Two days in Stockholm- cash free?

[Belfast Taxman]

We read that Stockholm is a city that has taken to credit card usage to a significant degree, for instance that cash is not usable on most public transport. Is it possible to take no cash at all for a two day visit? 

[trosebery]

Yes, when we were there last summer for a couple of days, we needed no cash. We did have a chip-and-PIN credit card though. (Most places we were just tapping for payment.)

[hallasm]

I do not bring cash when traveling in Sweden. But a chip and pin Credit Card is probably a must. 

[1982CruzStart]

On 1/22/2020 at 10:08 AM, Belfast Taxman said:

We read that Stockholm is a city that has taken to credit card usage to a significant degree, for instance that cash is not usable on most public transport. Is it possible to take no cash at all for a two day visit? 

Thanks for asking the question. We will be there for an extra day before we board the ship. This makes 1 less day to worry about cash though we will take at least 1 tour so will need to check about tipping. Don't know if it is normal there or not. Haven't got to that part of my research yet. 

[mhb1757]

Do any US banks/companies issue chip and pin credit cards?

[John Bull]

4 hours ago, 1982CruzStart said:

Thanks for asking the question. We will be there for an extra day before we board the ship. This makes 1 less day to worry about cash though we will take at least 1 tour so will need to check about tipping. Don't know if it is normal there or not. Haven't got to that part of my research yet. 

 

 

We do fret about not having at least a little ($20  - $30?) local cash anywhere. 

Especially with two days we'd take some.

 

Tipping in Sweden is very broadly similar to most of Europe - some folk don't tip,  it's discretionary. But has to be earned.

And tipping is at a lower level than in the USA generally - guides get good wages.

Wages buy their bread, tips provide the jelly on top.

A poor guide gets no jelly - nor do they deserve it.

We generally base guides' tips on a total tip income of about $70 for a day, $35 for a half-day. Divide that by the number on the tour & for example that's a dollar or two per head for a coach tour, or about $5 to $10 per head for a van of 8. 

But I can't say that's "normal" because different folk have different views.

And nobody's going to chase you down the road for a tip. 

 

Consider resolving both the local cash and tips issues by getting ahead of the cruise or via an ATM sufficient local cash to cover a reasonable tip.

If you need some of that cash (or you want to be more generous) you can simply top-up the tip difference with euros (guides will be used to getting some tips in leading foreign currencies).

If the guide is worth less (or zilch) that's a small enough sum for a few drinks or mementos - or even give to your cabin steward if its not the last cruise of the season.

 

JB 

[1982CruzStart]

Thanks JB for the advice. Appreciate it.