Using your card in Sweden: The complete guide

If you're planning to travel to Sweden, you might wonder if you have to carry Swedish kronor (SEK), or if you can use your debit card while sightseeing and shopping abroad. Holidays should be relaxing, not stressful — and preparing in advance will help you avoid any unpleasant surprises in Sweden.Read on to find out if you can use your debit card while in Sweden, which ATMs are available to tourists, if you risk being charged extra fees, and much more.
image of a young woman standing up in a park and looking at his phne, with an n26 card and a Swedish flag in the background.

Can I use my debit card in Sweden?

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, using a debit card in foreign countries like Sweden can come in handy‌ — not only for convenience but also as an extra measure in case you run out of Swedish kronor. Generally speaking, many establishments in Sweden accept debit cards, especially cards affiliated with major international payment networks like Visa or Mastercard.

Are debit cards widely accepted in Sweden?

Debit cards have become increasingly popular and widely accepted in Sweden, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations. Many establishments, including restaurants, hotels, and retail stores, have card payment terminals that accept debit cards from major international networks like Visa and Mastercard.While the majority of Swedish cities and tourist areas typically accept debit cards, some smaller shops, local vendors, or remote locations might only accept cash, even though that's uncommon. Carrying some Swedish Krona for these situations is always a good idea.
image of a person holding a phone showing an N26 card in the app screen and grabbing a suitcase with the other hand and with a Swedish flag.

Tips for using your debit card in Sweden

Follow our tips for a smooth and secure experience when using your debit card in Sweden:
  1. Before traveling to Sweden, notify your bank about your travel plans. This prevents your card from being flagged for suspicious activity, and you can access your funds without any fuss.
  2. Always carry some Swedish Krona for small purchases, street vendors, or establishments that only accept cash.
  3. When using your debit card or ATMs in Sweden, always opt to be charged in Swedish Krona to avoid higher exchange fees. The exchange rate offered by your bank will usually be a better deal than the rate at the ATM or card terminal, so it’s smart to pay in local currency.
  4. Keep your debit card secure, and always cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
  5. Use ATMs in well-lit and secure areas, such as banks or shopping malls. Withdraw larger amounts less frequently, and try to choose ATMs with lower withdrawal fees.
  6. Always check your transaction receipts and monitor your account activity regularly. Report any unauthorized transactions to your bank immediately.

Using ATMs in Sweden

Most ATMs in Sweden are equipped to accept international debit cards. These ATMs typically display logos of international card networks like Visa and Mastercard. When inserting your card, the ATM usually prompts you to choose your preferred language and transaction type. There are usually no withdrawal limits on Swedish ATMs—the daily or transaction limits are most commonly the ones set up by your home bank.  Several banks in Sweden are known for being more accommodating to international cardholders, including Bankomat, SEB, Danske Bank, and Nordea. ATMs are everywhere, from bank branches to supermarkets and shopping malls.
N26 banking app showing a map with ATM locations near the user.

Say goodbye to exchange rate markups

N26 never marks up foregin exchange rates. This means we pass along the real exchange rates provided by Mastercard to you—no hidden fees or confusing small print to ruin your holiday.
Foreign transaction fees to look out
Illustration of currency exchange.

Paying with your N26 card when traveling

N26 doesn’t hide fees or add a foreign exchange rate. We also don’t tack on extra charges for rare currencies or for paying on the weekend. Spend abroad and benefit from Mastercard's real exchange rate.

Withdrawing money abroad is free with N26 You. Anywhere.

N26 You gives you free withdrawals in currencies around the globe, saving you up to 7% on fees. That means N26 You pays for itself in just a few trips.

FAQs

    Visa and Mastercard are definitely the most widely accepted debit card networks in Sweden, but you can also find places and ATMs that accept Maestro, American Express, and Discover. Travelers with these cards benefit from accessible and convenient payments and cash withdrawals. Before traveling to Sweden, check if your debit card is affiliated with one of these major networks.

    Although using your debit card in Sweden is usually safe, being aware of potential risks can help you and your funds stay secure. Stick to ATMs branded with official logos and always keep an eye on anything suspicious. Using trusted ATMs and practicing good card and password handling habits can improve your financial safety while you’re exploring Sweden.

    You can use your debit card to withdraw cash in Sweden from several different banks, such as Bankomat, SEB, Danske Bank, and Nordea. But be mindful of your daily withdrawal limits! To withdraw large amounts of Swedish Krona, you may need to make multiple transactions over a few days or temporarily increase your withdrawal limit through your bank or banking app.

    Yes, using your debit card in Sweden may incur fees. Bankomat ATMs won't charge a fee to withdraw money, but other ATMs might charge a fee of 50 SEK. At N26, all our accounts come with free card payments worldwide — as often as you like and with no foreign transaction fees. And remember: When in doubt, always choose to be charged in Sweden’s local currency, the Swedish Krona.

    Using ATMs in Sweden is generally safe. However, that doesn’t mean you should throw your good security habits out the window! Boost your financial safety by choosing secure locations, inspecting ATMs for signs of tampering, shielding your PIN, and monitoring your account activity closely.

    Losing your debit card or having it stolen in Sweden can be challenging, but it's not the end of your travels. Once you realize your debit card is missing, contact your bank's customer service or international helpline to report the loss or theft. Provide details such as your account number, card number (if you know it), and the date and location where you last used the card. With N26, you can easily lock your card or turn off international payments, right in your N26 app. Here's what else to do if you suspect a fraud.

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