Sweden’s official currency is the Swedish krona (plural: kronor), denoted by the code SEK or the symbol kr. As one of the few European Union members that opted to keep its national currency instead of adopting the euro, Sweden has maintained the krona as a symbol of its monetary independence since 1873. Whether you’re planning a trip to Stockholm or simply curious about currency in Sweden, understanding Swedish money is essential for navigating this largely cashless Nordic nation.
The Swedish currency denominations consist of both banknotes and coins, with the krona subdivided into 100 öre (though öre coins are no longer in circulation since 2010). All payments are rounded to the nearest krona.
Swedish banknotes underwent a major redesign in 2015-2016, featuring prominent Swedish cultural figures and natural landscapes. The current valid banknotes include:
| Denomination | Color | Featured Person | Introduced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 kronor | Red | Astrid Lindgren (author) | 2015 |
| 50 kronor | Orange | Evert Taube (musician) | 2015 |
| 100 kronor | Blue | Greta Garbo (actress) | 2016 |
| 200 kronor | Green | Ingmar Bergman (filmmaker) | 2015 |
| 500 kronor | Red-violet | Birgit Nilsson (opera singer) | 2016 |
| 1000 kronor | Brown | Dag Hammarskjöld (UN Secretary-General) | 2015 |
Each note features sophisticated security elements including color-shifting images, watermarks, security threads, and microprinting to prevent counterfeiting.
The current Swedish coins include four denominations:
When handling Swedish coins, note that the 10-krona coin is the most valuable and is roughly equivalent to $1 USD. The 5-krona coin has a hole in the middle, making it easily distinguishable from other denominations.
The Swedish krona was introduced in 1873 when Sweden joined the Scandinavian Monetary Union alongside Denmark and Norway. The name ”krona” means ”crown” in Swedish, symbolizing the monarchy.
Key historical milestones include:
Sweden is at the forefront of the global movement toward a cashless society, with cash transactions representing less than 1% of the country’s GDP according to recent statistics. This dramatic shift toward digital payments has been driven by several factors:
According to recent data, around 80% of all transactions in Sweden are now cashless, with many businesses no longer accepting physical currency at all. Even street vendors, churches, and homeless magazine sellers often offer digital payment options.
The Riksbank (Sweden’s central bank) is actively developing a digital version of the Swedish krona, known as the e-krona. This central bank digital currency (CBDC) aims to provide a state-guaranteed digital alternative to cash as physical currency use declines.
The e-krona pilot project has been running since 2020, with the Riksbank testing various technologies and use cases. While no official launch date has been set, the e-krona represents the potential future of Swedish currency denominations in an increasingly digital financial landscape.
Credit and debit cards are accepted virtually everywhere in Sweden, including:
Visa and Mastercard are universally accepted, while American Express and Diners Club may have more limited acceptance. Contactless payments are standard, with mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay widely supported.
Despite Sweden’s cashless trend, carrying a small amount of physical kronor is advisable for:
For a week-long trip to Sweden, carrying approximately 500-1000 SEK in cash should be sufficient for emergency situations. Most travelers won’t need to use it at all.
ATMs (called ”Bankomat” or ”Uttagsautomat”) are widely available in cities and towns. When withdrawing money:
The Swedish krona fluctuates against major currencies like the euro and US dollar. As of recent data, approximate exchange rates are:
For the most accurate and current rates, check reliable sources like financial websites or currency conversion apps before your trip.
Understanding Swedish tipping customs can help avoid awkward situations:
Regarding prices, Sweden is generally expensive compared to many other countries. Budget approximately:
Look for ”dagens lunch” (lunch of the day) specials at restaurants, typically offered Monday through Friday for around 90-130 SEK including a drink, bread, and sometimes salad and coffee.
Swedish banknotes come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 kronor. Coins are available in 1, 2, 5, and 10 kronor denominations. Öre coins (fractions of a krona) were phased out in 2010.
No, Sweden does not use the euro despite being an EU member. While some tourist-oriented businesses might accept euros, you’ll generally receive poor exchange rates. It’s best to use Swedish kronor or payment cards.
Very little cash is needed in Sweden’s largely cashless society. For a typical visit, 500-1000 SEK (approximately $50-100) is sufficient for emergencies or situations where cards aren’t accepted.
The e-krona is a digital version of Swedish currency being developed by the Riksbank. It’s currently in the testing phase, with no official launch date announced. It aims to provide a state-guaranteed digital payment option as cash use declines.
Swedish banknotes feature cultural icons including Astrid Lindgren (20 kr), Evert Taube (50 kr), Greta Garbo (100 kr), Ingmar Bergman (200 kr), Birgit Nilsson (500 kr), and Dag Hammarskjöld (1000 kr).
No major updates to physical Swedish currency have been announced in 2025. The last significant redesign occurred in 2015-2016. The Riksbank continues to develop the e-krona digital currency project.
