6 apps you cannot live without in Sweden

 

A typical routine in my new Swedish life cannot be described without mentioning digital solutions that I use in my everyday life – The StorStockholms lokaltrafik app to get my mobile travelcard and check real-time departures, mobile BankID to securely log into my bank account, and many other digital public services, the Swish app to instantly send or receive money and many other things that I can do through my phone – Here I share some essentials apps to download if you are new in Sweden and wish to start conducting a digital lifestyle. 

In Sweden, even the most basic errands can be done through an electronic device, from buying groceries to paying taxes, no matter how remote. This country has long led innovation and ranked high in terms of digital development. It comes as no surprise that digital services are well integrated into Swedish life. The good news is that navigating a digital lifestyle has never been easier than before. A highlight of my experience living here has been becoming digital-savvy in such a natural and smooth way, it all started through the comfort of my phone. So, let me walk you through those must-have apps if you are new in Sweden, you will also discover a bonus recommendation at the end:

Mobile BankID

Of course, this app deserves the first mention. Perhaps you just arrived in Sweden or have plans to relocate here soon, then you need to know what this app is and why this is a part of the digital essentials.

 Mobile BankID is an electronic identification system for smartphones owned by many Swedish and Scandinavian banks. You can use it to verify your identity and log into public digital services such as The Swedish tax agency (Skatteverket) or The Swedish Board of Student Finance (CSN) e-services. A six-digit code connected to your Swedish personal identity number (personnummer) is all that you need. It does ease the pain of having to think of all the user names and passwords you need to log into e-services.

It is definitely an easier and smoother alternative to conventional forms of identification. However, you need to know that in order to obtain your mobile bankID, you must have a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer) and be a customer of one of the banks that issue bankID. You can order Mobile BankID directly from your bank once you open an account. 

Swish

Have you heard the term cashless society? Well, Sweden is the pioneer. Many shops and restaurants in Sweden don’t accept cash, and that is not even a problem because there are digital services that simplify payments. Who wants to pay cash when you can swisha, yes…it is even a verb! It means to instantly pay through your phone.

Swish is the app that will most likely save you from many difficult situations like forgetting your wallet, splitting a bill with friends at a restaurant, or simply buying things online. I get my e-tickets for the bus and metro paying with Swish. 

All you need to do is download the app and connect your phone number to your bank account (A bank participating in the system). You also need to verify your identity every time you wish to transfer, guess how? Correctly, through BankID. 

At this point, it is important to emphasize that you want to plan and prioritize obtaining a Swedish identification number so you don’t have any struggle, including using Swedish digital services. Here is a relevant article from The Newbie Guide to Sweden with helpful advice on how to register for an identity number.

 

 

Kivra

This is perhaps not as known as the previous ones but it is a must-to-download app in Sweden. It’s a digital mailbox for important documents such as income declarations or vaccination certificates from authorities, bills from connected companies that you can pay straight from the app, and grocery or shopping receipts that you can collect in the app instead of printing them.  No more unnecessary paper in your life and no more risk to lose important documents as everything is in one place!

Have a look at Kivra website to know more.

1177 app

The Swedish healthcare guide in your phone. This app is your go-to if you want to find well-sourced information about many diseases and symptoms. It also has log-in functions to access your medical journal, prescriptions, and to find out your nearest healthcare center. Something good to know is that in Sweden if you get sick and are unsure about visiting a healthcare center or hospital, you can call 1177 and receive advice from a nurse, they will determine whether you need to visit a healthcare center or hospital or not. This is a way to make medical services more efficient.

Visit the 1177 website to learn more.

SL app (Public transport apps)

Opting for public transport could be a clever mobility choice. Sustainable and smart mobility is a priority in Sweden, making it easier and smoother to move around. SL app applies only to Stockholm although many cities in Sweden have their own systems working under the same principle of digitalization —SL app for Stockholm, västtraffik app for Göteborg, Skånetrafiken app for Malmö — It took a while for me to digitalize my experience commuting on public transport. Not only can you plan ahead your journey through the app but you can also check real-time departures and get your mobile tickets and mobile travel card. I used to have a physical travel card that I charged monthly. However, physical cards have disadvantages, sometimes I found myself in uncomfortable situations where I forgot my card and realized it just when I was at the bus door (Ouch!). Those days were completely gone when I embraced my mobile travel card and bye-bye plastic card. SL allows you to pay by Swish but you also have bank card payment options.

Smart grocery shopping apps

The Swedish biggest food retailers are also following along with innovation. Self-scan and checkout systems are often what you see in a supermarket in Sweden. Smart grocery shopping may sound a bit intimidating but do not fear! It is designed to meet your needs. I use the ICA app to write my shopping list, find recipes by ingredient, catch up with special offers, activate my self-scan and, self-checkout at the store. I also get all my receipts electronically through Kivra (Oh yes! less paper in my life). These functions have really helped me save time and money! The reason why it is one of my top 3 favorites and part of my home screen. The coop app has similar functions that you can explore as well. If you are hesitating, I highly recommend trying smart shopping, whatever your app choice is… your life will get easier!

Bonus: SV lexikon, SAOL

As a bonus, I would like to share some digital tools that helped me in my Swedish learning process (No, it’s not Duolingo!). What if you could have access to thousands of new Swedish words through your phone? Try these apps:

• SV lexikon: It is a digital dictionary that translates to up to two languages at the same time. For e.g. If you would like to translate to your mother tongue and English. Unlike a regular translator, this app provides syntax and semantics, and examples of use.
• SAOL: If you plan to become an advanced learner, you want to use the word list of the Swedish Academy (Svenska Akademiens ordlista). Here you find a more developed form of nouns, adjectives, and verbs. This app is your go-to if your translation app isn’t enough. 

Embracing a digital life

Part of thriving in this new country was opening my perspective and embracing new ways of living. It makes sense for me as digital development is a way to support sustainability and socio-economic growth. These digital solutions aim to make certain processes more sustainable and hassle-free. It is also important to highlight that navigating a more digital lifestyle does not mean giving up on physical experiences. On a personal note, I decide to stay with apps that give more than it takes. 

I’m curious to know if you find these apps to download in Sweden helpful. Which apps are your favorite ones? Which ones are you planning to download?  Let more newbies know about them in the comments below.

 

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