Sweden’s drug laws are very strict. Foreign citizens may be arrested and deported regardless of the type of drug they possess. Soft drugs – such as cannabis and hashish – are also illegal in Sweden. Let me explore with you: What should you pay attention to when studying abroad in Sweden?

What should you pay attention to when studying abroad in Sweden?

1. Banks and post offices

Banks are generally open from 10 am to 3 pm from Monday to Friday. Many branches extend their opening hours at least once a week (until 6pm in big cities). Banks are closed on weekends. Usually you need to have a "person number" - the Swedish name is "personnummer" (see civil registration section below) - in order to open a bank account.

It is best to check whether your home country’s bank has a cooperative bank in Sweden. Even if you don't have a Swedish ID card, some banks may be willing to let you open an account (see below). You will need to show a valid passport, a receipt for your student union dues and a letter stating that you are a visiting student.

Credit cards are widely used in Sweden, even more widely than elsewhere in Europe. Widely used credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, Eurocard and American Express. Travelers' checks can also be used.

The Swedish Post Office has recently undergone a restructuring. Mail and parcels can be sent to a number of locations, including petrol stations, supermarkets and newsagents. Look for blue and yellow markings above or next to the entrances to these locations that offer mailing services. Many of these places are open late at night and on weekends, where you can also buy stamps and conduct other errands.

Sweden also has traditional post offices that provide a variety of services. They are usually open between 9:30 am and 6:00 pm, and may extend their opening hours once or twice a week. The yellow mailbox accepts domestic and international mail, while the blue mailbox only accepts mail within the region.

2. Civil Registration

If your study program lasts for more than one year, you can register at the civil registration office of the local tax bureau (the Swedish name is "Skatteverket"). You will then receive a ten-digit national registration number, also known as a "personnummer", which consists of your birthday and four other digits. For example, if you were born on May 25, 1986, the number might look like 860525-1045.

If you want to apply for a slogan, please bring your passport, the admission notice issued to you by the educational institution you attended, and the certificate issued by the Swedish immigration authorities. If you are married, you will also need to bring your marriage certificate. Once registered, you will have access to medical benefits provided by the Swedish National Health Insurance System. When you see your doctor, your doctor will ask you for your birth number (see the Health Insurance and Treatment section below).

If your residence permit is valid for less than 12 months, the tax bureau may assign you a co-ordination number, but having this number does not qualify you for the above-mentioned medical insurance.

When your stay in Sweden ends, you should submit this form (in English) to the tax authorities to inform you that you are leaving the country. One of the reasons for submitting this form is that you may be able to claim a refund of part of the personal income tax paid in Sweden.

3. Currency

The Swedish Krona is marked by the international currency symbol SEK. One krona is worth 100 cents. There are bank notes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 kronor and coins in denominations of 1, 5 and 10 kronor. All major bank and credit cards are widely used in Sweden. (1 euro = about 9 Swedish kronor)

4. Medicines

Prescription medicines prescribed by the hospital can be collected at pharmacies called "apotek". This pharmacy will be open during normal shopping hours. 24-hour pharmacies are generally only found in big cities. If you are taking medication, it is best to bring enough before traveling to Sweden.

Over-the-counter medicines may also be sold in supermarkets or gas stations.

Emergency and Emergency Helpline

In the event of an emergency, please dial 112 to contact the police, fire brigade or hospital. Emergency calls from payphones are free.

5. ID card

An identity card or ID card (called legitimation in Swedish) is a card registered with the holder's photo and password. Having an ID card will help you deal with any state agency in Sweden, and it will also make it easier to open a bank account. To obtain a Swedish ID card, you must register as a Swedish resident (see Civil Registration section above).

The ID card is issued by the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket). Detailed information on how to apply for an ID card can be found in this PDF manual (in English) published by the Swedish Tax Agency. The application fee for an ID card is SEK 400.

In addition, students also have a student card, which allows you to enjoy discounts on flights, trains and buses. You will receive this card one month after joining the Student Union, and you will also get more detailed discount information when you receive the card.

6. Local transportation

Public transportation is very developed in Sweden. There are cars, suburban trains, trams and (Stockholm) subway, which is very convenient. A quick way to get around. With your ticket you have unlimited travel on the local transport network, such as the underground (Stockholm Underground), local buses and suburban shuttle trains. In Stockholm, a monthly public transport ticket costs 690 Swedish kronor, but it is cheaper in smaller cities.

7. Some other practical information to remember

The 'Systembolaget' liquor store is a liquor store owned by the Swedish government, usually open from Monday to Friday at 10 am to 6pm and on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm, with some stores open longer.

The age limit for buying alcohol at ‘Systembolaget’ is 20 years old. If you are under 25, please bring your passport or other ID when buying alcohol. If you cannot show proof that you are over 20 years old, you will not be able to buy alcohol. Buying alcohol for someone who is prohibited by law from drinking alcohol is not allowed and will result in penalties. In bars and restaurants, the legal drinking age is 18.

Public *** area rights provide anyone with the right to use private and public lands and waters for certain activities, such as hiking, jogging, or boating, as long as no damage is caused to the land or waters. You must also be considerate of other people and animals and respect the wishes of the landowner.

This means you cannot walk or paddle too close to houses and private gardens. If you plan to pitch your tent on private property for a long time, it’s best to check with the landowner first.

The order of writing dates is usually: year, month, day. For example, April 1, 2016 is written as 2016-4-1.

Driving. As in most European countries, traffic in Sweden drives on the right. The legal driving age is 18 and you must carry your driver's license with you when driving. A foreign driver's license is valid for up to one year from the date you register with the local tax office. After one year you need to obtain a Swedish driving license. The laws regarding drunk driving are very strict, and drunk driving is not socially acceptable.

Sweden’s drug laws are very strict. Foreign citizens may be arrested and deported regardless of the type of drug they possess. Soft drugs – such as cannabis and hashish – are also illegal in Sweden.

Electricity follows the European 220V 50Hz standard.

Time zone. Sweden implements Central European Time (CET), which is GMT 1. Daylight saving time (GMT 2) occurs from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October. Times are written according to the European system, for example 1pm is written as 13pm.

Tipping (in restaurants and taxis) - Service charge is included in the price.

But if customers feel they received good service, they usually leave a tip (about 10).

8. Business hours

On working days, the business hours are generally from 9 am to 6 pm. On Saturdays, stores close from 1pm to 4pm. In larger towns, department stores are open until 8pm or 10pm, and some stores are open on Sundays between 12pm and 4pm. If there is a public holiday, the store will usually close early the day before.

9. Telecommunications

Most international students in Sweden use Skype and mobile phones equipped with pay-as-you-go SIM cards. Companies that provide such SIM cards include: Telia, Tele2Comviq , Telenor, 3 and Halebop, etc. These SIM cards can be easily recharged online or at kiosks. If you don't want to buy a mobile phone in Sweden, you can usually use a mobile phone from your home country with a Swedish SIM card. But make sure your phone isn't locked by your previous carrier. Another option is to purchase a package with a telecom operator, but students rarely do this and usually require a Swedish ID card