The Newbie Guide to Sweden

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Scandinavian Furniture and Design Aesthetic – Mysteries Unraveled

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Decorating your space can truly make it feel lived in and like a home. But when you’re new to a country it can be challenging to know where to buy new items such as furniture and decor. If you are looking for ways to make your home feel more Swedish, we have the details on the Scandinavian design aesthetic, plus lots of tips on furniture stores.

Disclaimer: To keep The Newbie Guide free, we use affiliate links (marked with *) and may get a commission if you click and buy using these links. This does not affect our opinions and our writers always recommend their best for your Swedish experience.

Scandinavian/Swedish Design Aesthetic

When you think of the Scandinavian design aesthetic, often images of neutral colors such as light brown/wood/taupe and lots of white come to mind. There are often elements of nature as a clear spotlight in this aesthetic, such as items made of real wood, highlighted leaves or plants, geometric shapes, and you will definitely see an animal or two, or at least their fur. This aesthetic is largely minimalistic, with a focus on a few centerpiece items rather than many. It is also aimed at functionality. Often furniture is used as more than one item – such as an ottoman and a storage space. Yes, your mind may jump to, of course, Ikea, a classic Swedish take on function and affordability, especially for smaller spaces. But there are many other designers/stores to choose from for a classic Scandinavian design.

Scandinavian Design and furnitureIf you seek even more detail from an interior designer’s perspective, read our fellow blogger’s piece on how to really bring the Swedish design into your home. He also has great tips for several price ranges, e.g. for lower price ranges, check out Clas Ohlson and Lagerhaus, and for middle to high ranges – check out Design Torget*, Design House, and Svenskt Tenn.

Scandinavian Furniture for your home

Furniture in the Scandinavian design aesthetic usually marries function with minimalism. These pieces are made from wood, or other natural textiles. The design is clean, with a focus on simplistic lines or shapes and contrasting colors such as white and wood. Often, furniture of this style can be your centerpiece item in the room, or start as a base for decorative items that complement it. Scandinavian design is all about warm, mysig (cozy in English), feels – such as candles, furs, and soft lighting, paired with simple furniture pieces.

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect new piece of furniture (or new to you: check out these secondhand shops as well). Mjuk* is also a great furniture option if you are eager to keep it sustainable, as their furniture is entirely second hand.

Check out stores like, BoboHome*, Granit*, Furniw, Balkongshoppen, Mio, Jysk, Royal Design and Illums Bolighus for prime Scandinavian furniture shopping. They all guarantee that your home will be designed the Scandinavian way and bring form and function to their furniture. But, don’t be surprised if your furniture looks a lot like your neighbor’s. Many people shop at these stores, therefore homes tend to look similar once designed/furnished. You will definitely find natural textures like classic wooden stools and simple shapes and designs like geometric or plant-inspired on textiles. Furniture tends to be more minimally designe but decorative items can liven up the simplicity.

Tips before buying

Take a look at these sites before buying, as they range in price and shipping options. If you are picking up furniture yourself, you can often get a discount on shipping, but delivery (and putting together) the items can be expensive.

If you’re looking for outdoor furniture to liven up your space, take a look at Folkhemmet or Rusta for your best options. They have a wide range of prices and options, and often have discounted days or campaigns.

Still not sold? Check out this post for more detail on what many of these incredible sites/stores offer, especially if you are searching for affordable furniture and home decor stores. There are a ton of options to choose from in just this article alone. If you’re still unsure and live near Stockholm, check out this list as well for more detail on the best furniture stores in Stockholm.

Decorate the Scandinavian way

Decorative items are where the Scandinavian design aesthetic really comes into play. If you buy a simple piece of furniture that is functioning well but you want something to cozy it up – this is when you check out the Scandinavian decor stores. Decorative items range from textiles such as pillow cases with geometric or nature-inspired designs, sheep’s wool/fur, candle holders in the shape of food and animals, metal fixtures or figurines, to warm, enticing lamps.

If you’re looking for that one (or two or three) specialty piece to show off the Scandinavian aesthetic, you have a wide range of options to choose from for decor in Sweden. Some are based in Denmark, but you shouldn’t have any issues shipping to Sweden.

Sheep’s Wool and Furs

Who wouldn’t want a Danish sheep’s wool item to decorate their home? Look no farther than at these får-tastic (that’s Swedish for sheep) furs. Danish Fårskinn* and Natures Collection* both offer a wide range of wooly items, as does Nordic Sheep*. They often offer other decorative items as well, so take a look at their sites to get the full picture. 

Decorative Items

If you seek an accent item to brighten up your home, you can find a range of options. Swedes are known for their love of candles, especially during the dark months. These can be found at places such as Ennelle*, H&M Home, Åhlens*, and many others depending on your price points. If you’re looking for Scandinavian brands to bring interesting items to your home, check out the metal figures at Älska plåt*, geometric wallpaper at Retro tapeter*, or candles, lights, and decorative pillows from Trendy4you*. 

scandinavian decor

Lighting

Another way to bring in the Scandinavian design aesthetic into your home is to introduce warm lighting. In Sweden, not only will you find candles and plants in every window, but inside the home are various light fixtures that give off that warm, cozy glow. Often the designs of lights can be nature inspired (think artichokes and pine cones or animals). Or they can just be a simple design that brightens the room. If you are looking for the perfect lamp, check out stores like Markslöjd*, Ikea, Nordic Nest*, Lights of Scandinavia, and Stockholm Lighting.

All in one

Many of the stores in this article have more than just lighting or furniture. Remember the functionality concept of Scandinavian design? That extends to the stores themselves. Many of them carry furniture, lighting, decorative art, candles, glassware, textiles, etc. all in one. Be sure to check out these stores for your one stop shop to all things Scandinavian design: Svenssons*, H&M Home, Åhlens*, Clas Ohlson, Hemtext*, Designtorget*, Confident Living*, and Nordiska galleriet*.

Kitchenware and Sustainable Choices

There are many uniquely Scandinavian options to create comfort. Sustainable choices are also available for furniture, kitchenware, and cleaning products. 

For the Kitchen

The kitchen can be a great place to bring some Scandinavian design into your home. Many of the stores have functional and well designed kitchen items that make sense. For example, a biodegradable cloth that can be used to wipe up all manner of spills. Often you will find these with Scandinavian designs. Check out stores like Designtorget*, Cervera*, Kitch’n*, and Kitchen Time* for some great options. Nordic Nest* offers many textiles including tableware and other needed kitchen items as does Hemtext*.

Sustainable Options

Scandinavian design also comes in more sustainable options. Mjuk* has furniture and decor that are thoroughly cleaned and inspected but secondhand and cheaper than buying something new. They extend furniture’s life span and take care of the entire process for you. Live Home* is another great option for sustainable items. They offer cleaning and decorative items that are environmentally friendly and cheap. If you are trying to get away from using plastic, BeeLife* offers sustainable food covers that can be used many times, as well as gift cards and other presents made from beeswax. 

Scandinavian design and furniture

Decorating and furnishing your home in a foreign place can be a challenge for many people. Especially if you are trying to find a specific design style – such as Scandinavian. This list is not exhaustive. You can easily find even more Scandinavian options online or just walking through a centrum or gallerian. These are located in both small cities/towns but on a smaller scale and in larger cities/areas with many more options. Start with gallerians as they often house many different stores in one place (think a mall or shopping area).

You have lots of options for choosing Scandinavian design, whether it be furniture or decorative items for your home. Also ask the locals as they can give you great tips on the best place to buy items. 

What item are you purchasing next for your Scandinavian inspired home?

Second-Hand Shopping in Sweden

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Written by Ezinne Edet, our Content Creator

So you just moved to Sweden, or you’re planning to. You’ve spent a considerable chunk of money paying rent. Now you figured that you need to furnish your apartment, purchase kitchenware, buy yourself some jackets and boots, and probably a bicycle to move around. But there’s just one BIG problem…you are on a budget! If these few lines describe you, you may want to consider second-hand shopping.

Sweden is big on sustainability, and sustainable practices like waste sorting and second-hand shopping are almost a norm. Besides buying vintage products at a bargain price, shopping second-hand helps reduce carbon emissions, saves resources, and prevents waste. Here are popular places for second-hand shopping in Sweden.

1. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is one of the most popular places to shop for second-hand items in Sweden. Whether you are looking to buy clothing, books, furniture, household equipment, shoes, kitchenware, bicycles, cars, or children’s toys, this is your one-stop shop. More so, you may get high-quality items for free (gratis) if you are lucky.

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a free item on Facebook Marketplace

2. Blocket

Blocket is a massive second-hand site where you can buy fairly-used cars, furniture, bicycles, electronics, and more. To shop on Blocket, you need to register on the site by entering some personal details, however, registration is absolutely free. After you have registered, enter your location, what you are searching for, and click away!

second-hand-shopping-in-sweden
Blocket webpage

3. Sellpy

Sellpy is an online store for buying second-hand items like clothing, accessories, and footwear. On this site, you will find second-hand items from popular brands like Zara, H&M, ARKET, Ralph Lauren, Nike, Adidas, Monki, and the likes. The great part is that you get the same quality at a very affordable price.

second-hand-shopping-in-sweden
Sellpy webpage

4. Tradera

Tradera is an online marketplace where you can easily buy second-hand items. You can search for anything on the site, from kitchenware, clothing items, footwear, antiques, to accessories. Tradera also has an app that you can download on Applestore or Playstore.

second-hand-shopping-in-sweden
Tradera webpage

5. Second-Hand Stores

If you are not a fan of online shopping, you are always welcome to shop in a brick-and-mortar second-hand store. Nearly every city in Sweden (if not all) has a second-hand store. You can find the closest one to you by doing a quick Google search or by checking out any of these ones recommended by The Newbie Guide to Sweden team.

  • Erikshjälpen: If you are in Gothenburg or its environs, you may want to check out Erikshjälpen. Their stores are located in the city center, Västra Frölunda, and Kungsbacka. They sell mostly clothing for children and adults, antiques, kitchenware, furniture, footwear, and toys. Their items are usually neat and prices are very affordable. Have a look at Erikshjälpen website as they have many stores around the country and also an online butik.
  • Stadsmissionen: They sell everything from clothes to interior designs at a very affordable price. If you are in Gothenburg or Stockholm, you may want to check out their branches scattered around the cities. You can also donate some items that you no longer use to the store.

second-hand-shopping-in-sweden5 second-hand-shopping-in-sweden second-hand-shopping-in-sweden second-hand-shopping-in-sweden

  • Myrorna: You can find this store in nearly all of the big cities in Sweden. Their store in Gothenburg has four floors! The first floor has all the furniture, textiles, and kitchenware. From the second floor and up you can find a great selection of clothes beautifully displayed by color.
  • Beyond Retro: If you are a vintage clothing lover, this store is a must-visit. Their prices may not be as budget-friendly, but you will find a range of special pieces.
  • Arkivet: This is one of the most fashionable second-hand stores in Sweden. They sell a great variety of clothes from popular brands, and the best part is that their clothes are way cheaper and always in perfect condition!
  • Busfrö: You can find their stores in many cities in Sweden, they usually have clothes for children, women and men, and also items for the house.

6. Pop-Up Stores/ Flea Markets

Pop-up stores/flea markets, popularly called loppis, are common during the summer. Here, you can shop for reasonably-priced antiques, vintage accessories, crafts, bags, clothing, and other second-hand items. These pop-up stores/ flea markets are usually temporary setups organized by apartments, neighbourhoods, or individuals. You can search for flea markets in your neighbourhood on this website.

second-hand-shopping-in-sweden second-hand-shopping-in-sweden

Did you know that second-hand shopping is also a way to donate to charity? Most second-hand stores in Sweden are set up to raise funds and make donations to charitable causes across the globe. So, when you purchase second-hand items, you are not just getting value for money, but also making a difference in someone’s life.

Now, over to you. If you are not in Sweden, leave a comment to tell us how second-hand shopping is done in your country. If you are in Sweden, let us know your favourite places to shop for second-hand items and why.

6 apps you cannot live without in Sweden

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Written by Fabiola Isidro Alemán

A typical routine in my new Swedish life cannot be described without mentioning digital solutions that I use in my everyday life – The StorStockholms lokaltrafik app to get my mobile travelcard and check real-time departures, mobile BankID to securely log into my bank account, and many other digital public services, the Swish app to instantly send or receive money and many other things that I can do through my phone – Here I share some essentials apps to download if you are new in Sweden and wish to start conducting a digital lifestyle. 

In Sweden, even the most basic errands can be done through an electronic device, from buying groceries to paying taxes, no matter how remote. This country has long led innovation and ranked high in terms of digital development. It comes as no surprise that digital services are well integrated into Swedish life. The good news is that navigating a digital lifestyle has never been easier than before. A highlight of my experience living here has been becoming digital-savvy in such a natural and smooth way, it all started through the comfort of my phone. So, let me walk you through those must-have apps if you are new in Sweden, you will also discover a bonus recommendation at the end:

Mobile BankID

Of course, this app deserves the first mention. Perhaps you just arrived in Sweden or have plans to relocate here soon, then you need to know what this app is and why this is a part of the digital essentials.

 Mobile BankID is an electronic identification system for smartphones owned by many Swedish and Scandinavian banks. You can use it to verify your identity and log into public digital services such as The Swedish tax agency (Skatteverket) or The Swedish Board of Student Finance (CSN) e-services. A six-digit code connected to your Swedish personal identity number (personnummer) is all that you need. It does ease the pain of having to think of all the user names and passwords you need to log into e-services.

It is definitely an easier and smoother alternative to conventional forms of identification. However, you need to know that in order to obtain your mobile bankID, you must have a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer) and be a customer of one of the banks that issue bankID. You can order Mobile BankID directly from your bank once you open an account. 

Swish

Have you heard the term cashless society? Well, Sweden is the pioneer. Many shops and restaurants in Sweden don’t accept cash, and that is not even a problem because there are digital services that simplify payments. Who wants to pay cash when you can swisha, yes…it is even a verb! It means to instantly pay through your phone.

Swish is the app that will most likely save you from many difficult situations like forgetting your wallet, splitting a bill with friends at a restaurant, or simply buying things online. I get my e-tickets for the bus and metro paying with Swish. 

All you need to do is download the app and connect your phone number to your bank account (A bank participating in the system). You also need to verify your identity every time you wish to transfer, guess how? Correctly, through BankID. 

At this point, it is important to emphasize that you want to plan and prioritize obtaining a Swedish identification number so you don’t have any struggle, including using Swedish digital services. Here is a relevant article from The Newbie Guide to Sweden with helpful advice on how to register for an identity number.

Swish app

Kivra

This is perhaps not as known as the previous ones but it is a must-to-download app in Sweden. It’s a digital mailbox for important documents such as income declarations or vaccination certificates from authorities, bills from connected companies that you can pay straight from the app, and grocery or shopping receipts that you can collect in the app instead of printing them.  No more unnecessary paper in your life and no more risk to lose important documents as everything is in one place!

Have a look at Kivra website to know more.

1177 app

The Swedish healthcare guide in your phone. This app is your go-to if you want to find well-sourced information about many diseases and symptoms. It also has log-in functions to access your medical journal, prescriptions, and to find out your nearest healthcare center. Something good to know is that in Sweden if you get sick and are unsure about visiting a healthcare center or hospital, you can call 1177 and receive advice from a nurse, they will determine whether you need to visit a healthcare center or hospital or not. This is a way to make medical services more efficient.

Visit the 1177 website to learn more.

SL app (Public transport apps)

Opting for public transport could be a clever mobility choice. Sustainable and smart mobility is a priority in Sweden, making it easier and smoother to move around. SL app applies only to Stockholm although many cities in Sweden have their own systems working under the same principle of digitalization —SL app for Stockholm, västtraffik app for Göteborg, Skånetrafiken app for Malmö — It took a while for me to digitalize my experience commuting on public transport. Not only can you plan ahead your journey through the app but you can also check real-time departures and get your mobile tickets and mobile travel card. I used to have a physical travel card that I charged monthly. However, physical cards have disadvantages, sometimes I found myself in uncomfortable situations where I forgot my card and realized it just when I was at the bus door (Ouch!). Those days were completely gone when I embraced my mobile travel card and bye-bye plastic card. SL allows you to pay by Swish but you also have bank card payment options.

Smart grocery shopping apps

The Swedish biggest food retailers are also following along with innovation. Self-scan and checkout systems are often what you see in a supermarket in Sweden. Smart grocery shopping may sound a bit intimidating but do not fear! It is designed to meet your needs. I use the ICA app to write my shopping list, find recipes by ingredient, catch up with special offers, activate my self-scan and, self-checkout at the store. I also get all my receipts electronically through Kivra (Oh yes! less paper in my life). These functions have really helped me save time and money! The reason why it is one of my top 3 favorites and part of my home screen. The coop app has similar functions that you can explore as well. If you are hesitating, I highly recommend trying smart shopping, whatever your app choice is… your life will get easier!

Bonus: SV lexikon, SAOL

As a bonus, I would like to share some digital tools that helped me in my Swedish learning process (No, it’s not Duolingo!). What if you could have access to thousands of new Swedish words through your phone? Try these apps:

  • SV lexikon: It is a digital dictionary that translates to up to two languages at the same time. For e.g. If you would like to translate to your mother tongue and English. Unlike a regular translator, this app provides syntax and semantics, and examples of use.
  • SAOL: If you plan to become an advanced learner, you want to use the word list of the Swedish Academy (Svenska Akademiens ordlista). Here you find a more developed form of nouns, adjectives, and verbs. This app is your go-to if your translation app isn’t enough. 

Embracing a digital life

Part of thriving in this new country was opening my perspective and embracing new ways of living. It makes sense for me as digital development is a way to support sustainability and socio-economic growth. These digital solutions aim to make certain processes more sustainable and hassle-free. It is also important to highlight that navigating a more digital lifestyle does not mean giving up on physical experiences. On a personal note, I decide to stay with apps that give more than it takes. 

I’m curious to know if you find these apps to download in Sweden helpful. Which apps are your favorite ones? Which ones are you planning to download?  Let more newbies know about them in the comments below.

 

About the Author

Hej! I’m Fabiola and I come from Mexico. I left tropical palm trees for cold snow but I’ve gained a lot of insights and perspective after living and studying abroad. I’ve been fortunate to learn from different cultures and lifestyles such as those from England, France, Spain, and now Sweden. In my every day I do business and creative stuff. I love chocolate & cheese treats and I get lost in time with film score music and singing. Hope you find my life experiences helpful!

How Does Laundry Work in Sweden?

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Written by Ezinne Edet

I know what you’re thinking…why the fuss about laundry? Well, doing laundry in Sweden is a big deal. Apartment living: No washer/dryer? Options: buy or use a communal laundry room.

In sunny countries, garment care isn’t a big plan; abundant sunshine simplifies year-round clothes upkeep. Pack, wash, rinse, line-dry; hours later, clothes crisp and clean—simple routine in sunny weather. Moving to Sweden with my garment care mindset, I wasn’t prepared for the culture shock ahead.

A day after my family and I moved into our apartment in Sweden, I dashed into the laundry room with our dirty clothes and threw them into the washer. I set the timer and rushed upstairs to get myself busy with other chores.

Forty minutes later, I dashed back into the laundry room to get the clothes out of the machine but noticed that something was off. The machines were dead silent, the controls were unresponsive, and strangely, nothing was working. What could have happened?

I later discovered it was beyond laundry hours, so I had to shut down the machines. The bad news is, my clothes were stuck in the washer until the next morning, and the first slot had already been pre-booked by one of my neighbours. Talk about learning how to do laundry the hard way!

How Laundry Works in Sweden

If you do not have a washer and dryer installed in your apartment, you could either buy one and install yourself or, every week, spend at least one day in the laundry room.

The Laundry Room

Most apartments in Sweden have a communal laundry room—tvättstuga—with washers, tumble dryers, drying rooms/cabinets, and instructions on how to use them. This room is usually located at the basement or ground floor of the building and using the laundry room is totally free.

laundry in Sweden

Never ignore the instructions on the wall of the laundry room. Although they are usually written in Swedish, this is one place Google Translate will come in very handy. Different rules apply to different rooms, so it is important you understand the instructions to get a hang of how the machines and the laundry room work.

The Booking System

The laundry room operates on a booking system. There are two types of laundry booking system in Sweden: the manual and digital booking system. With the manual system, you use a laundry lock to book a slot on a board inside the laundry room, while you use an electronic tag to make a booking with the digital system.

The Manual Booking System

The laundry booking system, whether manual or digital, allows you to book a preferred day and time (usually 2 to 6 hours) for your laundry. In Sweden, laundry time is serious business.

Laundry Time

After you have booked a slot, you must do your laundry (washing and drying) at your booked time. As a rule of thumb, if you are about thirty minutes to an hour behind schedule, a neighbour can “steal” your slot without prior notice.

Therefore, you may need to sort and pack dirty laundry beforehand, as well as the detergent and softener. Also, make sure to pack up and leave the laundry room as soon as your time is up. You don’t want to be caught encroaching into your neighbour’s laundry time.

Tidy Up!

Before leaving the laundry room, make sure it is in good shape. Clean the dryer lint trap, sweep the floor, mop up wet surfaces, take out the trash (if necessary). Just make sure the room is tidy enough for the next person to use.

Rinse and Repeat

Once you are done, don’t forget to book your next laundry time, then repeat the process all over again.

So much information just to understand how laundry works. I know, right? But, trust me, it gets easier with time.

It is amazing how something as little as doing laundry can cause a huge culture shock for newcomers. Apart from figuring out how to do laundry, you can read about other basic everyday info that newbies to Sweden need to have at their fingertips.

Did you have any problems doing laundry when you moved to Sweden? Is the method of doing laundry in your home country different from that of Sweden? Leave a comment to let us know.

 

About the Author 

Hej! I am a Nigerian studying a Master of Science in Management at the University of Gothenburg. I have travelled around different countries in Africa, but this is my first time living and studying in another continent. I see living in a new country as an opportunity to learn a new culture, language, and create new networks and experiences. I will be posting about my experiences in Sweden, as a newbie, and sharing information to help you settle in fast. Enjoy!

Student in Visby

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Written by Casey Hofland

First weeks in Visby

Visby is an easy place to thrive. It’s as chill as the sea it’s grounded in, and as calm as the sky above it. In fact, one of my stories reflects the Zen atmosphere of this island, a story that I like to call “sweaters fly and tears dry”. Then again, there’s some things that couldn’t hurt knowing about.

But first, another story, titled: “Adam who-is-wrong-about-pizza”. Enjoy.

Many people live on this planet. Between them the only thing they share is that they have many different opinions. Some are of the opinion that our Earth is flat and the moon landing faked. Others believe peanut butter pickle sandwich makes a delicacy, and strangest of all are individuals that feel packing your bags at 1:02 AM before your day of departure comes off as rather irresponsible. These people are friendly reminded that their opinions, although endearing, are wrong.

Departure time

It is 8:15 AM as we load my luggage from the car onto the airport trolley. My mother has already started the waterworks without me. Even my father, otherwise so restrained, couldn’t stop a coating of dew forming around his eyes when we said our goodbyes back home. There at the airport, I wanted nothing more than to burst out into tears and show my mother some affection and a little appreciation for all she did for me. But apart from being a 23-year-old who’s had enough, leaving behind the prehistoric dirt-heap that is my home town together with the accumulated stress of answering 200 emails on the subject of my studies, apartment and flight bookings, I wasn’t embarrassed about leaving with but a kiss and a wave.

Here’s some tips to get you through a boring flight:

  1. Learn the lyrics to your favorite song.
  2. If you’re waiting in the airport, sing along to your favorite song.
  3. Imagine what your life would have been like if you ran away with that girl to Germany and started a snail farm with your best friend Abby the octopus.
  4. Write comedy and fantasize about the fame and sex appeal you’ll be getting from your travel blog.
  5. Think about some of the horrible things that you’ve done.

You can’t pay for the bus with cash or card on Visby apparently. Luckily, we convinced the driver to take us on by looking very foreign and dumbfounded. Oh, btw, I was doing this trip with my buddy Julius, who also went to exchange to here. We were eager to get to our apartments so we could finally drop our baggage.

old city walls in Visby
The olden city walls, as seen from the bus.

After we’d done mine, we walked to Julius’ apartment as well and dropped off his gear there. It was really nice of him to not constantly mention over and over how annoying it was that his quarters were a 20-minute walk away from the city center as opposed to my 5-minute walk, which I want to clarify is something he definitely didn’t constantly mention.

Meanwhile it was 7:30 PM and we needed food. We aimed for a pizzeria in the city center because I had heard about Swedes constructing the boldest pies, and as we passed through the gates of yore, the word ‘pittoresque’ would forever find new meaning in our hearts.

It’s time for pizza

When we arrived at our pizzeria though, it looked very fancy and even we could see this was expensive by Swedish standards. If not for Julius’ Visby-an acquaintance we may just have given them our money, but luckily, he could get us an address for a normal pizzeria. When I mentioned the concept of “Swedish pizza”, he reckoned there was no such thing.

pizza
Dear Adam: this is a kebab pizza. It is an atrocity committed by the Swedish. Swedish pizza is SO a thing.

Either ho, these fresh friendos went for ANOTHER walk. On the way we rummaged through trash and ate a dead bird so we wouldn’t starve but after another 30-minutes we stumbled upon our pizzeria: an Italian one. I wish words could carry across the sensation of taste so I could describe how delicious this pizza was, which was no doubt partly due to us waiting for 9:20 PM to finally eat.

Person eating pizza

Plus… this was my first meat dish in a loooong time. I am a vegetarian, but all the vegetarian options on the menu seemed bland. Not bad, just not something I would pay 12 euros for. The easiest way to spot if a restaurant doesn’t know how to make good vegetarian dishes is if they have one item with the word “vegetarian” in its name, and the pizza is just a cacophony of vegetables. I don’t know where we went wrong, but being vegetarian doesn’t mean I like bad food.

Also, they had a pizza with chicken, banana and curry. I want you to think about that Adam.

You know how to best end such an adventure?

By sleeping in a bed without a pillow or blanket. We thought we would have these things, but we were lied to. Though had we needed to sleep on the hardest part of the wall, I could have probably done it.

Conclusion is A: find out where you’re going to eat plenty of time in advance and B: get a bus pass before you arrive in Sweden. We were lucky but if that bus driver hadn’t taken us on, we were screwed! We’d be like dumbo and dumber dragging our 20 pounds of luggage 5-kilometers looking like fools!

Anyway, the continuation:

I have lost my favorite sweater. Not only does it look cool and artsy, it has also grown really important to me. This was the sweater I bought with Nathalie, a dear friend of mine, when I saw it hanging in a “left-over” pile that they were gonna throw out. It was the sweater I was wearing on my first JNM camp, when I kissed a guy at 4 AM completely drunk. Sleeves of utter comfortness and a hoody of warmth that helped me through some of the colder nights on my second and third camps.

Doubling as a pillow in times of relaxation and as a stuffed animal when I needed an embrace. The one night where I loaned it to Polina because she was cold and it was way too big for her. We shared a lot of memories in a short amount of time; memories of friendship, of joy, of sadness and sorrow… when I put it on, I would feel more confident and loving because of them.

happy person with face mask

Luckily I found it the next day.

Julius and I met up at my apartment so we could buy, well… everything. We needed pots, pans, cleaning products, cables, but most of all: food. We had empty fridges and if we didn’t solve it, soon we would have empty stomachs. 5 minutes away from my house was a supermarket though… in which we spent 1 and a half hours.

Let’s go over what’s ‘different’ from Dutch supermarkets.

In Holland it is very normal to eat bread for breakfast and lunch, every single day. And we do have the best supermarket bread. It has more slices, tastes better, and it sells for 10 crowns! I swear if we start pricing our bread like the Swedes do we’d enter a second golden age by the end of the week. Coming from such a bread-laden culture, Juul and I had trouble thinking on our feet and bought a giant what can only be described as a “cracker wheel”. Seriously: it is a wheel of a cracker… look!

swedish crackers

To my reassurance they do have a nice assortment of meat substitutions. It’s hard to beat Holland here as well, but it’s no competition: I’m just happy the have veggie bacon I can take with my eggs.

Guess what?

With all that shopping behind us… we went to shop some more.

Full disclosure, just expect your first day to be a whole lot of shopping if you want to live like a normal person on day 2. We got our shower curtains, our gel douches, pots and pans, and even our useless decoration!

jellyfish in a glass
Jellyfish in a jar since it’s my friend Vanessa’s spirit animal and looking at it reminds me of her.

When we were done shopping it was past 5. Now since it was a Saturday, the shops close at 5. And the one thing we forgot to buy… were bedsheets. Again. So that was another day sleeping in the cold.

It was at this point I noticed I was missing my sweater. All I wanted to do then was cry. I had to make peace with weeping though. The day had been a tangle of stores, visits, walks and rides; I was too tired for crying. The most frustrating thing was not knowing what had happened to it.

But, lo and behold, the next day I traced my steps and after some fruitless store visits, I found it on a park bench not 1 minute away from my house! God bless the good Samaritan that placed it there.

First days are tough

Your first days in a new environment are gonna be tough; you’re gonna have to do massive amounts of shopping and be confident. Don’t give a damn when you’re taking 4 hours in the same store looking through labels for the cheapest grub. If anyone gives you any funny looks ignore them, if they give you lip tell them you’re new, they’ll be appreciative of that. And don’t lose your favorite sweater, ever, but if you do then pray you’re in a place where people are nice enough to leave it on park benches for you to find.

I can really recommend getting yourself enough food for the rest of the week though. You’ll be stressed enough from learning to work your new kitchen; hell it will literally take you 2 hours to cook spaghetti the first time ’round. Do yourself a favor and get yourself a few instant meals so you can chill a bit, but if this is your first time from home, preparing food is gonna take way much out of you and your schedule. The last thing you’ll want is to not have anything in your fridge and worry about freestyling it. Aight, peace!

 

About the Author

I have been compared to Steve Jobs in the past. Regrettably, only during a student bash by a girl who was absolutely hammered. My origins lie in Utrecht, Netherlands, where I am studying game programming, and I’m carrying the tradition forth on my exchange in Visby. Should I have some alone time, you’ll find me playing chess or video games, though more often I’ll either be hanging out with friends, studying or cooking.

3 Month Reflection: Get Out, Get Involved, Get Cozy

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Written by Bonnie Thornington

I’ve been in Sweden for exactly three months now, and it’s starting to feel like home. Moving to a new country can be intimidating and scary. However, it is also an exciting opportunity to stretch one’s comfort zone, meet new people and develop new perspectives. To ensure a smooth transition to a new country, my motto is: Get out, Get Involved, Get Cozy.

When I think back to what my family and I have done over the last three months, the people we have met and the places we have seen, I can say that trying to balance new things and keeping a routine at home has been the secret to our steady integration. 

Get Out

We live in Lund in Skåne and there are endless activities and destinations for a fun-filled day trip.

Look at the map, pick a place and just go! Don’t have too many expectations and you will be rewarded with some long-lasting memories and amusing stories by the end of the day. 

Yellow bikes on Ven Island. Photo by: Bonnie Thornington

Remember, you don’t need a car; we spent the first three months in Sweden using public transportation and biking around. It will actually make you more aware of all the transport links and fantastic bike paths. Plus there is more opportunity to meet more people and strike up a conversation!

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Some fun day trips from Lund

  • Explore the island of Ven by bike. Just a short ferry ride from Landskrona, you can bring your own bike or rent one on the island. Swim at the beaches, play mini-golf, visit the Tycho Brahe museum, sample whiskey at the Spirit of Hven Backafallsbyn, learn about alpacas at Hven Alpacka, ride the horse-drawn wagon or simply rent a kayak and enjoy discovering the little coves along the coast.
  • Step back in time and visit the Foteviken Museum. Stroll through the open-air Viking village where 23 buildings have been reconstructed using materials and techniques of that time. Get up close to a Viking ship and dress up as a Viking soldier preparing to go to battle. The place is a living museum where you encounter animals and community Viking villagers, volunteers who bring the village to life. 
  • If you’re looking for something wild and majestic, look no further than Kullaberg Nature Reserve. With incredible views, ragged cliffs, and endless hiking paths, there is something for everyone’s tastes. Climb to the top of Kullen Västra Lighthouse, clamber up the rocks or jump into the refreshing sea. Bring a picnic or use one of the many BBQ pits. 
  • If you’ve ever wanted to ride a bike on a disused railroad track, then dresscykling is a must. It is fantastic for the entire family or with a group of friends. You can take turns pedaling the old inspection trolleys as you take in the scenic views. Bring a picnic or fika as there are many picnic tables along the way. There are several dresscykling routes you can try out in Skåne. 
  • Learn about sea life and ocean conservation at Naturum Öresund in Malmö. Free to the public, the centre provides a hands-on opportunity to engage in local nature experiences. You can snorkel, explore the shoreline and identify sea animals with the help of enthusiastic staff members. Come with your questions and curiosity, leave as an expert on marine life!

Get Involved

Swedes have a reputation of being a bit reserved and difficult to get to know. From my experience so far, I feel that they are actually quite warm and open but you have to be the one to initiate. 

I’ll be the first to admit it isn’t easy to take the first step, but you never know what doors may open because of it.

Take a deep breath and strike up a conversation with your neighbour. Take a few extra seconds and try your Swedish with the cashier or café waiter. Forget Google Maps, ask someone for directions instead.

For me, being involved in my community is very important to become integrated. But what can you do if you don’t speak Swedish? Lots actually!

  • If you want one-on-one-Swedish practice, sign up to Nya Kompisbyrån and get matched with a local volunteer. The aim is to meet up, online or in-person, and get to know one another and practice Swedish. Basically it’s like a matchmaking service for making local friends. I got matched with someone my age who happens to live 3 minutes away and who also has two children! We decide when we meet and what we do based on our interests and availability.
  • Choose a hobby or activity that you want to do, and find a class or event in Swedish. For me, I love yoga and need a good stretch at least once per week. I found a local yoga studio that teaches in Swedish. Not only do I come out of a class feeling super relaxed, but I’m also learning the parts of my body and how to count in Swedish! 
Swimming at Kullaberg Nature Reserve – bliss! Photo by: Bonnie Thornington
  • What are you passionate about? Find an organization and see if they need volunteers. Volunteering allows you to understand the local culture a bit more, plus you get to meet some locals who are also passionate about the same cause and who will likely become your new friends.

I didn’t think the process and manner of how Swedes work was very different to what I was used to but since I started volunteering, I’m beginning to see little nuances on how they think, how meetings are conducted, and how decisions are made. 

  • Involve the whole family. Everyone needs to feel like they have something to belong and look forward to.

Besides several extra-curricular activities, we put our children into the local Scouts group because we liked the philosophy of the Scout movement but we also wanted them to be immersed in Swedish with local neighbourhood children. We know it will take a while for them to feel completely comfortable in a new environment in a foreign language, but so far the fun activities and outings are keeping their interest and enthusiasm high.

Get Cozy

Feeling integrated and comfortable in a new country means making the place you live in now a home.

What makes a home warm and inviting to you? What aspects about your home screams comfort and relaxation? It could be a pair of slippers, a favourite coffee mug, or just some scented bath salts.

Get busy cozy-ing your house/flat and you will start to feel that this is the home you have always wanted and that this new country is the one that was intended for you.

One thing I have embraced here is the collection of house plants that are now proudly displayed on every window sill. It makes me happy and calm to see healthy, thriving plants every direction I turn.

Recently, I bought a small bottle of Canadian maple syrup at our local ICA. Even though the cost caused me to have a mini heart attack, the moment I had a bite of fluffy pancakes drenched in the syrup, it was all worth it. 

It’s only small things. But the small things make up the big picture.

Home means different things to different people. It can mean the place where you were born. It may be the place where you grew up. It may be where you have citizenship.

Malmö beach. Photo by: Bonnie Thornington

For me, home is where I am today with my family. Home is what you make of it, and the more you put into exploring your new surroundings, making new connections and creating a cozy abode, the more it will become the home that you have always dreamed of.

Bring on the next three months – and more!

About the author 

Hej! My name is Bonnie and I’m a Chinese-Canadian who has lived/visited over 60 countries, most recently travelling with my family on our 42-foot sailboat for the past year from Canada down to the Bahamas. I love music, yoga, swimming in oceans and lakes and will try anything at least once. I am excited to be moving to Lund and look forward to immersing myself in Swedish culture – especially fika and lagom! Hope you enjoy my posts as I recount my experiences of relocating and settling into Swedish life during a pandemic!

First Impressions of Sweden

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Written by Bonnie Thornington

What’s it like to relocate from Ottawa, Canada to Lund, Sweden during a pandemic? To be honest, it was one of the most pleasant journeys I’ve ever made.

With nine suitcases, four carry-on bags, four personal bags and one car seat, my family and I took three planes, one train and one taxi ride. By the end of it, we were so confused with having transited four countries with four different languages and four different currencies, we were just glad to be in Lund!

The journey

Our life in suitcases: moving to Sweden! Photo by: Bonnie Thornington

The journey itself went super smooth. We had so much help from all airport employees since there were so few travellers and they all wanted to help. We got to stretch out on every leg of the journey and there were more than enough seats in the terminals and on the train.

There were handwashing stations everywhere, and 95% of the travellers and staff were wearing masks.

It was the best time to travel in the worst time in history.

We have now been in Lund for four weeks now and here are some personal observations:

Covid-19?

Bus sign to tell passengers to physically distance. Photo by: Bonnie Thornington

What?! Where?! Well, let’s just say I feel like I’m living in a different dimension here. Compared to where I have just come from (Canada), things seem very relaxed here. I know there have been restrictions and recommendations for citizens to physically distance and work-from-home, but to be totally honest unless I think about it, sometimes I forget there is a pandemic raging across the globe.

I can count the number of people on my one hand who I’ve seen wearing a mask. There are some reduced hours of service in some stores and many have hand sanitizer at the counter or entrance-ways. Boarding at the front of busses is not allowed anymore. Some tables in cafes are ‘out of use’ to allow spacing and more distancing.

As a family rule, we continue to wear our masks on public transport. Instinctively, whenever we meet someone, I tend to hide my hands behind my back so I won’t have to shake hands. I try to stand further back when talking to someone and I’ve got my kids trained to wash their hands all the time, whenever possible.

Still, reading all the news back in Canada and around the world, I have to remind myself that just because Sweden has taken a different approach doesn’t mean the virus doesn’t exist here.

I feel strange yet more normal, guilty yet less stressed.

E-learning course: Preparing your move to Sweden

Are you already feeling a bit overwhelmed about all the stuff you need to figure out how to move to Sweden? We’ve got you covered. Over the years we’ve been repeatedly told just stressful this process can be so we created a digital course with all the information you need to move. Here you will learn about:

 

  • Short (and long facts) about Sweden.
  • The history and background of Sweden in regards to democracy, religious freedom, gender equality, social security, child welfare and LGBTQIA+.
  • The types of visas and residence permits that are available plus the requirements.
  • Important Swedish agencies, and trust us, you DO need to know about these ones.
  • How to find a place to stay and how to avoid rental fraud.
  • How to pack for your move depending on the season.
  • And there will be some quizzes to make sure you are paying attention and not falling asleep at your screen. 

After finishing this course, you will have a greater understanding of what has made Sweden what it is today, how you best prepare for a move here and to get your stay here started in the best manner. 

 

Sign up to your course here

Pace of life

Beautiful street in Lund. Photo by: Bonnie Thornington

Maybe it’s the long daylight hours, maybe because it’s summer or maybe that’s just the way it is here. But life seems steadier, less hurried and overall just more even-keeled. I think it has a lot to do with the cycling culture here. When bikes outnumber vehicles, the pace of traffic is less hectic and chaotic. Motorists must give way to pedestrians and cyclists.

Cycle paths are EVERYWHERE and often not part of the road that cars are on, so I can cycle freely and not worry. I’m not also shouting at my kids to stay closer to the curb and pay attention to the cars sharing the lane. It is mainly flat here in Skåne, so it is truly a pleasure to bike here. Not as a form of exercise (although I can tell it’s already helping my heart, health and general mood), but as a form of transportation. 

Bikes

Bike riding just on the outskirts of Lund amongst the beautiful fields. Photo by: Bonnie Thornington

Big sturdy bike locks are a MUST here. Six days after we bought my son a brand new bike, it got stolen. In broad daylight, two thieves cut the lock and rode it away. There was a witness but she was unable to stop them. This was the day before my son’s birthday too! We filed a police report but I’m doubtful it will be recovered. 

Lund is notorious for bike thefts apparently. There are a lot of bikes to choose from that’s for sure, but a new shiny bike with a small lock is an easy target. Lesson learned. We bought him another bike, a second-hand one that definitely looks second-hand. Plus we got a bigger, sturdier lock. 

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Swedish

Living in another language is exhausting. I haven’t started to dream in Swedish yet, but from the moment I step outside, I am bombarded with Swedish signage and conversation. Total immersion is great, but it is exhausting. I understand maybe 5% of what people say, but that’s mainly due to contextual-understanding and not actually understanding the individual words they are saying.

At the stores, I always choose to go to a human cashier (as opposed to the self-scan option) just to get some practice of trying to converse in Swedish.

A few days ago, we bought some picnic food at the grocery store and I wanted to ask the cashier for a knife so we could cut our cheese. Instead of saying “har du en kniv?“, I totally messed it up and ended up saying something along the lines of “I have a knife.” When she clearly didn’t understand me, I just kept repeating the word “kniv” to get my main point across. My husband thought she was about to press the emergency button to summon the security guards on me. Lucky I’m so innocent looking. 

Biggest disadvantage to not knowing Swedish: not being able to navigate the automatic telephone menus when you call a company or store.

Tip: press 0 first, if that doesn’t work press 1, then 2, then 3… eventually you’ll get a human.   

Calendar and Schedules

In Sweden, they number each week of the year. For example, today we are in Week 30 and Christmas is Week 52. After you get your head around which week is what month/date, I think it’s a practical and efficient way of scheduling.

Things

Things are built to last here. There is little evidence of cutting corners when it comes to construction or building materials. Green alternatives are the norm, not the exception.

Aesthetically-pleasing designs create a feel-good environment which makes people happier and calmer. I think Sweden hits some of those winning points: thoughtful urban planning & entwining nature with man-made structures & simple, functional furniture = life that is easy to navigate and pleasant to inhabit.

Personal number

Getting your personnummer (PN) is essential. We were lucky and received our PNs within 2 weeks after applying. Basically, it’s your identity in Sweden and after you have your PN, you exist here and will be able to access all other services. The best thing is, all your information is in one central database. No more filling out multiple forms for various things.

Want to sign your kids up for summer camp or register for a night course? Want to get a library card or get a points reward card from the local Coop? Are you moving and want to inform all government authorities so they know? Just give them your PN and nothing else. Too easy.

Kids

Sweden is made for kids. We have found free summer activities all over Skåne for kids, from board game clubs to outdoor concerts. We literally live within a couple of minutes to a dozen playgrounds. The selection is mind-boggling.

Personal space

People respect each other’s “bubble” and won’t enter that sacred sphere. I guess physical distancing was already happening here before it was mandatory around the world.

Silence is ok

In day to day interactions with locals and friends we’ve made, there can be moments of complete silence within a conversation and that is absolutely ok and not at all weird. It may feel uncomfortable at first but if you learn to embrace the silence, you shall be rewarded with a more meaningful conversation and not just fluffy words to fill the airspace.

Dairy products

Sour Yoghurt in coffee: Be Warned!!! Photo by: Bonnie Thornington

Buying milk is not so simple. First of all, the dairy fridge in the grocery store is humongous. I have to budget at least 15 minutes of shopping time to standing in front of the dizzying array of dairy products just to decipher everything.

All I normally want is regular cow’s milk, so it should be pretty simple, right? Well, don’t do what we did and purchase sour yoghurt for your morning coffee. But if you do, you’ll never make the same mistake twice!

Public transport

A city that has good, reliable public transport is a city worth living in. Public transport is excellent here. We never have to wait more than 10 minutes for a train or connecting bus. Allowing citizens to move freely and easily creates a sense of freedom and ease so that we can focus on the more important things, like buying the right kind of milk.

Fika

Fika is serious business. Sure, everyone has hectic schedules with kids, work and the usual obligations of life. But never, ever mess with fika. It is like an institutional right to have coffee and cake every afternoon. A kind of national pause in the day to reset and regroup with friends.

Candy

Candy store in Lund, marvelling at all the selection! Photo by: Bonnie Thornington

Oh my goodness. The variety of candy here is unbelievable. The shapes, smells, colours, textures, flavours, it’s all really overwhelming. There are dedicated candy aisles in the grocery stores usually right near the cash.

There are two candy stores in Lund that we know of so far, called Sweet and Hemmakväll, and they are side by side. We went into one and my kids went into a hypnotic state of absolute CRAZY. They couldn’t believe such a place could even exist. Funnily enough, they didn’t ask to get any. I guess just being in such proximity to so much sugar was enough to get a sugar high.

Cheese

So. Much. Freakin’. Good. Cheese. All at affordable prices. That is all.

I can say that I am still going through the honeymoon stage of transitioning to a new country. Everything is new, interesting and different (in a good way).

I know there will be lows and annoyances as I continue to discover more about Swedish culture and life, but for now, life is pretty sweet.

About the author 

Hej! My name is Bonnie and I’m a Chinese-Canadian who has lived/visited over 60 countries, most recently travelling with my family on our 42-foot sailboat for the past year from Canada down to the Bahamas. I love music, yoga, swimming in oceans and lakes and will try anything at least once. I am excited to be moving to Lund and look forward to immersing myself in Swedish culture – especially fika and lagom! Hope you enjoy my posts as I recount my experiences of relocating and settling into Swedish life during a pandemic!

Moving to Sweden During a Pandemic

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Written by Bonnie Thornington

Moving overseas is an exciting time, where dreams and expectations collide, and where the planning and preparation is filled with giddy anticipation. Moving overseas during a pandemic throws in a lot more complications, but is no less exciting.

My family and I decided to move to Lund, Sweden, from Canada back in February 2020. My husband’s work contract was signed, the cargo ship voyage was confirmed, our kids had been accepted into the International School. The plan was to travel there in June, settle into our new place, enjoy the long, sun-filled days exploring the country and then start school and work along with the rest of the country.

Then COVID-19 hit. 

It spread like wildfire across the globe, changing every country’s ‘normal’ to deep uncertainty. Complete lockdown, toilet-paper hoarding and general chaos followed.

We were living on our 42-foot sailboat at the time and exploring the beautiful islands in the Bahamas. Our family’s year-long sailing journey was coming to an end and we were trying to relish every last dolphin-sighting and beautiful sunset before going back to land-life.

However, Coronavirus made us wake up and take notice.

Countries were shutting their borders. Citizens were told to stay home. Businesses were going bankrupt. People were losing their jobs. Those lucky enough to keep their jobs were working from home. Children were being educated online. People were dying, afraid and alone. And there was no end in sight.

E-learning course: Preparing your move to Sweden

Are you already feeling a bit overwhelmed about all the stuff you need to figure out how to move to Sweden? We’ve got you covered. Over the years we’ve been repeatedly told just stressful this process can be so we created a digital course with all the information you need to move. Here you will learn about:

 

  • Short (and long facts) about Sweden.
  • The history and background of Sweden in regards to democracy, religious freedom, gender equality, social security, child welfare and LGBTQIA+.
  • The types of visas and residence permits that are available plus the requirements.
  • Important Swedish agencies, and trust us, you DO need to know about these ones.
  • How to find a place to stay and how to avoid rental fraud.
  • How to pack for your move depending on the season.
  • And there will be some quizzes to make sure you are paying attention and not falling asleep at your screen. 

After finishing this course, you will have a greater understanding of what has made Sweden what it is today, how you best prepare for a move here and to get your stay here started in the best manner. 

 

Sign up to your course here

Decision

In mid-March, we literally made the decision overnight to sail back to Florida in the USA immediately where we could store our boat and rent a van to drive directly north to cross back into Canada. We felt it was the best thing to do in a time of such uncertainty.

The world was facing a dangerous, unknown virus and countries seemed to be making up new policies and rules by the minute. We did not want to get caught up in any travel restrictions or worse, risk being somewhere with no access to affordable healthcare or be a burden on another country’s health system. 

We made it back into Canada and quarantined for 2 weeks. We were the lucky ones; many people around the world were stuck on cruise ships or halfway around the world with very limited options on how to get back to their home country.

Photo credit @Bonnie Thornington

For a while, everything was up in the air. Even though our travel date was in mid-June, we were growing increasingly concerned that the virus was only beginning to wreak its havoc on the world. 

We moved in with my Dad temporarily while we deliberated our options. We were safe, healthy and suddenly found ourselves with a lot of free time on our hands, but the certainty of moving to Sweden was not so certain anymore.

Was the job in Sweden still secure? Would Sweden even let us in? What about travel insurance? If we did go, when would we see our family again?

The cargo ship had cancelled our voyage, so now we were looking at flying. However, not knowing which airlines were operating, we had to figure out which flight was the best to take and hope they wouldn’t go bankrupt in the meantime. 

Sweden

There were many unknowns but we made each decision as best as we could, based on the information we had at hand. We knew this could all change the next day, as it often did, but we were determined to make our way to Sweden one way or another and start our new life there.

We all know Sweden has been the exception in the world regarding how it has approached Coronavirus. Children 16 years and under were still attending school, gatherings could happen as long as they weren’t more than 50 people, shops and restaurants were still open, and the list goes on. Life in Sweden wasn’t exactly how it has always been, but it certainly wasn’t as drastically overturned like it was in the rest of the world. 

I have heard multiple times that Swedes are generally very good at abiding by rules to ensure a safe and harmonious society. So when citizens were recommended by their government to work from home, physical distance and wash their hands more frequently, they did. Still, statistics don’t lie and Sweden has one of the highest death-rates in Europe and the highest among Scandinavia.

Many well-meaning friends and family have warned us to be very careful when we arrive in Sweden, to be extra vigilant and to wear a mask at all times. I have chatted with a few people in the town we will be moving to (expats and locals) regarding the situation ‘on the ground’. It is difficult to know what to expect when all I know is what I read and hear from other people’s viewpoint. Like many things, there is a wide spectrum of responses and tolerance for what is deemed necessary, acceptable and safe.

We understand the risks and considered the pros and cons of moving now instead of delaying by a few months or even a year. To us, it was still worth going now if there was the opportunity.

When we finalized our flight date, everything else was set in motion. We could pack, organize and start to plan our new life in Sweden. It felt like we were on track again. We would be highly vigilant and cautious of course, but a concrete date gave us extra energy and excitement as we continued to prepare for our move.

Photo credit @Bonnie Thornington

Connecting

Networking and social connections play a big part in how integrated you are in Sweden. Word-of-mouth and recommendations carry a lot of weight and it is often the way jobs and rental accommodations are found.

I knew networking may be a bit more challenging in Sweden now with many events cancelled and physical distancing recommended. So I decided to take my networking online and get a head start by connecting with other expats and locals via social media.

This has been a great opportunity to do some pre-arrival research and planning.

Some of the relevant and extremely useful Facebook groups I joined are: North Americans in Sweden, Canadians in Sweden, Parents in Malmö, Malmö and Lund International Families and many more!

Learning Swedish

I also wanted to start learning some Swedish so that when I do eventually enrol in an SFI course, I’ll be able to say a few words at the very least.

Some of the best apps/websites that I found really useful were:

  • Duolingo – My favourite app for on-the-go language learning. There is no excuse to NOT do even 5 minutes each day! Simple, easy to use and you can see how much you are improving each time – a great incentive!
  • Learning Swedish – With self-study exercises in speaking and writing, this free program also provides cultural insights into Swedish society.

I also started to watch some Swedish movies and TV shows (with English subtitles). It was a fantastic way to listen to Swedish but the actual shows and multiple plot twists were really riveting too!

  • The Bridge –  A fantastic mystery-drama about a murder that happens on the Øresund Bridge bridge between Copenhagen. I watched this years ago but I am watching it again because it was that good.
  • The Bonus Family – This TV drama illustrates how blended families and relationships affect each other in our modern age. Funny, poignant and truthful.
  • Sami Blood – Excellent film about a coming of age Sami girl who is trying to find her way in the world. Brilliant!
  • Caliphate – A thrilling 6-part drama which delves deeply into today’s relevant issues such as religious extremism, Islamophobia, and human rights. Fantastic characters and a gripping plot.

Moving to Sweden is stepping into the unknown for me. I’ve been to Europe many times and lived in the UK for 5 years, but I’ve never even visited Scandinavia before!

All I know about the country is that they have gorgeous mountains, lakes and forests. Lots of people are tall and blonde. Work-life balance, gender-equality and environmental awareness is at the forefront of many Swede’s approach to life. Lastly, Swedes drink a lot of coffee and eat a lot of candy.

Whether those impressions are completely far-fetched generalizations or absolute truths, I know I will be arriving in Sweden in 5 days’ time with gratitude and relief after having overcome numerous hurdles of moving during a pandemic. I am ready to embrace whatever comes my way and even excited (ok, curious) to try surströmming!

About the Author

Hej! My name is Bonnie and I’m a Chinese-Canadian who has lived/visited over 60 countries, most recently travelling with my family on our 42-foot sailboat for the past year from Canada down to the Bahamas. I love music, yoga, swimming in oceans and lakes and will try anything at least once. I am excited to be moving to Lund and look forward to immersing myself in Swedish culture – especially fika and lagom! Hope you enjoy my posts as I recount my experiences of relocating and settling into Swedish life during a pandemic!

 

Return to Sweden – Step by Step Guide

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Life is about testing new things, expanding the horizons and finding just the right thing our hearts beat for. It might happen that you left Sweden only to feel a longing to come back after some time apart.

You are not a Swedish citizen, you don’t have the citizenship and you might have cut all the ropes anchoring you to Sweden when you moved out.

Now you want to give it another try.

Start over again? You remember you had to do so many things when you first arrived, will you have to go through all those processes again?

One can change its mind, right?

Let’s embark on our exploration on what applies and what not together and make the return a pleasant and easy one.

E-learning course: Preparing your move to Sweden

Are you already feeling a bit overwhelmed about all the stuff you need to figure out how to move to Sweden? We’ve got you covered. Over the years we’ve been repeatedly told just stressful this process can be so we created a digital course with all the information you need to move. Here you will learn about:

 

  • Short (and long facts) about Sweden.
  • The history and background of Sweden in regards to democracy, religious freedom, gender equality, social security, child welfare and LGBTQIA+.
  • The types of visas and residence permits that are available plus the requirements.
  • Important Swedish agencies, and trust us, you DO need to know about these ones.
  • How to find a place to stay and how to avoid rental fraud.
  • How to pack for your move depending on the season.
  • And there will be some quizzes to make sure you are paying attention and not falling asleep at your screen. 

After finishing this course, you will have a greater understanding of what has made Sweden what it is today, how you best prepare for a move here and to get your stay here started in the best manner. 

 

Sign up to your course here

EU Citizens

You plan on staying in Sweden for longer than three months. Other than that, you don’t really need to do anything in order to come back to Sweden, unless you are going to work or if you need any kind of special financial support along the way.

  • If you got the personal number, upon arrival you have to first contact the Tax office (Skatteverket) and inform them about your return. From now on you will be paying taxes in Sweden (again).
  • The Insurance Office (Försäkringskassan ) has to be contacted as well, in order to receive your new insurance card. If you are moving with children younger than 16, this is the place where you ask for children support.
  • Buy a new SIM card, choose the best option between different plans from our Newbie article about cell phone plans and update your telephone number.
    Renew your bank account (again) or if you kept one, inform the bank about the change of address.
  • Update your ID card at the Tax office in case it expired.
  • Register at the Unemployment office if you don’t have a job straight away.
  • Use our helpful resources about accommodation and job hunt to get you started.

Non-EU Citizens

Here apply many different rules and it is always advisable to visit Tax office and Immigration office first to ask about your specific case!

However, there are few things to bear in mind before returning to Sweden.

The most important factors are the time spent outside Sweden, time spent in Sweden before moving out and your personal/business connection to Sweden and the country you lived in.

If you had a residency permit (uppehållstillstånd) and lived outside Sweden up to three years you would have to live in Sweden before at least four years to keep your permit.

In other cases, the Immigration office will consider your connections to both lands, Sweden and your homeland. The first thing to do is fill in the application which you find on this page together with a lot of useful information – and then you just have to wait for the decision.

Good luck with returning to Sweden and if still in doubt whether to come back or not, check our article about the best things in Sweden!

Basic Everyday Info for Recently Moved Newbie

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Written by Hayu Hamemayu

Lately, I’ve been receiving questions from some people who are going to move to Sweden, either for work or study in my website and Instagram. And some of the questions are actually really simple, about everyday info, which I didn’t consider important before. At least I used to take it for granted.

But I think that was just because I’m lucky. My husband moved to Sweden eight months earlier than I did so he’s kind of paves the path for me. But not all people have the same experience. So here I compile the basic information of everyday life in Sweden for recently moved newbie.

Post & Delivery

If you come from a country where you receive your post (no matter big or small) in your front door, I can assure you that it’s not going to happen in Sweden. Unless, you select the home delivery option when ordering something but this is not always available.

Most of the times, you will receive your post in the mailbox. Or if it’s too big, you will need to retrieve it from the closest pick up point based on your postcode. They will send notification to your phone, email, or sometimes leave a note in your mailbox, when the package is ready to be picked up. This pick up point is normally grocery store like ICA, Willys or other shops, depending on the courier service you choose.

The main operator in Sweden is PostNord, the other common delivery services are DHL and DB Schenker. For home delivery, there are Budbee, Best Transport, Airmee to name a few.

What if the package is really big?

Still, you need to pick it up by yourself. Therefore, it’s a good idea to download the PostNord app as it can help you to track the delivery process as well as give you the measurement so you’ll know the best way to bring your order home.

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Laundry

Most housing in Sweden use communal laundry room. It is very rare to have a personal washing machine if you live in apartment. The laundry room in Sweden is usually located in the basement and is not using coin.

Instead, it’s using key and booking system, either manual or online, which means, only those who live in the housing complex have access to it.

If the system is manual, you book the time slot (around 4-6 hours) in the board near the laundry room. You move the key with your apartment number to the day and time you prefer on the board. For the online system, you can book via the housing provider websites.

In the laundry room you will find washing machine, tumble dryer, drying room, and sometimes a passive aggressive note to those who don’t clean the room afterwards 😀 .

Again, it’s a communal laundry room so every user is expected to take a good care of it. And apparently, it’s very Swedish to leave an anonymous letter in the laundry room if you’re not happy with your fellow neighbour’s behaviour.

You will need to bring your own detergent but some housings use automatic machines so the detergent has already in it. Just check the information from the housing caretaker (bovärd).

Room & furniture

In Sweden, 3 rooms apartment means an apartment with 2 bedrooms. Unless it’s specifically stated, the word “room” apply for living room as well so make sure you check out the number of bedrooms before renting or buying an apartment. As for the kitchen, even if it says unfurnished, it has already a stove and a fridge. But, don’t forget to buy lamps because they are not included in unfurnished apartment.

Money & Payment

Sweden is a cashless country so the most commonly used payment methods here are card, Swish and Klarna. As far as I know, any credit card with Visa or MasterCard logo can be used here. Swish is an app connected to your bank account and phone number. You will need another app called Bank ID to be able to use Swish (contact your bank provider to help you with the set up). Klarna is an online payment option that gives you flexibility to pay. You can get the item first and pay later (within 14 days with no extra charge), pay the next month with extra charge or pay with instalments.

If you really need cash, you can withdraw money from the ATM or better known here as Bankomat. It’s jointly owned by the five largest banks in Sweden – Danske Bank, Handelsbanken, Nordea, SEB, Swedbank and offer services to all card issuers, either as a customer or via the VISA and MasterCard networks.

Food

Thanks to globalisation, we have quite plenty option here in Sweden: Jasmine rice, Indian spices, Middle East herbs, Chinese tea, Japanese noodle, and so on. They may not taste exactly the same (due to a long storage in the cargo I assume) and most definitely not cost the same 😀 , but it’s still good if you’re missing a bit flavour of home.

Hayu Hamemayu is a Lund-based freelance writer whose work has appeared in The Jakarta Post, Media Indonesia, Kompas, Majalah Kartini, and Indonesia Travel Magazine among others. A traveller mommy by nature and random thinker by inclination, she keeps memories in her Instagram @hayuhamemayu and writes her everyday stories in her blog.

Moving to Sweden

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Written by Georgia Lane

Thinking about moving to Sweden? Curious as to how your life will be? If the thought of Swedish meatballs wasn’t enough, then get ready to be blown away by the many benefits and opportunities Sweden has in store for you!

When you first arrive in Sweden…

After moving to sweden, nearly 2 years ago, I was quickly drawn to the Swedish ways. People were friendly, spoke good English, were quick to integrate expats into their society and of course, the main reason: it is socially acceptable to drink coffee and eat baked goods more than once a day… big win for all of you, including myself, who love a good coffee break! But besides all that, Sweden has quickly become one of my favorite places to live. With easy to navigate transportation, access to healthcare from the moment you arrive, free Swedish courses and all you can eat cinnamon buns (the famous kanelbullar) be ready for a quick and easy transition into the Swedish life.

Experience all four seasons…

Sweden, being so far North, has roughly 6 months of Winter (of course being Canadian has made me slightly bias towards winter… as in I love it!) 2-3 months of Summer, 1 or so months of spring and around a month and a half of Autumn. Yes, it may be cold but the warm summers, spent by the ocean or countryside, make up for the “darker” few months of winter. Being so close to the outdoors makes it easy for you to get outside and stay active. Although temperatures may be in the lower single digits, there are still many outdoor activities held/offered throughout the winter. Some of which include: toboganning – “sledding” for all you non- Canadians, snow shoeing, dog sledding, skiing, outdoor workouts, and northern lights expeditions. In bigger cities, like Stockholm, Göteborg and Malmö, you can find a cozy cafe/ restaurant on pretty much every corner of the city. What better way to spend a brisk winter day than sipping hot chocolate by the water side, watching the snow fall – definitely a 10/10 place for all you lovers of sites and warm drinks! After the darkness has gone, Swedes will slowly but surely emerge from their houses. Spending every summer, spring and autumn day they can outside – whether it be at the beach, the city docks, a lake, the countryside, or out on the archipelago. Wherever there is sun, a Swede will be there.

What else does the land of Abba, Ikea and meatballs have to offer?

Sweden is one of the best countries in the world to live in, ranking seventh in the world rankings of the HDI (human development index) and for many good reasons. Some of which include:

  • Free healthcare (well, almost free!)
  • Free education for EU nationals – No student debt? Count me in!
  • Clean cities + new and improved public transport
  • Unemployment benefits + 3-6 weeks of holiday leave (varying on your job of course)
  • Gender equality… reason #1 to move
  • Living in (or near) nature – good way to enjoy those brisk winters & hot summers
  • Tasty native Swedish food (although you probably want to steer clear of caviar in a tube)
  • Everything is regulated & safe – although Swedens crime rate has increased over the last 5 years, it it still considerably low compared to most European countries.
  • 480 days of paternity leave between both parents… one word, AMAZING.

Integrating into Swedish Society

As an expat, the top question I have when moving to a new country is “How easy will it be for me to integrate?” A lot of people say that learning Swedish is the key to full integration. To that I mostly agree, and with focus and dedication you will most certainly be able to learn this beautiful, and very melodic, Nordic language. But if languages aren’t your thing, no problem. A few other ways to slowly integrate yourself include: obtaining a job – this alone can help you learn about the Swedish taxes, join a volunteer group/project within your new city, attend language cafes and free SFI (Swedish for Immigrants) classes, get to know your city and its history and/or rent an apartment (this will give you insight on the Swedish housing market) Alongside these few suggestions, putting yourself out there – by making a Swedish friend or joining a hobby class – are also good ways to make your new home, feel like home.

Overall, if you’re looking for a place where you can enjoy diverse culture, fascinating people, amazing landscapes and an overall good quality of life – Sweden is definitely the place to plant your new home roots. Making the most of your time in Sweden is the best way to ensure you have a positive experience. Getting outside to enjoy the breathtaking nature, attending events held in your city or finding the best fika spots are all good ways to start making this new and foreign land feel like a permanent home!

Are you interested to know more about sweden? Here is an article about art and culture in Stockholm

Hi all! I moved to Stockholm almost 2 years ago from Canada & I’ve been loving every minute of it! I know first hand how hard it can be to navigate your new life in Sweden as an expat – so I’m here to help and share my insight on different problems/situations you may run into as an international who doesn’t yet speak Swedish. Enjoy!

Swedish Taxes: Where, Why and How?

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Written by Georgia Lane

A guide to where our tax money goes and the pros and cons of a high tax society.

Sweden has a progressive income tax and income thresholds are regulated each year. On each earning over this figure you will also pay national income taxes, with the money going to the state.

Tax on an income between 18,900kr- 440,000kr is 30%. An income between 440,000kr- 640,000kr will be taxed an additional 20% and another 5% on incomes above 640,000kr. These taxes are for employment income only.

Where does all our money go?

Swedish Public Spending can be broken down into 6 categories. With the highest percentage (42%) of tax money going to Social Protection. Education and General public services are both at 13%, 8% goes to Economic affairs, 3% to Public Order & Safety, 2% to Defence and the remaining 4% to other needs addressed by the nation. From police and fire services, law courts and prisons all the way to sick leave, disability care, housing, social protection and unemployment benefits – Sweden provides us with just about everything.

Reaping the family benefits

Sweden is one of the few countries in the world who provide financial support to every parent, no matter your income.

As a parent, you are entitled to an allowance of 1250kr/ per month/ per child until they have reached 16 years of age. Student allowance and loans are available after the age of 16. Among all the benefits of being a parent in Sweden, is the 480 days of parental leave that everyone is eligible to take.

Whether you split the time with your partner or are a single parent, you will receive 80% of your income for 380 days of your parental leave. The remaining 90 days you will receive 180kr/day.

Healthcare, is it as good as we think?

Sweden is built up of 21 different regions (also known as Landsting) Each region is responsible for providing healthcare. As of 2019, county councils now cover dental care costs for all residents up to the age of 23. After 23, dental care is subsidised by the state. In some regions dental care is covered until the age of 26. On top of dental care – elderly care, disabled care, school healthcare and mental illness support are also provided through Swedens healthcare system.

To learn more about Swedens first mental health ambulance follow this link

Did you know? The average life span of a women in Sweden is 84 years old, and for a man 81. Sweden strives to promote good health for the entire population and due to this, Sweden has one of the highest amounts of elderly people in all of Europe – you can definitely say it pays to promote a healthy lifestyle!

Cons of the healthcare system

With every affordable healthcare system, there are always flaws. Before my move from Canada to Sweden, I was under the impression that Sweden offered free healthcare. I was in fact wrong! Every doctor appointment/ hospital visit costs on average between 200kr to 500kr (€19-€30) But with that being said, Sweden has capped an individuals healthcare fees at 1150kr/per year.

For all you newcomers to Sweden, booking an appointment 3-6 weeks in advance may seem absurd but in order to secure a doctors appointment in Sweden, it is usually encouraged to do so far in advance.

My personal experience with the Swedish healthcare system has been somewhat neutral. I have not been overwhelmingly happy about my healthcare guidance nor disappointed. One thing I will say is that Sweden does not have the “free” healthcare system that is so commonly portrayed.

Education in Sweden

Among the many brilliant ideas Swedes have come up with ie Seat belts, Spotify, IKEA – the list is endless! – the one thing that really struck my eye was the subsidised pre-schooling.

With low-income families paying little to nothing and higher-income families paying a maximum of 1425kr/ per month (around €135/month) it gives every parent the chance to send their child to preschool!

In 1992 the Independent School Reform made it possible for families to send their child to any school, state-run or independent. The law states that children have an equal right to education regardless of gender, ethnic or political background and economic status of their families. By providing free education from age 6 to 19, children are introduced to an educational environment where everyone is welcome.

Alongside free schooling, books, bus passes and meals are provided for each and every student until they are in their last year of high school. If a student chooses to continue their education, free post-secondary is also provided to any EU national.

No matter your age, as a resident of the European Union, you are entitled to as many bachelor degrees, masters programs and PhD’s as you would like – without paying a dime (for all you North Americans who know what a dime is!)

Sweden is very unique in the sense that it is one of the few countries where all education is state-financed through taxes, but there are also both public and private-owned schools in which compete for future prospect students.

Other tax money benefits…

Moving to Sweden is in my opinion, a step in the right direction, no matter where you come from! When you first arrive you will be given a personal identification number in which deems you a resident of Sweden, for as long as you live and work here.

Svenska för invandrare, or commonly known as “Swedish for Immigrants” is a federally sponsored program in which offers free Swedish courses for all who are interested in learning the language. Although the classes have mixed reviews, I think it is a great way to start integrating yourself into Swedish culture and life. After all, Swedish is the national language of Sweden!

The 3 levels of tax: State, Regional and Municipal

In Sweden, there are three (3) separate government bodies, State, Regional and municipal. The state taxes we all pay in Sweden go towards social security, higher education, national infrastructure, military defences, Swedens legal system, migration and a small fraction of the healthcare system. Regional taxes pay for all other aspects of health care and Swedens regional infrastructure. Municipality taxes pay for city schools and other localised facilities.

For generations, majority of Swedes have accepted the high tax society they call home.

“What is perhaps more surprising to most people than Sweden’s high tax rates, is the average Swede’s tolerance and respect for the taxation system and the government agency that handles it.”

Although the tax percentage is high, Swedes have, in my opinion, one of the best qualities of life. No matter the circumstance, Sweden continues to look after its people and provide them with the best possible care.

For links to more information regarding Swedens tax system or frequently asked questions please refer to the links below.

Sweden tax burden welfare

Forsakringskassan.se

Skatteverket.se

Hi all! I moved to Stockholm almost 2 years ago from Canada & I’ve been loving every minute of it! I know first hand how hard it can be to navigate your new life in Sweden as an expat – so I’m here to help and share my insight on different problems/situations you may run into as an international who doesn’t yet speak Swedish. Enjoy!