Voice • Last Updated 10/30/2024

How to call Sweden | In-depth guide with examples

This guide provides helpful tips for calling Sweden from the U.S. Learn how to make calls to Sweden with confidence.

Wynne

By Emily Bowen

Connecting with Sweden from the United States is essential for various reasons, encompassing business, personal, and cultural connections.

Sweden is known for its robust technology sector, innovative startups, and significant contributions to finance and green energy. Additionally, the country's rich traditions, vibrant festivals, and unique cuisine make it a fascinating place to engage with.

Understanding the nuances of interacting with Sweden is a key part of fostering strong business and personal relationships, ensuring effective communication and mutual respect.

Guide to calling Sweden

Before dialing, ensure you're aware of the rates charged by your carrier for international calls to Sweden. You should also make sure your connection is reliable to avoid any issues caused by latency or choppy voice transmission.

1. Check the time in Sweden

Considering the time difference is important when calling Sweden. The entire country operates on Central European Time (CET), which is UTC+1, and during daylight saving time, it shifts to Central European Summer Time (CEST), UTC+2.

Depending on your location in the U.S., Sweden is typically 6-9 hours ahead, so check the local time to ensure your call is made at a convenient hour.

2. Dial the exit code

For international calls from the U.S., the exit code is 011, indicating you're making an international call.

3. Enter Sweden's country code

Next, dial Sweden's country code (+46) to connect your call to Sweden.

4. Dial the area code and local number

Start with 011, followed by 46, the country code for Sweden.

For a landline

Input the area code for the specific region in Sweden you're calling, which can be one to three digits, followed by the seven-digit local number. For example, to call a landline in Stockholm with the area code 8 and the local number 1234567, you would dial 011-46-8-1234567.

For a mobile phone

Dial the mobile number directly after the country code, starting with 7, followed by the rest of the number, making it a nine-digit sequence. For instance, to call a Swedish mobile number like 0701234567, the correct sequence would be 011-46-701234567.

Tips for a successful call

Before making a call to Sweden, ensure you have a strong and reliable connection to avoid interruptions. It's wise to have a backup plan in case the call drops, such as agreeing beforehand on who will call back.

Understanding and respecting Swedish business culture is crucial for a successful call. Swedes value punctuality, so make sure to be on time. Begin with a formal greeting, using titles such as "Herr" (Mr.) or "Fru" (Mrs.) followed by the last name, unless invited to use first names.

Be aware of local holidays and events that may impact business operations. Sweden has several public holidays, such as Midsummer and National Day, which can affect availability. It’s best to avoid scheduling calls around these times.

English is widely spoken in Swedish business settings, but using simple Swedish greetings like "Hej" (Hello) or "Tack" (Thank you) can help build rapport and show respect for their culture.

Lastly, be patient and flexible. Swedish business culture often involves thorough deliberation and consensus, which may result in a slower decision-making process compared to the U.S. Being respectful and accommodating of this pace will contribute to a positive and effective communication experience.

Considerations for calling Sweden

When planning to connect with individuals or businesses in Sweden, it's crucial to be mindful of the logistical and cultural elements that can affect international communication. Here's a comprehensive overview of the key factors to consider:

Language and culture

While Swedish is the official language of Sweden, English is widely spoken, particularly among younger generations. However, initiating a call with a Swedish greeting demonstrates respect and cultural awareness.

Common greetings in Swedish include:

  • God dag: "Good day," a formal greeting suitable for business calls.
  • Hej: "Hi" or "Hello," an informal greeting appropriate for casual conversations.
  • Hallå: "Hello," typically used when answering the phone.

Swedes are known for their egalitarian culture, valuing directness and honesty in communication. During business calls, it's important to be concise and respectful, avoiding overly casual language or excessive small talk.

Time zones

Sweden observes Central European Time (CET), which is six hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+6). Daylight saving time is observed from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October, shifting to Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+7. Here's a table outlining the time differences between Sweden and major US time zones:

U.S. time zonesTime difference with Sweden (CET)Time difference with Sweden (CEST)
Eastern (ET)6 hours behind7 hours behind
Central (CT)7 hours behind8 hours behind
Mountain (MT)8 hours behind9 hours behind
Pacific (PT)9 hours behind10 hours behind

When scheduling calls, ensure you account for these time differences to avoid inconvenient timings for either party. For instance, a 10:00 AM call in New York would be 4:00 PM in Stockholm during standard time.

How much does it cost to call Sweden?

Call costs to Sweden vary based on your service provider, call duration, and the time of day. Check with your carrier for specific rates.

Carrier rates are particularly significant, as different service providers offer varying tariffs for international calls. These rates can fluctuate based on the type of plan you have, whether it's a standard pay-as-you-go rate or a specialized international calling plan. Some carriers might offer discounted rates for calls to Sweden during off-peak hours or as part of a bundle that includes a set number of international minutes. It's advisable to thoroughly review your carrier's pricing structure and any available international calling packages to ensure cost-effective communication.

Additionally, the duration of your call plays a role in determining the overall cost. Longer calls will incur higher charges, making it important to manage the length of your conversations, especially if you're on a pay-per-minute plan.

The time of day when you place the call can also impact the cost due to varying peak and off-peak rates. Calls made during peak hours are often more expensive compared to those made during off-peak times, such as late evenings or weekends, depending on your carrier's specific rate schedule.

Being mindful of these factors and planning your calls accordingly can help in managing communication expenses effectively while staying connected with contacts in Sweden.

Make affordable calls to Sweden with Telnyx

With these tips and recommendations, you're ready to call Sweden with confidence.

If you’re looking for more guidance on global calling, Telnyx’s team of experts can help you navigate the complexities of international communication.

Telnyx is a next-gen communications platform that offers a global private IP network, multi-cloud redundancy, and carrier-grade services.

Our elastic SIP trunking services make it easy to call nearly every country in the world. We also offer support and guidance to help you grow and scale your business.

With competitive pricing and a wide variety of local phone numbers in over 140 countries, Telnyx provides cost-effective calling solutions with unmatched expertise.

Contact our experts today to learn how we can help your business communicate effectively with contacts in Sweden and 140+ other countries.
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