Baltic Sensuell
August 2nd - 11th, 2016
Stockholm Before you go
General information
Built on 14 islands, Stockholm has one of the most picturesque settings of all European capitals. Comprising of many regal buildings and exclusive clothes shops, this city fuses the old and the new with little effort. You may have heard one way or another that it is one of the most expensive capital cities in Europe.
While it isn’t as cheap as some of its counterparts, it certainly doesn’t rank along the likes of Oslo or even Paris in some cases. One thing to remember, however, is that, while it has some world-class museums, and its Old Town is as picturesque as any in Europe, it pays a lot to see what else is to offer. Give some time to exploration and you’ll discover bars where the locals drink, sports which the locals follow, and restaurants where the locals eat.
Where do I fly into?
Stockholm Arlanda Airport – Swedavia (AirportCode: ARN)
Address: 190 45 Stockholm-Arlanda, Suecia. Ph: +46 10 109 10 00
Website: http://www.swedavia.com/arlanda/
Stockholm Weather
Stockholm has a temperate climate and the best months to visit are May to September inclusive. Summers can be wet sometimes so you are better off carrying an umbrella with you in case of rain. Winters are quite cold and snow is commonly seen.
Passport and Visa Information
Most European citizens don’t need a visa to enter Sweden. Those planning on staying longer than for 90 days are required to obtain a temporary holiday visa. American, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand citizens have the same entry requirements.
Natives of South Africa, China, and some Africa and Asian countries are required to get a holiday visa before entrance. These tourist visas are valid for 90 days. To ensure you are aware of the full entry requirements for entering Sweden, contact your country’s Swedish embassy before travelling.
Health and Safety Visitors from EU countries are entitled to medical treatment under the EU Reciprocal Medical Treatment agreement. Before you travel you should collect an E111 form from your local social security office. This form may also be obtained in post offices. For minor health problems the national pharmacy is referred to as ‘Apotek’. It is advised that you take out travel insurance before going.
Currency Exchange
The official currency is the Swedish Krona (Kr) which is divided up into 100 öre. Notes come in denominations of Kr20, Kr50, Kr100, Kr200, Kr500 and Kr1000. Coins used are 50 öre, Kr1, Kr2, Kr5 and Kr10. Money can be changed in banks, post offices and at ‘Forex’ offices which are found nationwide and specialize in changing foreign currency/travellers checks.
Regardless of the amount you are changing, there is a service charge for changing money. ... ...
Banks: Banks are open from Monday-Friday between 9am and 3pm. Bureau de Changes are open every day until 6pm, and later in some cases.
Clothing
During the summer the weather in Sweden is mild and pleasant. Pack casual summer clothes, like a few medium-weight sweaters a light jacket or raincoat. An overcoat is necessary in the autumn, winter and spring. Comfortable, low-heeled shoes are important, not only for the countryside, but also for sightseeing along cobblestone streets.
Swedes like fashion. However, they avoid standing out in glitzy attire and will never abandon their jeans for too long. In the restaurants and for business, a jacket and tie are expected for gentlemen. Trousers are acceptable for women on any occasion, including business.
Electricity
220v/50Hz. We recommend travelers to bring a world travel adaptor.
Tipping
An extra service charge is usually added to most bills. Whether you give anything more on top of that (ie round it off the nearest 5/10) is totally at your own discretion.
Water
Tap water in Sweden tastes pretty delicious actually, almost wherever you are in Sweden and at least as good as the bottled variety that you have to pay for. If you prefer your water flavored, add a slice of your favorite fruit. Add up the pros; Swedish tap water is clean, tasty and free and doesn’t come in a plastic bottle, against the cons; bottled water is expensive, it comes in a plastic bottle and is harmful to the environment. It’s a done deal Swedish tap water wins.
So when you come to Sweden bring a bottle, fill it to brim and enjoy it for free. And if you’re out in the Swedish mountains you can enjoy the water from flowing mountain streams and brooks
Language
Swedish is Sweden’s first language and the most widely spoken in Stockholm. English is generally the second language and you will find most people in the service industry speak it.
What to pack for a trip to Stockholm
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Luggage and bags: tag everything with colored tape, ribbon or such Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: be prepared for warm, cool, rain Windproof clothes and good walking shoes, both for the outdoors as well as for cities!! The cobble stone in Stockholm is hard on your feet, so you will really appreciate good footwear!
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Personal Toiletries Mosquito repellent!!! This is the most important thing when going camping in summer!
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Medical Supplies: If coming from USA, make sure you bring with your cold medicines, aspirin, etc. You cannot purchase these items over the counter.
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Photo Equipment: I have found it’s nice to have with your laptop that will burn CD's. When my memory card is full, i just download onto the laptop.
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Miscellaneous: Have with you Swedish coins. Most of the public restroom requires you to pay to use them, even at the airport. Also it’s now easier to use your debit card in the ATM's instead of American Express TC. Each time you cash in your Travelers checks you’re charged a fee, so cash in a large amount each time.
Things to carry on with you
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A copy of your passport and driver’s license.
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Your emergency telephone list of phone numbers from back home.
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A business card showing the phone and address of your hotel.
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Cash cards only if you plan to go to the bank.
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Credit cards only if you plan to go to the bank, major shopping, or to a nice restaurant
If you need assistance or have any question, Please submit your information and we will contact you