Obtaining a phone and Internet connection is a must nowadays. Here is how to proceed in Sweden.
Connectivity in Sweden won't be an issue ' in fact, its major cities now have some of the fastest broadband speeds in all of Europe. Access to the internet is considered a prerogative for all: more than 90% of the Swedish population has stable internet coverage and more than 82% use it daily. The vast majority of Swedes access the internet through their mobile phones on a daily basis. Here's what you need to do to join them.
Internet & mobile
The Swedish telecommunications market is regulated within a framework. Signing up for broadband at home or for a mobile phone contract is not that simple for expats: you must have lived in the country for at least six months to be eligible to a phone and Internet connection.
If you qualify, you may visit the office (or website) of your preferred service provider along with the following documents:
- your resident permit
- your Personnummer (obtained from the Tax Agency)
- your European passport
- proof of address in Sweden
Good to know: To bypass this problem, most accommodations already have an Internet connection (and in more rare cases, a landline) installed by your landlord or subletter.
Once you have signed the subscription contract, you are allowed to cancel it within 14 days upon presentation of the contract documents and bills issued on the signature date.
Sweden's major players in the broadband market are Com Hem, Bredbandbolaget, Telia, and Tele2. In urban areas, speeds can reach up to 1000Mbps, whereas even in more rural areas the 4G coverage (by players such as Tele2, Comviq and Tre) is quite good.
When it comes to mobile phones, you may choose between a monthly postpaid line and a prepaid package. In case you wish to use your foreign phone number on your arrival in Sweden, make sure to inquire about related fees and other conditions from your service provider. As Sweden is in the EU, roaming regulations will apply for EU numbers but in most cases, communication rates will be higher.
Given that you cannot sign up for a contract before six months have passed since your arrival in Sweden, many expats opt for top-up SIm cards that offer a fixed allowance of texts, data and call time to use each month. Such services can be bought in grocery stores and kiosks, but unfortunately, not online ' as to buy them online would require to have s Swedish civic number. The most popular choice in this field is Hallon, along with Comviq.
Good to know: Make sure to check exactly what is included in the package you purchased, as many such packages do not include calls abroad.
The postal service
Postal service in Sweden is somewhat different than what you may be used to. Instead of the usual post offices, you will encounter in most countries, Sweden has 'postal service points' instead. These postal service points can be located inside convenience stores, supermarkets, petrol stations etc. Don't worry though: you can perform all the services there, such as sending off and picking up letters and packages.
Good to know: One very positive aspect of this, is that the postal service points usually keep the opening hours of the store they are located in. For example, if a postal service point is located within a supermarket which closes at 10 p.m., the postal service point will stay open until that time instead of keeping regular office hours.
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