Banks: 09.30 to 15.00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 10.00 to 15.00, Monday to Saturday
Government Offices: 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 10.00 to 18.00 or 19.00, Monday to Friday; 10.00 to 16.00, Saturday; 11.00 to 16.00, Sunday

Gothenburg is unfortunately not the safest city in Sweden. Daily muggings and violent crime happen out in the suburbs and it is therefore best to stick to the tourist areas and be especially vigilant when out and about at night. Be particularly careful when taking taxis, making sure you are using a licensed taxi company as many visitors have had problems when using illegal, unlicensed taxis.

230V, 50Hz – twin round-pin sockets and plugs

Gothenburg is as clean and tidy as you’d expect from any major Swedish city. The tap water is drinkable and restaurants and hotels are generally of very high standard. It never gets bitterly cold in Gothenburg during the winter although swimming outdoors outside summer is not recommended although having good travel insurance when visiting Gothenburg is.

Emergency services: 112
Gothenburg General Hospital: +46 31 342 1000

Swedish is the national language of Sweden, with its Germanic roots, although just about everyone in Gothenburg will be able to speak English.

Sweden's currency is the krona (SEK), where one krona is equal to 100 oure. The Swedish krona differs from those used in Denmark and Norway other than the exchange rate, in that more than one krona is spelled kronor, with an ‘o’; thus, two kronor.

Visitors can bring the following items into Sweden duty-free from outside the EU: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco; one litre of spirits over 22 per cent volume and two litres of fortified wine; a reasonable amount of perfume; and gifts to the value 1,00 kronor.

Those visiting from member EU states cannot purchase duty-free but have much more liberal limits on what they can bring into Sweden, including: up to 800 cigarettes, or a kilogram of tobacco; 10 litres of spirits; and 90 litres of wine, for example.

Gothenburg is middle class and most residents are proud of their city; thus, praising other cities when talking to Gothenburg locals is not the done thing. Swedes are generally reserved in body language and not touchy-feely, and they place much emphasis on smart appearance. Learning some facts about the city is a good idea before visiting. Tipping is popular as are service charges at hotels and restaurants.

Visitors from the EU and citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand do not require visas to enter Sweden with a valid passport—or ID card in the case of EU residents. Citizens from those countries mentioned other than from the EU can stay in Sweden for up to 90 days, extendable. All other nationalities will need to apply for a Swedish tourist visa in another country.

The Gothenburg Tourist Office is located at Kungsportsplatsen 2 and is open daily for most of the year. The tourist office has free maps and information on attractions in Gothenburg. Phone: +46 31 612500; www.goteborg.com