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-   -   Getting money in Sweden from ATM's (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/getting-money-in-sweden-from-atms-709167/)

annikany May 30th, 2007 10:24 AM

Getting money in Sweden from ATM's
 
My trip is coming up in July and I'd love to hear from anyone that has traveled to Sweden. How did you manage your cash flow? Did you bring Kronors? Use ATM's or travelers checks? What do you recommend?
I did purchase a small amount of Kronors already just to have a few in my pocket when I arrive. My plan is to draw out money from ATM as soon as I arrive and as needed. I'll charge most purchases on one charge card (1% foreign transaction fee). I will bring other credit cards too just in case.
It's been 12 years since my last visit to Sweden and travelers checks were the thing at that time. What does everyone do now? From reading this site it seems like drawing money from an ATM is the best thing to do. Is that true?
Thanks in advance.
Annika

janisj May 30th, 2007 10:30 AM

&quot;<i>From reading this site it seems like drawing money from an ATM is the best thing to do. Is that true?</i>&quot;

Yes - by far. ATMs are the easiest and cheapest way to go.

kayd May 30th, 2007 10:48 AM

Yep, ATMs are the way to go. The diffculty in a country that doesn't use Euros is guessing how much cash you will need so you aren't left with a lot of currency you aren't likely to need again in some years. When I had too many Danish Kroner left on my last day, I used some to pay down the hotel bill (credit card for the remainder) and then spent the rest at the airport on snacks and small souvenirs.

Dukey May 30th, 2007 11:55 AM

You can always change that unlikely to use currency back to something else if you cannot find enough stuff to spend it on.

Better a poor exchange rate than no money at all.

boom_boom May 30th, 2007 01:14 PM

I was in Stockholm last August and just used ATMs. We did have some trouble finding a bank ATM near the Vasa Museum, but thanks to directions at a coffee shop we made it. No problems getting Kronors and managed to use all but a few on food and drink.

nytraveler May 30th, 2007 04:42 PM

The entire world banking system is electronic - so using your ATM cards is faster and cheaper than making everyone waste time playing with little pieces of paper.

(You have to buy them, then find a place that will change them - not easy - then go through the whole change process) and pay 3/4 times as much for the privilege.

annikany May 31st, 2007 02:47 AM

Thanks everyone. Glad to hear from all of you!

wintersp May 31st, 2007 08:50 PM

Make sure you have TWO cards to use. In the process of using one card (in Sweden) it quit working so the lesson is, be prepared.

Any country I've ever landed in, you can spend dollars at a counter and receive local currency back. Of course, that tip doesn't work in the middle of the night when all is closed!

annikany Jun 1st, 2007 07:57 AM

Good advice! I actually was planning on having 2 from different banks. Yet -2 from one bank is also a very good idea.
Thank you!


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