Figures are estimates projected from the latest official statistics (ITU, UN, UN Tourism) and are for general reference only.
📲 How to Call Sweden from Abroad
Follow these 4 simple steps to dial any phone number in Sweden:
1
Dial your international access code
Most countries use 00 or +. From mobile phones, the + symbol works worldwide.
2
Dial Sweden's country code: +46
Dial +46 immediately after the international access code. Do not include the + again if you already used 00.
3
Dial the city or area code
For landlines, dial the city code (drop any leading 0). For mobile numbers, skip this step.
4
Dial the local phone number
Enter the remaining digits of the recipient's phone number to complete the call.
💡 Example: To call Baghdad from the US, dial 011 +46 1 [number]. From mobile: + +46 1 [number].
☎️ Complete Guide to Calling Sweden
How to Call Abroad from Sweden
To call another country from Sweden: dial the international exit code (00 in most countries, or press and hold 0 on a mobile to get +), then the destination country code, then the area code (without its leading 0), then the number. Example: to call the US, dial 00 1 [number] or + 1 [number].
International Number Format (E.164)
The global standard format for Sweden numbers is +46 followed by the national number without its leading 0. A full international number has at most 15 digits including the country code. Save all your contacts this way so they work from anywhere in the world and in every app.
💡 Example: +46 [national number without the leading 0]
Tips to Lower Your Call Costs to Sweden
Use internet apps like WhatsApp, Viber or Messenger for free calls over Wi-Fi.
Buy a local SIM or eSIM when traveling to Sweden to pay local rates.
Activate an international plan from your carrier before you travel.
Use Wi-Fi Calling when available to avoid roaming charges.
Compare calling-card and VoIP providers for the lowest per-minute rate.
Why Isn't My Call Connecting? Common Fixes
You dialed 00 and + together — use only one of them.
You kept the leading 0 of the area or mobile code — remove it for international calls.
You forgot the country code +46 — it must come right after the exit code.
You added a city code to a mobile number — mobile numbers don't need one.
Your line isn't enabled for international calls — check with your carrier.
Wrong time — make sure it isn't the middle of the night in Sweden.
Common Questions About Calling Sweden
When should I use + instead of 00?
The + symbol works from any mobile phone anywhere in the world and replaces each country's exit code, so you never need to memorize them. 00 is the most common exit code and works on both landlines and mobiles. On a mobile, always prefer + — it is the most reliable.
Why do I drop the leading 0 of the area or mobile code when calling from abroad?
The leading 0 is a national trunk prefix used only for domestic calls. When calling internationally, the country code +46 takes its place, so you remove that 0 — otherwise the number is wrong and the call fails.
How do I call a mobile versus a landline in Sweden?
For a mobile: dial +46 then the mobile number without its leading 0. For a landline: dial +46, then the city code (without its leading 0), then the local number. Mobile numbers never need a city code.
How do I send a text message (SMS) to Sweden from abroad?
Save the number in international format — +46 then the number without its leading 0 — and send your message as usual. Your carrier may apply international SMS charges.
How can I call Sweden via WhatsApp?
Add the contact in international format — +46 then the number without its leading 0. If they have WhatsApp, they appear automatically. WhatsApp calls run over the internet, are free, and need no exit code.
How much does it cost to call Sweden?
It depends on your carrier and the line type; international calls over the regular phone network can be expensive. To save money, use internet apps like WhatsApp or Viber, or get a local SIM or eSIM.
What does the code +46 mean and where does it come from?
+46 is the international dialing code assigned to Sweden by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Every country has a unique code that identifies it on the global telephone network.
How do I save a Sweden number in the correct international format?
Always store it in E.164 format: +46 then the national number without its leading 0 and without spaces. Saved this way, it works from any country and in every app without changes.
⏰ Best Time to Call Sweden
Sweden uses UTC+2. People there are usually awake from 09:00 to 21:00 local time, so the table below shows the best time to call Sweden from major countries — in the caller's local time.
From
Best time to call (local time)
🇺🇸 United States
07:00–15:00
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
08:00–20:00
🇩🇪 Germany
09:00–21:00
🇫🇷 France
09:00–21:00
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
10:00–22:00
🇦🇪 UAE
11:00–23:00
🇹🇷 Turkey
10:00–22:00
🇮🇳 India
13:00–23:00
Times are approximate and may shift by about an hour during daylight saving time.
🧭 From Your Country to Sweden
Live dial format and time difference — updates instantly
Dial from 🇺🇸 United States
011–46–XXX–XXXX
Time right now in Sweden
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🌐 Personalise for Your Passport
Select your passport country to see visa requirements and embassy info relevant to you:
🛂 Visa Requirements
Common Visa Questions for Sweden
Do I need a visa to visit Sweden?
It depends on your nationality. Some travelers can enter Sweden visa-free for short stays, while others need an e-Visa, a visa on arrival, or a visa obtained in advance from an embassy or consulate. Check the rule for your specific passport using the official IATA Travel Centre tool before you travel.
Does Sweden offer an electronic visa (e-Visa)?
Many countries now offer an online e-Visa for eligible nationalities, letting you apply and pay over the internet before arrival. Availability, eligible passports, and fees differ from country to country, so confirm whether Sweden currently offers an e-Visa for your nationality on the official IATA Travel Centre.
Is a visa on arrival available in Sweden?
A visa on arrival lets eligible travelers obtain their visa at the airport or border instead of applying beforehand. Whether Sweden grants it, and to which nationalities, can change over time, so verify your eligibility on the official IATA Travel Centre before relying on it.
How long can I stay in Sweden on a tourist visa?
Tourist stays are commonly limited to 30, 60, or 90 days depending on the country and your nationality, and overstaying can lead to fines or entry bans. Check the exact permitted duration for your passport on the official IATA Travel Centre.
What documents are usually required to apply for a Sweden visa?
Most applications ask for a passport valid for at least six months, recent passport photos, proof of onward or return travel, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for your stay. Some visas also require travel insurance or an invitation letter, so confirm the exact list for Sweden on the official IATA Travel Centre.
How much does a Sweden visa cost and how long does it take?
Visa fees and processing times vary widely by nationality and visa type, ranging from same-day e-Visas to several weeks for embassy applications. Always apply well before your trip and check the current fee and processing time for Sweden on the official IATA Travel Centre.
How long must my passport be valid to enter Sweden?
Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry, with one or two blank pages for stamps. Confirm the exact passport-validity rule for Sweden on the official IATA Travel Centre before booking.
⚠️ For guidance only. Visa rules change frequently — always verify with the official embassy website before booking.
🏢 Embassy Information
US Embassy Stockholm Dag Hammarskjölds Väg 31, 115 89 Stockholm ☎ +46 8 783 5300 Mon-Fri 8:00-17:00
💳 Tipping Culture
Tipping optional; 10% appreciated for good restaurant service.
🚄 Transport
SJ rail nationwide | Stockholm Tunnelbana 3 lines | SL trams & buses | Swedish Rail high-speed X2000 | SAS & Norwegian domestic flights
✈️ Airports
40+ airports | Stockholm Arlanda ARN (main) | Stockholm Bromma BMA | Gothenburg Landvetter GOT | Malmö MMX | Kiruna KRN (Lapland)
🗺️ Administrative Divisions
Sweden is divided into 21 counties.
📅 Best Time to Visit
May–September offers warm, dry weather ideal for sightseeing in Sweden. June and September are best to avoid peak crowds and high prices. Winter (Dec–Feb) is excellent for Christmas markets, skiing in alpine areas, and lower hotel rates.
🛡️ Safety Advice
Sweden is generally very safe with low violent-crime rates. Pickpocketing is the main concern in tourist hotspots, train stations, and crowded transit. Solo female travel is widely considered safe. Always keep valuables in front pockets or anti-theft bags.
💉 Vaccinations & Health
No special vaccinations required for Sweden. Routine vaccines should be up to date (MMR, DTaP, flu, COVID-19). Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine recommended for hikers in forested areas. EU travelers get reciprocal healthcare with EHIC/GHIC card.
📶 SIM & Internet
eSIM widely supported (Airalo, Holafly, Nomad — €4–15 for 1–10GB). Physical SIM available at airports and convenience stores; passport required. Major operators offer EU-wide roaming under 'Roam Like at Home' regulation. Free Wi-Fi common in cafés and hotels.
👔 Dress Code & Etiquette
Smart-casual is the norm in Sweden. Dress modestly when visiting churches (cover shoulders and knees). Beach attire stays at the beach. Layering recommended due to variable weather. Locals dress neatly even when casual — avoid athletic wear in restaurants.
🌍 Sweden: Culture, Food & Places
What are the most famous foods in Sweden?
Some of the most famous foods in Sweden include: Meatballs (köttbullar) with lingonberry, Gravlax (cured salmon), Surströmming (fermented herring), Knäckebröd (crispbread), Semla (cardamom bun), Janssons frestelse (anchovy gratin), Blodpudding (blood pudding), Räkmacka (shrimp open sandwich), Princess cake, Swedish glögg (mulled wine).
What are the best places to visit in Sweden?
Top places and landmarks to visit in Sweden include: Stockholm Old Town (Gamla Stan), ABBA Museum Stockholm, Vasa Museum (17th-century warship), Drottningholm Palace (UNESCO), Gothenburg Archipelago, Kiruna & Swedish Lapland, Liseberg Gothenburg, Ales Stenar Stone Ship, High Coast UNESCO, Icehotel Jukkasjärvi.
What are the main customs and traditions in Sweden?
Notable customs and traditions in Sweden include: Very egalitarian; no hierarchy expected, Greet with handshake; personal space, Direct and efficient communication, 'Lagom' — moderation in all things, Punctuality extremely important.
What is Sweden famous for?
Sweden is well known for: Fika (coffee break ritual), IKEA & flat-pack design culture, ABBA, Spotify & tech innovation, Midsommar festival, Social democracy & welfare state.
Where in the world is Sweden located?
Sweden is located in Europe.
What countries are near Sweden?
Countries in the same region as Sweden include: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia.
🆘 Emergency Numbers
112 Emergency
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Sweden?
The capital of Sweden is Stockholm.
What currency is used in Sweden?
Sweden uses the SEK · kr · Swedish Krona.
What is the dial code for Sweden?
The international dial code for Sweden is +46.
When is the best time to visit Sweden?
May–September offers warm, dry weather ideal for sightseeing in Sweden. June and September are best to avoid peak crowds and high prices. Winter (Dec–Feb) is excellent for Christmas markets, skiing in alpine areas, and lower hotel rates.
How much does a trip to Sweden cost per day?
Daily costs in Sweden range from $85 (budget) to $180 (mid-range) to $420 (luxury) per person, excluding flights.
Is Sweden safe for tourists?
Sweden is generally very safe with low violent-crime rates. Pickpocketing is the main concern in tourist hotspots, train stations, and crowded transit. Solo female travel is widely considered safe. Always keep valuables in front pockets or anti-theft bags.
How many counties does Sweden have?
Sweden has 21 counties.
🧳 Practical Travel Info
🔌
Power PlugType C,F · 230 V · 50 Hz
💵
TippingService often included. Round up the bill or leave 5-10% for good service.
💧
Tap WaterSafe to drinkTap water is safe to drink throughout most of Sweden.
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