Practical Information in Sweden

It is frustrated for me when I first arrived in Sweden. I did not understand or even know about some practical information which is really important for the transition. I faced many difficulties and only understood exactly when the problems did happen. Thus, I hope the information below is useful to other people in some ways.

• There is charge on exchange currency from USD to SEK in Sweden. Be aware of that!
• When you arrive, please find "Skatteverket" to register for your resident address and get a personal number (Social Security Number). This will save you a lot afterward. Ask other people the location of Skatteverket in your own city. Bring your passport, resident permit card, health insurance certificate, your university acceptance letter and of course your current resident address.
• If you pay invoice (i.e. invoice for your room) by cash, there is charge from the bank or other financial places. Each invoice costs 50 SEK (rate from Forex Bank).
• The easiest way to pay invoice is to open a bank account. To open a bank account in Sweden, you need to apply for Swedish ID card. You can get Swedish ID card from Skatteverket and you have to pay 400 SEK. Skatterverket does not accept payment by cash. You need to pay by the bank with charge on invoice again or ask other people who have bank account to pay for you. Once you have bank account, your life here is more easier. 

*Note: if you stay in Sweden less than one year, you cannot get the personal number.
*Note: there are some banks such as Nordea and Forex Bank that do not require personal number or Swedish ID Card to open the bank account.