Global Major Cities Guide

Official Currency: The official currency in Uppsala, as in the rest of Sweden, is the Swedish Krona (SEK), often abbreviated as "kr".
- Coins: 1 kr, 2 kr, 5 kr, 10 kr.
- Banknotes: 20 kr, 50 kr, 100 kr, 200 kr, 500 kr, 1,000 kr.
Exchange Rate: The exchange rate fluctuates, so check the current rate before your trip. As of late 2023, 1 USD is approximately 11 SEK, and 1 EUR is around 11.5 SEK, but this can vary.

Sweden is one of the most cashless societies in the world, and Uppsala is no exception. Here are the most common payment methods:

Widely Accepted: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted almost everywhere, including restaurants, shops, public transport, and even small businesses.
Contactless Payments: Most card terminals support contactless payments, making it quick and easy to pay for purchases.
PIN or Signature: You may need to enter your PIN or sign for larger transactions.

Swish: A popular mobile payment app in Sweden, used for peer-to-peer payments and increasingly accepted by businesses. However, it requires a Swedish bank account, so it may not be an option for short-term visitors.
Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay: These are widely accepted in Uppsala, provided your card is compatible.

Limited Use: Cash is rarely used in Sweden, and many businesses in Uppsala are entirely cashless. It’s a good idea to carry a small amount of cash for emergencies, but you may not need it at all.
ATMs (Bankomater): If you do need cash, ATMs are available throughout Uppsala. Look for machines operated by major banks like SEB, Swedbank, or Handelsbanken.

Foreign Transaction Fees: Check with your bank or card provider for any foreign transaction fees. These are typically 1-3% of the transaction amount.
Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): Some merchants may offer to charge your card in your home currency instead of SEK. Avoid this option, as it often comes with unfavorable exchange rates.

Fees: Your home bank may charge a fee for international ATM withdrawals, and the Swedish bank operating the ATM may also charge a fee. Use ATMs from major banks to minimize costs.
Exchange Rates: ATMs usually offer competitive exchange rates, but check with your bank for any additional markup.

Exchange Bureaus: Forex and X-change are two major currency exchange services in Sweden. They are available in Uppsala, but their rates may not be as favorable as withdrawing cash from an ATM.
Airport Exchanges: Avoid exchanging money at airports, as they often have higher fees and less favorable rates.

If you need to exchange foreign currency for SEK, here’s how to do it in Uppsala:

Major banks like SEB, Swedbank, and Nordea may offer currency exchange services, but not all branches handle cash. Call ahead to confirm.
Bring your passport or ID, as it may be required for currency exchange.

Forex and X-change are reliable options for exchanging money. They are located in larger cities, including Uppsala.
Compare rates and fees before exchanging.

The easiest and often cheapest way to get SEK is by withdrawing cash from an ATM using your debit or credit card. Ensure your card is enabled for international use.

Uppsala, like the rest of Sweden, is highly cashless. It’s common for businesses, including cafes and small shops, to refuse cash payments entirely. Always have a card or mobile payment option available.

Tipping is not mandatory in Sweden, as service charges are typically included in the bill. However, rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip (5-10%) is appreciated for excellent service, especially in restaurants.

Public transport in Uppsala (buses and trains) does not accept cash. You can pay using a contactless card, the UL app (Uppsala’s public transport app), or a prepaid travel card.

In Sweden, it’s common to be asked if you want a receipt after a purchase. If you need one, say "Ja, tack" (Yes, please). Otherwise, you can decline with "Nej, tack" (No, thank you).

There is no minimum purchase amount for card payments in most places, so you can use your card for even the smallest transactions, such as buying a coffee or a snack.

Notify Your Bank: Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid your card being blocked for suspicious activity.
Carry a Backup Card: Have a second card in case your primary card is lost or declined.
Use a Travel-Friendly Card: Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees to save money.
Download Payment Apps: If you’re staying in Sweden for an extended period, consider setting up Swish or another local payment app with a Swedish bank account.

By understanding these details, you’ll be well-prepared to handle payments in Uppsala with ease. Let me know if you need further assistance!