Currency in Sweden
Despite the fact that in 1995 Sweden joined the European Union, the country fully retains the possibility of using the national currency, which was and remains the Swedish krona. Swedish money has a rather greater influence on the international market, despite its independence from the euro, however, the latter (just like dollars) can be used for some internal settlements at the household level..
The history of Scandinavian money and the special place of the Swedish krona
The Swedish krona was born at the dawn of the founding of the Scandinavian Monetary Union, which united three countries: Sweden, Denmark and Norway and existed until the First World War. After the collapse of this unity, the countries decided to keep the main name, adding a sign of nationality, as a result of which today you can see the crowns of Sweden, Norway and Denmark.
During the global global crisis of the 70s, the Swedish currency underwent the so-called Big Bang due to a 16% devaluation. Term «Big explosion» was taken from astronomy and was intended to signal the beginning of a new era in the country's economy.
Euro and crown: which is more expensive
Despite its belonging to the eurozone, Sweden retains the national currency as the main currency. As you know, one of the conditions for joining the European Union is the introduction of the euro into the status of the state currency. However, according to the results of the popular referendum in 2003, 56% of people out of 80% of those who voted were in favor of keeping the Swedish krona as the national currency..
Since the country remains a member of the European Union, the euro can be used by tourists for any private payments on the territory of Sweden. Thus, the question of which currency to take to Sweden disappears by itself: be it the Swedish krona or the euro, no one will be left without service..
Currency exchange in Sweden
If you want to make a currency exchange in Sweden, it is safer and more profitable to use the services of banks. In the event that you urgently need to exchange money for the weekend, exchange offices at airports, hotels and post offices provide their services. You can withdraw the required amount from the card at ATMs that operate around the clock and seven days a week.
As far as credit cards are concerned, there are no restrictions on their use in the country; the same applies to traveller's checks. When it comes to tips, Sweden remains a European country because the size of the money «for tea» make up the standard 10%. As an alternative to the service staff, you can leave change as a thank you or round the amount to the nearest integer.
