What time is it?
The time is right! And to be on the right time it’s good to know that here in Sweden we relate to Summer time and Winter time. It is a temporary adjustment of the clocks in relation to normal time. The time is shifted 1 hour forward on the last Sunday in March and one hour back on the last Sunday in October.
And what about a.m. and p.m.?
| 12-hours | 24-hours |
| 1:00 a.m. | 1:00 |
| 2:00 a.m. | 2:00 |
| 3:00 a.m. | 3:00 |
| 4:00 a.m. | 4:00 |
| 5:00 a.m. | 5:00 |
| 6:00 a.m. | 6:00 |
| 7:00 a.m. | 7:00 |
| 8:00 a.m. | 8:00 |
| 9:00 a.m. | 9:00 |
| 10:00 a.m. | 10:00 |
| 11:00 a.m. | 11:00 |
| 12:00 a.m. | 12:00 |
| 1:00 p.m. | 13:00 |
| 2:00 p.m. | 14:00 |
| 3:00 p.m. | 15:00 |
| 4:00 p.m. | 16:00 |
| 5:00 p.m. | 17:00 |
| 6:00 p.m. | 18:00 |
| 7:00 p.m. | 19:00 |
| 8:00 p.m. | 20:00 |
| 9:00 p.m. | 21:00 |
| 10:00 p.m. | 22:00 |
| 11:00 p.m. | 23:00 |
| 12:00 p.m. | 24:00 |
Take your shoes off
You’ll quickly notice that shoes are taken off when entering private residences in Sweden. Some explain it with the simple fact that Swedes spend a lot of time outdoors during winter and are prone to dragging in dirt. Others say it’s a sign of respect for the home. Either way, you might want to think twice before wearing full lace-up boots when visiting folks.
Be on time
It is common knowledge here that ‘time’ should be respected at all times, regardless of whether you’re going for an interview or a friendly fika. Meetings will start on time with or without you. The train leaves on time with or without you. Swedes value punctuality.
Take a sip
Drinking water straight from the tap is the norm in Sweden. The water is clean and fresh, so you can save both money and the environment by not buying bottled water. If you’d like to take a sip from a bottle with alcoholic beverage you’ve got only one legal option of buying stronger alcohol, and that’s from the state-run liquorstore Systembolaget.
Think thrice before you toss that plastic bag
Bring something to carry your goods in from the store. Most Swedish grocery- and fashion stores charge you for plastic or paper bags in an attempt to encourage recycling. Swedes like to keep it sustainable.
Hello Your Royal Highness
Whether you are a doctor, university professor, or financial advisor, everyone will address you by your first name, and they will expect you to do the same. However, there are some important exceptions to the rule. If you are in a courtroom, facing a political minister or someone from the Swedish royal family, the titles should be used correctly.
The Allemansrätten
The Swedish Right of Public Access gives you a wonderful way to experience Sweden’s countryside, whether you are hiking, jogging, bicycling, riding or even skiing. But be sensible. Show that you care about nature so that we all can continue to enjoy and access the outdoors. You can read more about the Allemansrätten here.