Tipping In Sweden: A Guide to Swedish Tipping Customs

One aspect of the travel experience that often surprises travelers is the local attitude toward tipping. In some countries, it's an everyday practice, while in others, it's a cultural faux pas. Then there are those countries where tipping falls somewhere in between, leaving you wondering what's expected.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the tipping etiquette of Sweden to help you navigate your visit smoothly. Additionally, we'll offer valuable tips on how to get SEK in cash in Sweden, so you can focus on soaking up the sights, sounds, and flavors without the stress of financial hiccups.

Is Tipping Expected in Sweden?

Tipping in Sweden is not customary. Round up the bill to thank the staff for good service will certainly be appreciated, but tipping is strictly optional.

Tipping in Restaurants, Bars, and Cafes

When dining out in Sweden, it is common to round the bill up the nearest 50 or 100 kronor. In some cases, the restaurant may add a service charge to your bill so keep an eye out for that.

When visiting bars and cafes, rounding up the bill is a nice gesture. When a staffmember comes to you with a pay machine, let them know how much you'd like to pay, and they'll complete the transaction for you.

Nafinia Putra on Unsplash

Do You Tip Hotel Staff in Sweden?

For hotel staff in Sweden, tipping is not expected. You may offer a tip to a stellar service worker, but tipping at hotels in Sweden is generally quite rare.

Tipping Taxis and Tour Guides in Sweden

For taxi drivers in Sweden, tipping is not expected. However, it is custom to simply round up to a convenient number.

Tour guides in Sweden won't expect tips if its a paid tour. It is not a hard and fast rule, since pricing rules will vary by each provider. However, a tip of 100 SEK per person is typical (especially for free walking tours).

Practical Tips for Tipping in Sweden

By following these tips, you'll optimize your cash transactions in Sweden, minimize fees, and enjoy a smoother travel experience:

1. Withdraw Cash With a Travel Debit Card: Choose a travel debit card without international transaction fees that allows you to hold local currency and withdraw cash like a local. These cards typically offer fee-free ATM withdrawal allowances, making them a convenient and cost-effective option for accessing cash while traveling in Sweden.
2. Stay Within Fee-Free Allowances: Many travel debit cards provide fee-free ATM withdrawal allowances per month. To avoid additional fees, try to stay within this allowance when withdrawing cash.
3. Opt for Local Currency Transactions: When making purchases or withdrawing cash in Sweden, you'll be prompted to pay in SEK or your home currency. Always choose to pay in the local currency (SEK) rather than your home currency to avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) fees. DCC will result in terrible exchange rates and additional charges, so opting for local currency transactions ensures you get the best exchange rate.
4. Avoid Credit Card Cash Advances: Steer clear of using credit cards for cash withdrawals, as they incur cash advance fees and higher interest rates (APR). Cash advance APR is also higher than purchase APR.

Recommended Travel Cards for Fee-Free Cash Withdrawals Abroad

Compare the best travel debit cards without international transaction fees for your trip to Sweden:

Wise Multi-Currency Account

With the Wise Account, convert currency at the mid-market exchange rate. Spend, hold, and convert between dozens of currencies with your debit card and never be asked to do a dynamic currency conversion. The only fees that they charge you for using ATMs abroad will come at 1.75% per withdrawal — and only after you've exceeded your $100 monthly withdrawal limit.

The Wise Account is available in the US, Canada, EU/EEA, the UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and several other countries and territories.

N26

Available for EU and EEA residents to open, an N26 account will never charge foreign transaction fees. All Euro ATM withdrawals are fee-free, giving you free rein to travel the Eurozone. Outside of the Eurozone, ATM withdrawals cost 1.7% per withdrawal.

Starling Bank

The Starling Bank card is an excellent option in the UK for foreign travel. In addition to no foreign transaction fees, Starling Bank does not charge foreign ATM withdrawal fees. You might only be charged a third-party fee, just as you would in the UK.