Sweden is known for being brain-meltingly expensive, and local SIM cards are no exception.
Whether you’re going to be hanging out in cool and cosmopolitan Stockholm or heading north to chase reindeer, it’s quick and easy, but pricey, to get connected
If you want to pick up a SIM card while you’re in the country, here’s what you need to know.
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Companies
There are four different cell networks in Sweden: Telia, Tele2, Telenor, and 3. Telia has the best coverage in rural areas and the north of the country, with little difference between providers elsewhere.
LTE is available on the 2600 MHz band in major cities on all four networks, and also on 800, 900 and 1800 Mhz depending on the carrier. 3G is available with all carriers on the 900 and 2100 Mhz frequencies, as in the rest of Europe.
So which SIM card should you go for?
If all you need is data on the road, then opt for a data-only SIM from 3. For 199 SEK ($21) you’ll receive 5 GB of data, valid for 30 days. If you won’t be in the country for long, you can pay 99 SEK (~$10) for 5GB valid for seven days. The SIM itself will cost anywhere up to 99 SEK instore, with a small data allowance preloaded.
If you need coverage in remote areas, go for Telia. It’s the only network to have good coverage in the north of the country.
For a SIM card with unlimited domestic calls and texts and between 500MB and 5GB of data, you’ll pay 99-249 SEK (~$10-26 USD). For more, see Telia’s product page.
If you need a mix of call, texts, and data without breaking the bank, opt for Tele2 (the prepaid brand is called Comviq). For unlimited free domestic calls, texts, and 5GB of data valid for a month, you’ll pay 145 SEK (~$15). Larger data packs are also available.
I was only going to be visiting Stockholm on this trip, so I went for Tele2.
While this article is about buying physical SIM cards, if you have a recent iPhone or other supported device, the best way to get connected in Sweden may be to buy an eSIM instead.
We've written an explainer of what eSIMs are all about if you're not familiar with them. Because they're software rather than a plastic card, you can buy before you leave home, avoid the hassle of kiosks and phone stores entirely, and get connected as soon as you land.
These days, we use aloSIM: easy to buy and set up, it's a simple, low-cost way of staying connected when you travel. You'll get a discount on your first purchase with the code TMA.How to Buy a Prepaid SIM Card in Sweden
After arriving in Stockholm, I headed straight for the nearest Tele2 store. There were several in and around the old town. Since my trip, however, Tele2 stores have stopped selling prepaid SIM cards, so you’ll need to visit a convenience store like 7-11 or Pressbyrån, or supermarkets like COOP, to get your Comviq SIM pack.
I told the sales assistant what I was looking for (calls, texts, and data for a week-long stay), and she set up the SIM card for me in under five minutes. I didn’t need to show ID.
Inside the packet, was a SIM card with mini, micro, and nano cutouts. I popped in the nano SIM, entered in the pin code when prompted, and typed in the APN details below:
APN: data.comviq.se
No username or password
Prefer to spend your vacation sightseeing instead of buying SIM cards? Grab one in advance to stay connected in Sweden and across Europe.
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Other options are available if you're traveling for longer, need a portable hotspot, or want a different mix of calls, texts, and data. No matter how you do it, you'll be connected with a minimum of fuss before you've left the airport.Prepaid SIM Costs
If you’re only in the country for a short time like I was, the cheapest useful option is Fastpris mini, which gives 3GB of data, unlimited SMS, and 200 minutes of calls for 95 SEK (~$10). There’s no EU roaming with this plan, though — it’s for use in Sweden only.
If you need more data, are staying in the country for longer, or plan to roam elsewhere in the EU with the same SIM card, go for one of the Fastpris plans. You’ll get free calls and texts, plus 5-40GB of data, valid for a month. Prices range from 145-295 SEK.
SIM cards are available for free if you buy them online, but you need a Swedish address, credit card, and landline number to do so. Since you probably won’t have those, you’ll have to pick the SIM up in a store, where it can cost up to 45 SEK (~$5). The card may be free if you top up at the same time, however.
Topping Up
You can buy top-ups from the same places you buy the SIM cards — Pressbyrån, 7-Eleven, or any other convenience and grocery stores. Just look for the Tele2 logo in the window.
Coverage and Data Speeds
Coverage was strong throughout Stockholm, but 3G/HSPA+ speeds were disappointing. For the amount I had paid, I expected download speeds to be higher than the average 5Mbps I received.
EU Roaming
Sweden is part of the European Union, so EU roaming regulations apply. These “roam like at home” rules ended roaming charges across much of Europe in 2017, letting you use a SIM card from any EU country across all the others at no extra charge.
Most carriers in Sweden, however, require proof of a local address or a Swedish ID card before they will enable EU roaming. The exception is Tele2/Comviq, which has it enabled by default on most packs. Even then, there are limits with large data packages, so double-check the exact details at time of purchase.
Check out our guides to buying SIM cards in many other countries here.
About the Author
Comments
Hej…
i visit Sweden (specially Stockholm) many years now and 2-5 imes per year. I want to know about this sim card.
I can buy from Sweden only or can i order via internet also?
I can use this phone number (sim) to call or sms if i travel outside of Sweden (not in my country) and if yes what rates have?
Finanly the recharge can be from internet and have some expire limit (months, year) ?
tack sa mycket
If you’re after a Tele2 SIM, check out the company’s site (http://www.tele2.se) for the rates and options. You’ll find the most up-to-date information there. Run it through Google Translate if necessary.
Hi,
I am looking to buy SIM card at Arlanda airport. I would be majorly in remote area, hence Telia would suite me better. I want a sim for call and majorly for data.
I would prefer it buy before I exit the airport. Can you suggest and kisok where I can find sim cards
Hi!
Interesting post! If you’re aiming for higher data speed, Telenor is the best. Maybe not the best if you’re going up north but works perfectly in Stockholm and other cities. you can buy a sim card online and then it’s free http://www.telenor.se
Buying a SIM card online isn’t really a great option for travellers who won’t necessarily have an address to send it to.
My friend would like to buy a Sim for his new unlocked phone in Sweden.He said it is VERY expensive.Can anyone enlighten him.
Hi!
I bought a monthly Fastpris Comviq prepaid SIM card, and I wanted to know if I have to cancel it or something similar after that month. I mean, I bought it and topped it up in a Pressbyrån with my credit card, they can’t charge me anything like refuel it for another month without me asking for it, isn’t it?
No, you don’t have to cancel it. It’s a one-time purchase.