Language
Swedish is the national language, but most people speak English. However, the official languages of the conference are English, Spanish and French. These languages will all be available for translation through interpreters during the plenary sessions. During other activities the language used will be marked in the program.
Time
UTC+1 hour. Daylight Saving Time is used from the last Sunday of March to last Sunday of October.
Currency
The monetary unit is the Swedish Krona (SEK). Bank notes are printed in values of 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 kronor; and coins in values of 1, 5 and 10 kronor. For current exchange rates click here.
Foreign exchange facilities
A number of exchange offices (Forex and X-change) are located in central Gothenburg and at the airports. Ask your hotel reception for the closest office and opening hours.
Travellers’ cheques
Travellers’ cheques are generally accepted as payment throughout Sweden. Change will be given in Swedish kronor. Please note that a nominal fee is charged when using the cheques as payment.
Tap water
Tap water in Sweden is of great quality. There is no real reason for buying bottled water.
Electricity
The electrical current in Sweden is 220 V/50 Hz. Round European-style two-pin plugs are used.
Bank hours
Banks are generally open Mon-Fri 10:00-15:00. Additional opening hours apply in the afternoon at least once a week. All banks are closed on public holidays.
Cash withdrawals
Use your Visa, MasterCard, Maestro or Cirrus card at any ATM (“bankomat” or “uttagsmaskin”).
Credit cards
Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, hotels and taxis. Restrictions may apply to American Express and Diners.
Climate
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Gothenburg has a milder climate than most other northern regions. The four seasons have its perks and affects nature, daylight and temperature. On average, the warmest month is July and the coolest is February. From late February the days become longer and brighter; during mid-summer the sun hardly sets at all.
Click here for a weather forecast.
Clothing
The warmer months (May-August) require lightweights for daytime and extra woollens for cooler evenings.
Contact
Telephone: Country code: +46, Gothenburg area code: 031
There is excellent wireless GSM and 3G/UMTS coverage in Sweden. Americans will need a tri-band phone.
Pay phones require either a prepaid phone card or a credit/debit card, or Swedish or Euro coins. Phone cards are available at most newsagents and grocery stores.
Internet: Sweden is the world’s second most Internet connected country. As an alternative to Wi-Fi, prepaid USB 3G modems can be bought quite cheaply in many shops.
Smoking policy
A smoking ban applies to public indoor spaces such as restaurants, cafés, nightclubs and pubs.
Tipping
A service charge is automatically included in all Swedish hotel and restaurant bills. Tipping for special services is not expected and is simply a matter of personal taste. Tipping at restaurants is not mandatory, but a small gratuity (5-10 %) is customary for evening meals if good service is received. Porters and cloakroom attendants often charge fixed fees. Taxi drivers should be given a few extra kronor.
