Stockholm (population: 750,000), the Royal Capital of Sweden, is a city built on 14 islands, connected by 57 bridges, where medieval buildings stand alongside modern architecture. With more than 1500 restaurants, 72 theaters and musical stages, over 100 art galleries and 73 museums, this city of culture and entertainment also accomodates 38 parks that make up one third of the city's total area.

Stockholm is the home of the Nobel Prize; the awards are given out annually on December 10 in the Konserthuset, and the banquet takes place in Stadshuset (City Hall, where the AIB Presidential Reception will be held).


Getting to Stockholm
The Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) is served by numerous international airlines including KLM, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, Delta, and of course SAS (Scandinavian Airlines System). From the U.S., SAS offers direct flights from Chicago and New Jersey. Other airlines typically connect through either Amsterdam, Paris, London, or Copenhagen. SAS is a Star Alliance member and has a code share agreement with United Airlines in the U.S.

Entry Requirements
Sweden is one of the 15 Schengen states. U.S. Citizens do not need a visa, if their total stay in Sweden and any other Schengen country does not exceed 90 days. For a list of countries for which a visa is required, and for the location of the nearest Swedish Consulate: http://www.ud.se/konsularinfo/visering_tillsverige.htm

From the Airport
The airport is approximately 45 miles North of downtown Stockholm (Norrmalm district). You can travel to downtown by bus, train, or a cab ride. Airport buses leave every 10 minutes and take approximately 40 minutes for a cost of 80 SEK (~US$11). The train, called Arlanda Express leaves every 15 minutes and takes approximately 20 minutes for a cost of 180 SEK (~US$25) one way or 320 SEK (~US$42) roundtrip. Cabs will also take about 40 minutes, but will cost around 450 SEK (~$60). The buses drop passengers off at the City Terminal (Cityterminalen), the trains at the Central Station (Centralstationen). The two drop-off locations are across the street from each other.

Currency
The official currency is the Swedish Krona (SEK, plural is Kronor). Foreign money can be exchanged at most banks around town. There are also a series of foreign exchange bureau's around town (as well as in Central Station) operated by FOREX, which usually has better rates and lower commissions then banks. In either case, commissions tend to be quite hefty (around 10% at the airport), therefore using the vast network of ATM's to withdraw money from your checking account might be the most convenient and affordable method. In March 2004, 1 USD was about 7.65 SEKs and 1 Euro was about 9.25 SEKs. (See Current Exchange Rates)

Time
Stockholm is on Central European Time (CET = GMT + 1) and observes the Daylight Standard Time. It is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Electricity
The voltage is 230 volts/50 Hz. Plug type is European round/2-prong plug.

Climate
July is the hottest month of the year for Stockholm. The average daily temperatures are 70°F (22°C) during daytime and 57°F (14°C) at night.

Language
The national language is Swedish, a Germanic tongue. English is commonly spoken, especially amongst the younger generation.

Tipping
Most hotels and restaurants will automatically add a service charge to your bill. Taxi drivers usually require a tip around 8-10 percent.

All quoted prices already include a "value-added-tax" called MOMS. North American visitors can get this tax back for goods being taken out of the country by shopping from specially marked stores.

Other Information

• Public restrooms are available in most public places as well as in department stores. However, they frequently require a fee of 5 SEK.
• Public telephones do not accept coins and work only with phone cards that can be purchased from newspaper stands, tobacco shops, hotel lobbies, and travel information desks.
• Most restaurants, bars, and nightclubs will require fashionable casual/business casual attire (no jeans, shorts, or sneakers). Some will even require ties and jackets.

Stockholm Arlanda Airport
Arlanda Airport

Sweden Tourist Information
Sweden Travel and Tourism Council
Frommer's Guide to Sweden
globalEDGE Sweden Page

Stockholm Tourist Information
City of Stockholm
Stockholm Official Visitor's Guide
Frommer's Guide to Stockholm
Lonely Planet Guide to Stockholm

Foreign Embassies in Sweden
GoAbroad.com Foreign Embassies in Sweden


Visit http://cibs.tamu.edu/waib/new.htm for additional information compiled by WAIB.