There are few safety concerns for travellers to Sweden, with the country having a very low crime rate. However, as with any large European city, the larger cities do experience some petty theft, with pick pocketing and bag snatchings taking place at busy bus and train stations and in crowded tourist areas.

Common sense and keeping a close eye on your belongings should minimise the risk of you becoming a victim of one of these petty thieves; however, should the worse happen, it is unlikely you will experience anything more than the loss of your money, with violent crime levels negligible. If you choose to travel by bicycle, make sure you have a good lock.

The police in Sweden are extremely efficient and will take any report of an incident very seriously and do their best to assist you, as will most hotels.

Emergency: 112

The Swedish krona (SEK) is the national currency in Sweden, despite it being part of the EU. Notes come in denominations of SEK 10,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50 and 20, while coins are available in denominations of SEK 10, 5 and 1, and 50 öre.

Current exchange rates vary and should be checked before you change your money. ATMs are widespread and available in every city and town, and are primarily found at banks, shopping centres and in business and commercial areas. Most cash machines accept major credit cards. You can also exchange money at banks and bureaux de change, which are also easily found. Banks are open from Monday to Wednesday and Friday from 09:30 to 15:00, and on Thursdays from 09:30 to 15:00; some banks in Sweden’s larger cities have extended opening hours, with some branches open at weekends.

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency.

Visitors to Sweden can bring in the following duty-free items when travelling from a non EU country: 1 litre of liquor, 2 litres of wine or 32 litres of beer; 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco; and personal goods worth a total of SEK 1,700.

Electricity: 230V/50Hz (European plug)

The majority of Swedes are intolerant to smoking and smokers should be aware that smoking it not allowed in restaurants and bars unless they are open-air.

While the Swedes do not differ greatly in their social conventions from the rest of Europe, you will notice a calm and ordered atmosphere that is not prevalent in some other EU countries. In keeping with this atmosphere, you should not behave noisily when in restaurants or on public transport.

In addition to antisocial and loud behavior being frowned upon, so is any violent and anti-social behavior including expressing racist, homophobic and sexist opinions. Sweden is known for its liberalness with regards to gender equality, gay rights and openness, therefore conversations regarding these issues are unlikely to provoke any embarrassment.

Swedish is the official language in Sweden. There are two minority languages: Finnish and Sami which is spoken in the Northern regions. There are also a number of Romanies who speak in Romani.

Tipping in bars or restaurants is not expected, but is welcomed in instances where you feel the service was more than satisfactory. Porters and taxi drivers also appreciate tips, but tipping is not obligatory.

With one of the highest life expectancy rates in the world as well as high living standards, it is no surprise Sweden’s healthcare system is nothing short of excellent, with facilities meeting the highest of international standards.

For minor medical complaints, visitors can seek out a pharmacy, which are identifiable by an ‘Apoteket’ sign outside. All basic medicines are available at pharmacies, with some staying open 24 hours.

Should you need medical attention from a doctor, you can visit a surgery or a hospital, but expect a wait unless it is an emergency. As almost all medical facilities are state-owned, it can take up to a week before you receive and appointment or 24 hours in an emergency ward if your condition isn’t severe.

There are very few health risks for visitors; however, making sure you are up-to-date with your standard vaccinations prior to travel is recommended. Food hygiene standards are high and disease levels low. If you intend to partake in driving or sporting activities such as skiing, you will be putting yourself at a higher risk of having an accident and should therefore make sure your are sufficiently insured before you leave your home country.

Emergency: 112

The country code for Sweden is: +46. The country is the world's second most internet-connected country therefore you will have little or no problem in hunting down an internet café or wireless hotspot.

Sweden is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Agreement therefore citizen of other EU countries or countries that are party to the Schengen Agreement do not require a visa to enter. Citizens of all other countries should ask their nearest Swedish embassy for details on visa applications.