From the glamour and bustle of downtown Stockholm to the mesmerizing display of the Northern Lights, Sweden enchants even the most intrepid traveler for its hip urban scene and unrivaled natural splendor. Despite its notoriously high price tag and those bitterly cold and dark winter nights, this beloved Scandinavian country is among the most exciting destinations in Europe. If you’re planning a visit to Sweden any time soon, then you’ll want to ensure your devices remain fully charged on the road. Here’s everything you need to know about purchasing a Sweden travel adapter.
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US to Sweden Power Adapter: What Plug Do I Need? (2024)
Power Outlets in Sweden
Sweden power outlet
Sweden uses the standard European power outlet, which is both Type C and Type F. The good news is that because almost all the continent uses the same outlet type, travelers who plan to visit other European countries won’t need to purchase a different adapter.
High-quality workmanship and strict safety protocols mean that Swedish power outlets are exceptionally well designed and installed. Sweden runs on 220-240 V and 50 Hz, which aligns with the rest of Europe. Note that this is different from the United States, though, which runs on 120 V and 60 Hz.
Sweden Power Adapter
You’re probably thinking, “What plug do I need for Sweden?” Since Sweden uses a different power outlet type to the United States, American travelers must purchase a power adapter to charge their electronic devices within the country. Search for one that says ‘US to Europe’ or ‘Type A/B to Type C/F.’
The standard European output is two twin round poles, while the input is the corresponding twin entry holes. When it comes to charging all of your electronics, this Universal Travel Adapter (pictured) is what we recommend. It’s compatible with all outlets in Sweden and will have you covered in over 100 other countries around the world.
Electricity in Sweden
Sweden is among the most highly developed nations on Earth. As a result, the country enjoys an efficient and reliable infrastructure network, including an exceptional power grid. Blackouts and other issues are rare, even during the winter when the days are short and cold.
Do I need a voltage converter for Sweden?
Even though the United States and Sweden run on different voltages and frequencies, it isn’t necessary for most travelers to purchase a power converter before visiting the country. Almost all personal electronics are dual voltage and hertz, which means they’re capable of running on both systems. One common exception is the portable hair dryer, which often runs on a fixed voltage due to the high amount of power it requires.
If in doubt, just check the manufacturer instructions on the charger of the device in question. Those that say ‘INPUT: 100-240V / 50-60 Hz’ are capable of running on both systems and will work like a charm in Sweden.
Other Sweden Packing List Items
In addition to your US to Sweden power adapter, these items will help you pack with intention and expand the possibilities of your getaway.
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1. Neck Wallet
Although Sweden may be relatively safe, pickpockets have been known to ply the streets of cities such as Stockholm in search of fresh victims. Tourists are a particularly attractive target because they tend to carry more cash than locals and are often distracted by looking around at the sights.
Avoid falling victim by purchasing and using a neck wallet. These subtle accessories slide easily under the shirt to protect your passport, credit cards, and cash from slippery fingers.
![Passport Pouch]()
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2. Packing Cubes
Even a well-organized traveler can have trouble keeping their luggage in check. Whether it be a weekend break or a yearlong round the world trip, most people pack too much clothing for their own good. Rather than emptying the contents of your suitcase into a pile every time you arrive at a new hotel, why not invest in a set of packing cubes instead? Featuring a lightweight and compact design, these handy travel accessories are a godsend when it comes to staying organized on the road. Their super cheap too, so you’ve really got nothing to lose.
![Packing Cubes]()
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3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Cybercrime is big business, and the practice only seems to become more and more widespread each year. Given Sweden’s astronomical cost of living, you’ll want to keep a close eye on your internet banking to ensure you don’t overspend. But doing so on an unsecured public Wi-Fi connection could spell disaster if a hacker were to monitor your movements, which is much easier than you think.
Thankfully, you can protect your sensitive personal and financial information online by using a Virtual Private Network. These nifty mobile and desktop apps encrypt your traffic which stops the bad guys from stealing your data on a public network.
![how a vpn works]()
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4. Lipstick-Sized Charger
Whether you’re sussing out the swankiest Stockholm bars or frantically snapping photos of those spellbinding northern lights, having a fully charged cell phone is critical on a trip to Sweden.But with so much day to day use and such low temps (batteries run flat faster in the cold), how can you be sure you’ve got enough juice to get you through the day?The answer is simple: carry a lipstick-sized charger on your person and charge up your phone whenever you want.
![Lipstick-Sized Charger]()
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5. Extra Phone Charging Cables
Given how much we use and rely on our phones while traveling, it’s entirely possible you could use up the juice on your portable charger without even realizing. In this situation, it’s sensible to carry a backup charging cable so you can keep both your phone and your charger topped up at all times.
Trains, planes, buses, and ferries all tend to have USB chargers in Sweden these days, so you’ll almost always be able to charge up your device on those long travel days.
![Charger cables anker]()
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6. Jet Lag Relief Pills
A flight from the west coast of the USA to Sweden takes a good ten hours and involves a whopping nine-hour time difference. Therefore, it’s pretty much guaranteed you’ll suffer from jet lag when you touch down in Stockholm. Mitigate the effects and regain your first day in a new country by taking a few jet lag relief pills upon arrival.
![Jet Lag Relief]()
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7. Travel Insurance for the Sweden
Travel insurance is essential for travel to Sweden because you never know what could go wrong. Whether it’s delayed or missed flights leaving you homeless or and injury that requires urgent care. Just having the protection gives you peace-of-mind to enjoy the journey knowing you’ll be covered is something doesn’t go as planned. We use TravelInsurance.com to compare and purchase policies from top companies. We’ve found that their site has the most comprehensive plans from the best companies at super affordable rates.
![Travel Insurance for the Sweden]()
Other FAQs about traveling in Sweden
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1. When to travel to Sweden?
Most tourists choose to visit Sweden sometime between May and September when the weather is fine and the days are long. During the peak summer season, Stockholm and other southern destinations are pleasantly warm, while the sun only really sets for a few hours each night. Another popular reason to visit at this time of year is the mid-summer festival – a lively solstice celebration that showcases the country’s fascinating traditional culture.
On the flipside, October till April are depressingly dark and bitterly cold, particularly during winter (December to February). Nevertheless, conditions are ideal on the ski fields, and the Northern Lights can be enjoyed in all their beauty. Be sure to check current Sweden travel advisories before you go.
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2. What is the weather like in Sweden?
Given its proximity to the Arctic Circle, the weather in Sweden varies tremendously depending on your latitude. Stockholm, for example, is warm in summer and chilly in winter, all the while retaining a distinct day and night cycle.
Up north, however, it’s a very different story. The Abisko National Park becomes a winter wonderland full of frozen waterfalls and endless snow, while the sun seems only barely to rise and set over the horizon. In short, Sweden is generally quite cold. And the further north you go, the more frigid it gets.
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3. What to do in Stockholm?
Featuring 14 interconnected islands packed full of endearing medieval attractions, the captivating coastal capital of Stockholm is a must on any Swedish itinerary. Lush green parks, pedestrian-packed waterfront promenades, and lively town squares reside throughout the grandiose city center. Culture vultures and culinary connoisseurs alike should make a beeline to Gamla Stan, the city’s historic heart that spans across three separate islands. Throughout its quaint cobblestoned streets are a selection of internationally renowned restaurants, chic boutiques, cool alfresco cafes, and an eclectic array of galleries and museums.
For a history fix, it’s hard to go past the Skansen – the world’s first open-air museum. This 30-hectare complex masterfully recreates life in Sweden before the industrial revolution, while an adjacent zoo showcases the most adorable wildlife of the region. Elsewhere, Vikings fans will want to check out the burley replica boat in the Vasa, while keen photographers should make their way to the renowned photography museum called Fotografiska. In fact, there’s something for just about every niche interest in Stockholm.
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4. Where to go in Sweden?
Outside of the capital, there are plenty of other exciting attractions to explore.
City slickers and history aficionados will adore Malmö and Gothenburg. Boasting a cool café culture, a thumping nightlife scene, and everything from ultra-modern to Renaissance architecture, these easily walkable urban centers showcase a less touristic side of Swedish life.Stunning natural landscapes abound throughout the country, including a breathtaking array of wooded forests, lush islands, and remote mountains to explore when the weather is warm. Come winter time, and travelers flock to the Abisko National Park to view the northern lights in all their glory.
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5. How to get around in Sweden?
Sophisticated transportation infrastructure means getting around Sweden is a breeze. The high-tech train network covers much of the country, often passing through spectacular scenery along the way. It is rather expensive, though, so budget travelers might prefer to opt for the bus instead.
As for air travel, Scandinavian Airlines is the national carrier and covers the most routes. Norwegian Air Sweden, on the other hand, run on a low-cost model that is refreshingly cheap. Travelers who plan to spend a few days in Stockholm should invest in a tourist card, which allows them free movement on the city’s public transport as well as entry into a few select museums and attractions.
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