for communication in Malmö:

  • Mobile Phones: If you don’t have a Swedish SIM card, consider purchasing a prepaid SIM card from providers like Telia, Telenor, or Comviq. These are available at convenience stores, supermarkets, or electronics shops.
    • Costs: A prepaid SIM card typically costs around 100–200 SEK, with varying amounts of included credit.
    • Coverage: Mobile network coverage in Malmö is excellent.
  • Wi-Fi and Internet-Based Communication:
    • Free Wi-Fi is widely available in Malmö at cafes, libraries, and public spaces.
    • Use apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Zoom for calls if you have internet access.
  • Borrowing a Phone: If you’re in a public place and need to make an urgent call, Swedes are generally friendly and may allow you to borrow their phone if you ask politely.

5. Cultural Considerations

  • Mobile-First Society: Sweden is a highly digitalized country, and most people rely on smartphones for communication. Public telephones are considered outdated, and their use is rare.
  • Emergency Numbers: If you need to make an emergency call and don’t have access to a phone, you can ask for assistance from locals or staff at public facilities. The emergency number in Sweden is 112, and calls to this number are free from any phone.
  • Language: Most Swedes speak English fluently, so you can ask for help in English if needed.

6. Practical Tips

  • Plan Ahead: If you anticipate needing to make calls, ensure you have a working mobile phone or access to Wi-Fi.
  • Download Communication Apps: Apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Viber are widely used and can be a cost-effective way to stay connected.
  • Carry a Power Bank: To ensure your mobile phone stays charged, especially if you’re relying on it for navigation and communication.

Summary

Public telephones in Malmö are nearly obsolete, and their availability is extremely limited. Visitors and immigrants are encouraged to rely on mobile phones or internet-based communication instead. If you do find a public telephone, expect to pay a few SEK per minute for local calls and more for international calls. For emergencies, the number 112 is free to call from any phone. Adapting to Malmö’s mobile-first culture will make communication much easier during your stay.