Sweden Student Arrival Guide: Apps, SIM Cards & Transit

INTERNET, ARRIVAL STAGE (BASIC LOGISTICS) & Bike Culture (Cykelkultur)

INTERNET

Airalo’s eSIM data plan for Sweden is officially called Välkommen. As with the other Nordic countries, it is the ideal digital solution for international students to install before departure to have instant internet access upon landing.
Network and Connectivity in Sweden:
- Local Operator: Airalo collaborates with Telenor in Sweden. Telenor has one of the strongest and fastest mobile infrastructures in Scandinavia, ensuring excellent signal both in the big cities (Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, Uppsala) and on train routes and in the northern areas.
- Speeds and Technology: You benefit from access to 4G LTE and 5G networks.
- Internet Sharing: Hotspot / Tethering function is fully allowed, making it easy to connect your laptop.
- Plan Type: This is a mobile data only plan. It does not include a local phone number (+46) and does not allow calls or SMS via the classic network.

ARRIVAL STAGE (BASIC LOGISTICS) & Bike Culture (Cykelkultur)

Focus: The first 48 hours in Sweden and immediate survival.

EU Focus

- SIM Card: Buy a prepaid card (e.g. Comviq or Lycamobile) from the Pressbyrån kiosks at the airport.

- Local Transport: Download the regional transport app

- Stockholm (KTH, Stockholm University, Karolinska): Download the SL (Storstockholms Lokaltrafik) app. You can also pay contactless directly with your bank card at the entrance gates.
- Gothenburg & Borås (Chalmers, Gothenburg University): Download the Västtrafik To Go app. This covers all buses, trams and ferries in the western region.
- Malmö & Lund (Lund University, Malmö University): Download the Skånetrafiken app. The Skåne region uses a completely cashless system. The same app helps you if you commute by train between Malmö and Lund.
- Uppsala (Uppsala University, SLU): Download the UL (Upplands Lokaltrafik) app. It is also essential for the 801 bus that connects Arlanda Airport with Uppsala.
- Linköping & Norrköping (Linköping University): Download the Östgötatrafiken app, the official operator for Östergötland County.
-Umeå (Umeå University): Download the Ultra (Umeås lokaltrafik) app for local buses in this large university center in the north.
-Jönköping (Jönköping University): Download the Jän some app by Jönköpings Länstrafik for transportation in the region.
Tip for long trips: For high-speed trains between cities (e.g. Stockholm - Gothenburg), use the app of the national railway company SJ (Statens Järnvägar).
- Accommodation: Collect the keys and sign the physical rental agreement.

Non-EU Focus

- SIM & Transport: Same steps as EU citizens (prepaid card and transport app).
- Biometrics: Make an appointment at the Migrationsverket for fingerprints and photo to issue a physical residence card (UT-kort).

EU Focus & Non-EU Focus

Bike Culture (Cykelkultur)
In university towns, cycling is not a hobby, but your main means of transport, used even in winter.

INTERNET

Airalo’s eSIM data plan for Sweden is officially called Välkommen. As with the other Nordic countries, it is the ideal digital solution for international students to install before departure to have instant internet access upon landing.
Network and Connectivity in Sweden:
- Local Operator: Airalo collaborates with Telenor in Sweden. Telenor has one of the strongest and fastest mobile infrastructures in Scandinavia, ensuring excellent signal both in the big cities (Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, Uppsala) and on train routes and in the northern areas.
- Speeds and Technology: You benefit from access to 4G LTE and 5G networks.
- Internet Sharing: Hotspot / Tethering function is fully allowed, making it easy to connect your laptop.
- Plan Type: This is a mobile data only plan. It does not include a local phone number (+46) and does not allow calls or SMS via the classic network.

Buy now eSIM Airalo Sweden

ARRIVAL STAGE (BASIC LOGISTICS) & Bike Culture (Cykelkultur)

SIM Card

Buy a prepaid card Comviq from the Pressbyrån kiosks at the airport.

Local Transport: Download the regional transport app

Stockholm (KTH, Stockholm University, Karolinska): Download the SL (Storstockholms Lokaltrafik) app. You can also pay contactless directly with your bank card at the entrance gates.

Gothenburg & Borås (Chalmers, Gothenburg University): Download the Västtrafik To Go app. This covers all buses, trams and ferries in the western region.

Bike Culture (Cykelkultur)

EU Focus & Non-EU Focus

In university towns, cycling is not a hobby, but your main means of transport, used even in winter.

Why do you need one?

- Money saved: You completely eliminate the cost of monthly public transport passes.

- Safe infrastructure: The tracks are completely separated from cars and are the first to be cleared of snow in winter.

Where can you buy one cheaply?

- Second-hand: On Blocket(https://www.blocket.se/) or on student Facebook groups (300 - 1,500 SEK).

- Official auctions: The Swedish Police (Polisens cykelauktion) periodically sells abandoned bikes at ridiculous prices.

Strict rules (Avoid fines!)

- Mandatory at night: White light in front, red light in back and a working bell. Missing them brings a fine of 500 SEK.

- Security: Bike theft is common. Buy a solid U-lock and always tie the frame to a fixed support.
- Winter: Install studded tires (dubbedäck) so you can ride safely on ice.