Tips for Receiving a Package in Sweden
Here are key tips to keep in mind when you are expecting a package in the mail:
- Make sure your mailbox is labeled properly with your first and last name and room number in order to receive mail
- Confirm that the sender of the package always lists your Swedish phone number and your email in the contact information, as that is what the local courier will use to communicate with you should they need to
- Keep an eye out for texts and emails from the courier. If they are in Swedish, use Google Translate to read them. If they send you texts or emails, it is because they are important, so do not ignore them. Call the courier’s customer service if you are in doubt about what the text says
Writing Your Address
Double check that you/the sender write your address in the correct format, and always include your room number.
Example:
- Your name
- Street address and number
- Apartment number
- Zip code and city
- Sweden
Note: for the apartment number, you can write “lgh” (which stands for the Swedish word for apartment, lägenhet) followed by the number.
If you leave out any of this information, you risk that your packages may return to sender.
How Swedish Customs Work
When you buy something online from outside the EU or receive a package sent from the U.S., the value of the package and its contents determine whether Swedish customs charges you with a tax. To find details about this, refer to the official Swedish customs website.
Which Courier Should You Choose?
Various couriers deliver packages in Sweden. While you may recognize some of them from the U.S., others may be new to you.
Receiving Your Delivery
Many couriers have local pick up locations where they will leave your package if you are not home to sign for it. Alternatively, other carriers will not deliver to your home, and will simply deliver the package to the pick-up location that is nearest to you.
Pick up locations vary. Sometimes you can pick up a package in your local supermarket or kiosk. Other times, you have to go to a post office (which may be based at your local supermarket). Some couriers use package pick up boxes where they text you a PIN that you need to retrieve your package.
Example of a text from PostNord regarding pickup of a package, noting the PIN number and pick-up location:
Receiving Info About Package Pickup
If you missed a delivery, you receive information from the courier on how to locate/pick up your package. Remember that some couriers may not try to deliver to your apartment at all, and will just deliver your package directly to the pick-up location. If that is the case, you will also receive all the information you need to go pick up your package.
PostNord, for example, leaves you a paper note in your mailbox telling you where you can pick up your package. Some couriers might send you a text or email with this information, while others give you the option of choosing a pickup location if you know you will not be home when they plan on delivering. For example, if you receive a delivery from UPS, UPSInfoNotice might give you the option of choosing a different delivery day or having your package shipped to a UPS Access Point where you can pick it up instead.
Frequently Asked Questions About Receiving Packages
Q / Can I have medication shipped?
A / No, it is illegal to have medication shipped to Sweden from the U.S. If you do so, the medication will be confiscated by the authorities.
Read more about taking medication to Sweden here
Q / Can I have packages sent to DIS?
A / No. DIS does not accept flowers, chocolates, or any other deliveries for students. All mail should be sent directly to your housing address. Please refer to the section above titled ‘Writing Your Address’ to ensure your mail will be sent to the correct address.
Contact the Student Hub or email studenthub@disstockholm.se for more information about having your package sent to DIS.