ATM/Debit Cards in Sweden
DIS recommends that you use a debit/ATM card that is either a Visa or MasterCard during your stay in Sweden. Students often run into issues with American Express and Discover cards.
Taking Your Debit Card Abroad
- Tell your bank you are traveling abroad and might take money out from various countries
- Inquire about the fee per ATM withdraw as well as your daily withdrawal limit, so you can strategize how often you will take out money
- ATMs (such as ‘Bankomat’) are widely available in Stockholm where you can withdraw Swedish kronor
- Occasionally, some shops in Sweden will not accept cards without a four-digit pin code; make sure your debit/ATM card has a four-digit pin code you can use
Credit Cards Abroad
DIS recommends that you use a debit/ATM card that is either a Visa or MasterCard during your stay in Sweden. For best results in using a credit card in Sweden, follow these guidelines:
- Use a credit card with a chip
- Ask your bank if you can add a four-digit pin number to your credit card. This is not required, but could help with some transactions.
- If you use a credit card without either a chip, pin, or both, you may need to tell the employee at the cash register that you wish to sign for the payment and do not have a pin
- Using a credit card through Apple Pay (or similar) can bypass the requirement for a pin or signature
- Check with your company for fee information on international purchases. There are many credit cards available without international fees.
- If you are unable to sign up for a credit or debit card with no international fees, read this overview of multicurrency accounts that offer alternative options