FAQs

Question

Where am I headed?

Answer

You'll book your flights to Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN). Direct flights are available from Chicago on Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and from a few other cities on different airlines. There are several one-stop options from anywhere else in the US.

Question

For which dates should I book my trip?

Answer

The welcome party (all guests are invited) will be held on Friday, July 7th, and the wedding ceremony and reception will be held on Saturday, July 8th. We are also planning to have an informal happy hour on Wednesday the 5th for anyone that is in town by then. American guests - we recommend getting to Europe by Wednesday so you can shake off the jet lag by party time (remember the 4th of July is that Tuesday!)

Question

What do I need to travel to Sweden from the US?

Answer

Valid US Passport with 6 MONTHS left before expiration date - We recommend checking your expiration date and renewing/applying ASAP if necessary. There are currently no COVID-related entry requirements, but please monitor for any changes.

Question

How far in advance should I book my flight?

Answer

A good rule of thumb is to book your flight no later than 4 months in advance. We recommend downloading the Hopper app or using Google Flight Alerts to watch flight prices - it will help indicate if you should buy your flights or wait for prices to drop.

Question

What is the best method of transportation from the airport to Downtown Stockholm?

Answer

Taxis and Ubers are available from the airport, but we recommend taking the train (Arlanda Express), which will take you directly from the airport to Stockholm city center in 18 minutes for 299 SEK (~$29 USD) for one person and 399 SEK (~$39 USD) for two people. Trains leave every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night. This is truly the easiest, quickest, and most cost effective way to get into the city. Remember, Swedes pay high taxes for a reason - the trains are nice and reliable :)

Question

What about wedding gifts?

Answer

Your presence at our wedding is enough of a gift, however, should you wish to buy us something, we'd greatly appreciate a contribution towards our dream honeymoon. Contributions can be easily made online using this website under the Registry tab. Note: Please do not bring any physical gifts as the Bride and the Groom will not be able to transport any physical gifts back to the United Sates.

Question

What if I would like to do a speech for the bride and groom?

Answer

As most of you know, the bride and groom love speeches! Please email the Toastmaster, Oskar Ysander, at brittanyerik2023@gmail.com.

Question

What language is spoken in Sweden?

Answer

Swedish, but everyone speaks English as well. Sweden has been ranked #2 in the world for having the best non-native English speakers (after the Dutch).

Question

What currency is used in Sweden?

Answer

The Swedish Kronor (SEK). While FX rates fluctuate, a good rule of thumb is that 10 SEK = 1 US Dollar, so you can divide any price you see by 10 to get the USD equivalent. No master’s degree required to quickly convert between the two.

Question

Do I need cash?

Answer

Stockholm is largely a cashless city, so you shouldn’t need cash while you’re there.

Question

How do I pay for things?

Answer

By credit card and/or Apple Pay. *IMPORTANT NOTES FOR AMERICANS* Sweden has new security measures that require pin codes for credit cards. Adding your credit card onto your phone through Apple Pay bypasses that security requirement, so if for any reason your card gets rejected, know that you can always pay through Apple Pay. This will mostly be a requirement for retail stores - you shouldn’t have any issues paying with card at restaurants, bars and hotels, but the Apple Pay/Samsung Pay method will work just in case. American Express is becoming more commonly accepted across Sweden, however Visa and Mastercard will be accepted anywhere. To be on the safe side, American Express cardholders should consider bringing a back-up Visa or Mastercard.

Question

Is it customary to tip/add gratuity in Sweden?

Answer

It is NOT common to tip in Sweden; however if you are enamored with your restaurant server, the most anyone should tip is 10%. Unlike the US, Swedes in the service industry are paid well and do not heavily rely on tips.

Question

How do I buy alcohol from a store (i.e. not at a bar, restaurant, or hotel)?

Answer

Sweden has a monopoly on alcohol sales, so beer, wine and liquor can only be purchased at Systembolagat stores. Store hours are limited, so make sure to stock up when you visit.

Question

Where is the hotel room block?

Answer

See Travel Page for hotel blocks, which will be at the Grand Hotel Stockholm (where the reception is being held) and the Berns Hotel (only a few blocks away from the Grand). There are plenty of other hotels that are walking distance from the Grand Hotel with varying price ranges.

Question

Will I need a car?

Answer

No, taxis and Ubers are readily available all over the city. We recommend asking your hotel to call taxis for you as that will ensure you get the best taxi rates. Stockholm is also a big walking and scooter city, so you should not need a car very often! Lastly, transportation will be provided for the welcome party and from the ceremony to the reception.

Question

How do I get to the ceremony venue?

Answer

The ceremony venue, Eric Ericsonhallen, is located 0.4 miles (600 meters) away from the Grand Hotel. Travel time from the Grand Hotel will be a 5 minute drive or a 9 minute walk across a bridge connecting the two islands.

Question

How do I get from the ceremony venue to the reception?

Answer

Transportation will be provided from the ceremony to the reception at the Grand Hotel. However, those who would prefer to walk can do so.

Question

How do I get from my hotel back to the airport at the end of my trip?

Answer

Taxi/Uber from your hotel to the train station or all the way to the airport. Depending on the time of day, taxis from Stockholm City to Arlanda airport can take up to an hour. Therefore, we recommend taking the high-speed train (Arlanda Express).

Question

What will the weather/temperature be?

Answer

July is the warmest month, with an average high-temperature of 23.8°C (75°F) and an average low-temperature of 13.4°C (56.1°F). On its best days, the weather will be like San Diego summer. At worst, it will be like San Francisco summer (cloudy / slightly chilly / chance of rain). Get ready for long days and beautiful sunsets! In Stockholm, the average length of the day in July is 17h and 44min. Sunrise will be at around 4AM and sunset/golden hour will be at around 10:30/11 PM.

Question

Will events be indoors or outdoors?

Answer

The welcome party on Friday will be outdoors, and the reception and ceremony on Saturday will be indoors. The bride will be taking NO chances with rain on her wedding day :)

Question

If I need to shop for clothes, where do I go?

Answer

Stockholm is one of Europe’s top shopping destinations, so you won’t have any difficulty finding nice stores! NK Stockholm is a very nice department store in the city and will have anything you need. If you’re feeling spendy, Biblioteksgatan is one of the most famous fashion streets, where you can find major luxury brands to shop. To the Americans - we recommend taking advantage of the strong FX rates and doing some shopping while you’re there!

Question

Will my appliances/chargers/electronics work in the outlets?

Answer

Sweden has the same outlets as all other countries in the EU, so you will need adapters and/or converters for your appliances. You can purchase them easily on Amazon or at the airport. For the ladies, please remember that high-powered electronics like hair tools may need a converter instead of an adapter.

Question

Any additional questions?

Answer

Feel free to reach out to the groom - erik.modh@pagero.com.