Car hire in Sweden

Sweden is not to be missed by tourists taking tours around Scandinavia and offers everything from historical, metropolitan hubs, to unforgettable mountains and ski resorts. Much of the countryside is wooded wilderness and car rental in Sweden allows drivers the chance to discover sights according to their own itineraries. Compare car hire here to save money when visiting this notoriously expensive destination.

Car hire driving tips in Sweden

Driving yourself around Sweden in a rented vehicle makes perfect sense, especially given what it would cost to get around in taxis or by rail. As the roads are well-policed and the Swedes are a cautious lot, drivers shouldn’t encounter any problems here, but need to be vigilant with their driving habits.

Need to know essentials

Driving licenses: holders of EU or EC/EEA driving licences can drive in Sweden. Drivers without one of these licenses must hold an International Driving Permit.

Which side does Sweden drive on: the right.

Speed limits:

Highways and dual carriageways (outside urban areas): 110kph

National or provincial roads: 90kph

Local roads: 50kph

Urban roads: 50kph

Alcohol limits: in Sweden, drink driving in even tiny amounts is not advised as even though the blood/alcohol limit is set at 0.02ml, you can be prosecuted by traffic police for having only consumed less than a regular-sized can of beer. Frequently, spot checks are made in both urban and rural parts of the country.

Driving age: 18 years.

Compulsory items: winter tyres marked MandS (mud and snow) are compulsory from December until March. They must have a minimum depth of 3mm. Other compulsory items include antifreeze and a shovel. Passport, insurance certificate and vehicle registration must be carried at all times.

Seatbelts: are compulsory for those sitting in both the front and rear, with seven year olds and under needing to be restrained in approved seats for their safety.

Mobile phones and GPS: even if you are driving in a secluded area, talking on a mobile phone while motoring is strictly prohibited. The authorities have started penalising those found texting behind the wheel. GSP users should programme their route while the car is stationary.

Cost of fuel in Sweden: unleaded and diesel are similar in price to fuel costs in the UK.

Car hire and fuel payment: car rental agencies in Sweden accept credit cards. Pre-bookings or deposit payments are made on the spot. In addition to cash, all major credit cards are accepted at petrol stations.

Insurance: car rentals all come with fire and third party insurance. Additionally, it is recommended car hirers consider extra cover for collisions.

Traffic and parking: spaces are generally easy to find in Sweden, even in large cities, but some small towns might have incredibly narrow roads where parking is not possible. Congestion charges apply only to Swedes and not to foreign drivers. In many suburban areas, parking restrictions are regulated by the date, meaning that parking alternates from one side of the street to the other depending whether its and odd or even date on the calendar.

Our travel editor’s recommended drives

Stockholm to Gothenburg – as you’ll probably start you trip in the capital, head right across the heart of central Sweden in your vehicle and take in unforgettable scenery.

Gothenburg to Malmo – enjoy two of the southwest’s finest cities while taking in Helsingborg or leave Sweden for a couple of days to take in Copenhagen in Denmark.

Stockholm to Ostergotland – a complete contrast from the capital city once you get there, Ostergotland is famous for its medieval monastery tour and one of northern Europe’s premier bird lakes, while the Omberg Mountains provide the perfect backdrop.

Sweden travel tips

Sweden is popular with tourists from all over the world and particularly with other Europeans given the considerably short distance from most countries on the continent and the amount of budget flights on offer. Sweden has a wealth of enjoyable attractions in its cities and it is rare for tourists to be ripped off, but a few simple travel tips can assist in ensuring a smooth drive through this delightful nation.

Sweden weather and tourist seasons

Despite Sweden’s northern latitude, the country boasts a temperate climate while experiencing considerably middle-band temperatures over the course of the year. The southernmost reaches have an oceanic climate, the northernmost parts have subarctic climates and the centre is humid. Summers are the hottest part of the year for Swedes, with temperatures ranging between 20?C and 25?C. Unless you specifically want to visit during this period, winter can be an unpleasant time to holiday in the country, with average temperatures of around -4 ?C.

Sweden contact numbers (+46)

Emergency services – 112

Traffic news/weather/road accident – 46 6 36 34 29 80

British Consular emergency services – 46 8 671 3000

British Embassy – 46 8 671 3000

US Embassy – 46 8 783 53 00

Irish Embassy – 46 8 54504040

Canadian Embassy – 46 8 453 30 00

Australian Embassy – 46 8 613 29 00

Holidays and festivals

National holidays in Sweden fall on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Epiphany Day (6 January), Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, International Workers’ Day (1 May), Ascension Day (sixth Thursday after the celebration of Easter Sunday) and the National Day of Sweden (6 June). The day before a public holiday is usually a holiday, too.

Money matters

While Sweden is part of the EU, it doesn’t use the euro as its currency and is incredibly proud of its local currency, the kroner. Foreign currency is not generally accepted – except in towns close to borders with neighbouring Scandinavian countries. In some department stores in the capital, Stockholm, as well as airports, the euro may be used.

Health and safety

There are no specific vaccinations recommended for visitors to Sweden, but those travelling during winter should make sure they bring enough layers to keep wrapped up and guarantee they don’t catch a chill. If pursuing road trips, make sure that sufficient supplies are packed in the case of an accident.

Fitting in…

Swedes are famously liberal and cosmopolitan – meaning that they are incredibly tolerant of varying cultures and welcome people of all ethnicities with open arms. There are, however, some strict rules with regards to etiquette that must be obeyed at all times if you wish to feel welcome in the country. The use of recreational drugs is frowned upon throughout society, although less so among young people, and drink driving is despised. Whenever entering a Swedish home, ask whether or not you should remove your footwear and try and show up five minutes early to a meeting or appointment. The Swedes do not accept being ‘fashionably late’.

Visas for Sweden

Travellers from Britain that wish to holiday in Sweden can enter the country without a visa, with the option of being able to stay for up to three months. Americans, Australians and Canadians don’t need visas either, but they must prove that they have a return ticket and are able to support themselves for the duration of their time in the country.

Electricity

For those who will bring their own electronics, the voltage across Sweden is 230 Volts, 50 Hertz, with plugs with two round pins used. At present, 70 per cent of the country receives GSM coverage.

Business hours

Business hours in Sweden generally run from 08:00 until 16:00, Monday to Friday. At the weekends, particularly on Sundays, expect reduced opening hours, with many shops and businesses completely closed.

Helpful phrases

Hej – Hello

Snalla/vanligen – Please

Tack – Thank-you

Ja/nej – Yes/no

Jog forstar inte - I don't understand

Talar du engelska? - Do you speak English?

Hur mycket kostar den? - How much is it?

Resources online

www.visitsweden.com/

www.wikitravel.org

www.ukinsweden.fco.gov.uk/