Sweden business travel information

Doing business in Sweden

Sweden is one of the world leaders in telecom, computers, electronics, robotics, pharmaceutical and medical products and biotech, Sweden is regularly listed as top in the world in terms of high-tech readiness and receptivity. Swedes are leaders in implementing e-government, and high-tech sectors like security ID systems, fossil free alternative energy, and nano-technology are well developed in Sweden.

Sweden has one of the most open and competitive markets in the world, ranking only behind the U.S.A. and Finland in the International Competitiveness Ranking.

Sweden has a domestic auto, truck, and aviation industry with significant foreign investments and partnerings. Sweden is seen as a perfect test market, although a very expensive one, because of the fact that Swedes are "early adaptors", being quick to start or follow trends. Sweden is home to more multinational corporations per capita than any other country in the world and is considered a headquarters base for the Nordic countries. Selling to Sweden improves the possibility to sell to all of the northern european coutries. With a high income per capita and a combined Nordic market of 27 million, the economy reflects the 10th largest economy in the world.

Prices are high in Sweden, which offers both an opportunity in terms of new product pricing, and challenges in terms of the cost of doing business. Generally speaking, labor laws create an expensive market for labor, making operations like franchising a challenge. On the other hand, Sweden is one of the most cost-efficient countries in the world for design, research and development because of the relatively low cost of scientists and engineers and top-notch research facilities.

Individual tax rates are about the highest in the world, but corporate taxes are medium for Europe with 28 percent and a VAT rate of 25 percent applicable for the import or sale of products anytime products change hands. Taxes have been reduced under the new government.

Product tip: There are also nice looking laptop bags on the market! A laptop bag doesn’t have to be a dull conservative black bag. There are lot’s of great looking bags on the market these days. Special laptop bags with the protection that is needed for your laptop but also with nice designs in models and materials.

In case of emergencies

Before you go on your business trip to , Sweden you should always get a travel insurance with a complete coverage.

Make sure your health care insurance is sufficiently covered.
Maybe this is already covered in your regular health care insurance but often you will need to cover this with the travel insurance. Also a good travel insurance should cover the costs of travel for a relative in case of seriously illness or an accident.

The business trip travel insurance should also cover the costs of search, rescue and repatriation.
When you go on business trips on a regular basis, the easiest way to get insured is with an annual multi-trip insurance.

Keep in mind that you can also use this insurance for your pleasure trips so don`t forget to include to insure your leisure activities.

Dial 112 for emergency assistance from police, fire brigade, ambulance etc.
Emergency calls from pay phones are free of charge.

Business Etiquette and Protocol

If your are planning a business trip to Sweden it is a good idea to know at least a little about the culture and etiquette in Sweden. Use these business etiquette tips as a guideline only. There are too many social, personal and business nuances in Sweden to be considered. There is no uniform approach possible for all occasions.
For more in-depth information I suggest you buy and read the "Global Business Etiquettes" book.

• Communication:
  Use formal names, professional and academic titles.
  The Swedes are very direct, do not confuse this with rudeness.
  Never interrupt somebody.
  Dress formal and conservative.
  


• Meetings and negotiations:
  When making appointments use the 24-hour clock time format to avoid misunderstandings.
  Be very punctual, if you suspect you will late, call and explain the situation.
  Never cancel a meeting at the last minute.
  Shake hands with everyone upon arriving at the meeting and leaving.
  Remain standing until invited to sit down or others do so.
  Almost no time is spent to getting to know you before the business conversation begins. Move directly to business.
  Agenda’s are strictly followed. There is no room for off-topic talk
  Keep your presentation very detailed, to the point, accurate and precise, do not exaggerate.
  Follow up a meeting with a letter or an e-mail with all agreements outlined.
  


• Table manners:
  If unsure on how to behave, mimic the behavior of others.
  Wait until you are appointed a seat.
  Avoid alcohol if possible, otherwise drink little.
  If making a toast, stand up.
  Put a napkin on your lap, eat not too much but finish your plate.
  Keep your hands above the table when eating.
  After finishing your plate lay your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles to the right.
  Thank your host at the end of the meal.
  

Some phrases in Swedish

Swedish is a North Germanic language, spoken by approximately 10 million people, predominantly in Sweden and parts of Finland, especially along the coast and on the Åland islands. It is to a considerable extent mutually intelligible with Norwegian and to a lesser extent with Danish.

Although in business everyone in Sweden speaks English, some Swedish phrases can always come in hand....

Hello	God dag
How are you?	Hur är det?
I’m fine, thanks. And you?	Bara bra tack. Och du?
What’s your name?	Vad heter du?
My name is ...	Jag heter ...
Pleased to meet you	Angenämt
Good morning	God morgon
Good afternoon	God eftermiddag
Good evening	God kväll
Good night	God natt
Goodbye	Hej då
Cheers/Good health!	Skål!
Bon appetit	Smaklig måltid!
Have a nice day	Ha en trevlig dag!
I don’t understand	Jag förstår inte
Please write it down	Skulle du kunna skriva ned det åt mig?
How do you say ... in Swedish?	Hur säger man ... på svenska?
How much is this?	Hur mycket kostar det?
Thank you	Tack så mycket
You’re welcome	Det var så lite
Where’s the toilet?	Var är toaletten?
Yes / No	Ja / Nej