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ESSENTIAL SWEDEN

Essential Sweden: Valborg, fair pay and Swedish banknotes

This week's Essential Sweden looks at why Swedes dance around bonfires at the end of April, who those people on Sweden's banknotes actually are, as well as some money saving tips.

Essential Sweden: Valborg, fair pay and Swedish banknotes
A Valborg bonfire in Stockholm last year. Photo: Jonas Ekströmer/TT

Walpurgis Night, commonly referred to as Valborg in Sweden, is coming up on Tuesday. But why do Swedes celebrate it anyway?

Food prices on some items may have started to drop recently, but many people in Sweden are still feeling the pinch. Here are a few ways you can save money on food and drink.

Planning on buying an apartment soon? Make sure you avoid any potentially expensive mistakes by knowing what to look out for in a potential property.

Unlike many similar countries, Sweden doesn’t have a minimum wage, so it can be hard to know whether you’re on a good salary or not, especially for people who have recently arrived in the country. Here’s our guide.

You may be aware of Sweden’s student discounts, but did you know many businesses also give discounts to anyone aged 25 and under? Here are a few of them.

You probably don’t use cash that often in Sweden, but next time you do, have a look at the people on the backs of the notes –  they provide a great opportunity to learn something about Swedish history.

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ESSENTIAL SWEDEN

Banks, bills and mortgages: Essential articles for life in Sweden

Wondering which banks give mortgages to foreigners, or what happens if you are struggling to pay a bill? Essential Sweden this week answers those questions and more.

Banks, bills and mortgages: Essential articles for life in Sweden

Interest rates may soon drop, but there’s still hope if you’re finding it hard to pay your mortgage each month.

Which bank should you use if you’re a recent arrival to Sweden? We asked our readers for their tips: here’s what they said,

We hope you never find yourself in the situation that you’re unable to pay a bill in Sweden, but it’s good to know what happens if you do, just in case.

Owning a second home is relatively commonplace in Sweden, and they often sell for under a million kronor in more remote areas. But what should you take into account when considering a purchase?

People who arrived in Sweden as adults often need to top up their pension savings, and one way to do this is via investments. What are the different types of investing and how do they work?

Finally, if you’re planning on buying a home any time soon, it’s worth knowing which banks require you to have permanent residency in Sweden before you apply for a mortgage. 

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