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MONEY

How to get your hands on Sweden’s new coins

The second batch of Sweden's new currency is going into circulation today as part of a huge project designed to replace hundreds of millions of banknotes and coins across the country.

Published: 3 October 2016 10:42 CEST
Updated: 3 October 2016 11:47 CEST
How to get your hands on Sweden's new coins
Riksbank head Stefan Ingves depositing some of his old cash. Photo: Anders Wiklund/TT

The Nordic nation is introducing new editions of the 100-krona and 500-krona banknotes on Monday, as well as new versions of the one-krona and five-kronor coins. A new two-krona coin is also being released, some four decades after it was scrapped in the 1970s. The current ten-krona coin will stay the same.

Swedish movie star Greta Garbo and opera legend Birgit Nilsson are depicted on the new 100-krona and 500-krona bills. The current banknotes as well as all older coins – with the exception of the ten-kronor coin – will become invalid after June 30th next year.

“It will be a huge challenge to collect all of the 2.5 billion kronor in coins that will become invalid next summer,” said the head of the Riksbank, Stefan Ingves, in a press statement.

The new money will be phased into circulation in the coming months, but those particularly keen on getting their hands on it were able to queue up at the Central Bank – the Riksbank – in central Stockholm between 2pm and 7pm on Monday afternoon.

Those wanting to get rid of their old coins can either use them to make purchases in stores before June 30th, or deposit them at for example banks or exchange offices across Sweden listed on this map, set up by the Riksbank. 


The new 100-krona banknote. Photo: Anders Wiklund/TT

Sweden's old 20, 50 and 1000-krona banknotes went out of circulation earlier this year as they were replaced by new bills. Anyone who missed that deadline can still exchange the old notes for a 100-krona fee by sending the notes to the central bank.

In August the Riksbank reported that around 82 percent of the old notes had been deposited, but tender to the tune of 1.3 billion kronor was still out there, expiring in piggy banks and pockets.

Exactly what Swedes are doing with the missing cash is not clear, but there’s a good chance that much of it is hiding in drawers in the famously cash-averse country. Sweden is one of the countries that has come furthest towards becoming a cash-free society, with cash transactions accounting for just two percent of the value all payments.

Researchers from Oxford University discovered in 2013 that Sweden's cash was among the filthiest in Europe, with bank notes containing more bacteria than all others across the continent. 

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TRANSPORT

How to save money at Sweden’s airports

Sweden is not a cheap country by any means, and the extra charges at airports can make travelling feel even more costly. Luckily, there are ways to make trips to Swedish airports more affordable.

Published: 11 July 2024 08:30 CEST
Updated: 13 July 2024 06:26 CEST
How to save money at Sweden's airports

Sweden has become increasingly expensive over the past few years, in line with the cost of living crisis, inflation and rising food prices affecting much of Europe.

These significant price increases make the high costs at Swedish airports even more noticeable, leaving many travellers, already burdened by inflation, feeling the pinch.

Luckily, there are ways to make your stay at Swedish airports more affordable.

Bring your own food – or buy it before getting to the airport

When travelling through a Swedish airport, according to the official information on the Sweden’s Transport Agency’s website, you are allowed to bring solid food through security and onto the plane.

However, if the food is considered a liquid, restrictions will apply. Liquids include foods such as jellies, creams, drinks, soups, and dishes with both solid and liquid components (like meat and potatoes with sauce or pickled cucumbers). This rule applies even if the food is frozen.

Use this information to prepare your own meals (sandwiches are a good option for longer flights, while snacks may do the trick for shorter ones) or buy food before you get to the airport.

Both will lead to saving a lot of money compared to airport food prices.

Cutting (transport) costs on your way to the airport

Sweden’s major airports have express services that make getting there quick and efficient, but these can be a tad expensive.

Fortunately, there are cheaper alternatives.

For example, in Stockholm, you can take the non-express commuter train instead of the Arlanda Express or combine a train plus bus option.

Both options cost less, though they do take longer (the express train trip lasts around 20 minutes, while the cheaper alternatives will take around 40 minutes).

For a detailed guide to your transport options if you want to skip the Arlanda Express (or if it isn’t running), check out The Local’s guide on the topic here.

Do your research before getting there

All of Sweden’s busiest airports are operated by the state-owned company Swedavia, which makes it easier to check out your dining options in advance.

Knowing where to find the cheaper and more expensive eateries can help you plan better.

You can find an overview of available restaurant, bar, and cafe options on a per airport and per terminal basis, as well as their opening hours, on the company’s website.

For Arlanda Airport, check here. For Landvetter, here.

Keep in mind that the most affordable options might be before security.

Are lounges worth it?

While suggesting you spend money on a lounge might seem counterintuitive, it can sometimes be a cost-effective option. You’ll just need to do some simple maths to determine whether it’s worth it.

A meal and a drink at a Swedish airport could easily cost a few hundred kronor.

Lounges, which typically include buffet food and drink options, might offer better value for money, if you’re planning to buy food in a restaurant at the airport rather than bringing your own with you. They also often have shower facilities, office spaces including printers, and children’s areas, which may make the cost worth it depending on your journey and whether you’re travelling with family or not.

For the SAS international lounge at Arlanda, the cost is usually around 350 kronor when purchased in advance online and slightly higher if bought at the lounge reception on the day of your visit​.

Note that if you are a frequent flyer or have certain credit cards, you might have access to lounges for free or at a discounted rate, using points to pay for some or all of the fee.

Don’t buy the first thing that seems cheap at the airport – a better deal might be waiting outside

Many items found in airport stores and duty-free shops are available outside the airport, and often at better prices.

While duty-free items are tax-free, you might still find better deals by shopping around elsewhere (in fact, this is often the case for both food and drinks).

Resist the temptation to buy stuff that seems cheap at the airport unless you’re absolutely sure you’re getting a fair price. You can always do a quick Google search before you buy to see if you can get it cheaper somewhere else.

You will likely save more by purchasing it outside the airport.

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