Gotland Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Communication Setup

Sweden's mobile network coverage is very good. Major providers include Telia, Tele2, and Telenor. Comviq is a budget option for prepaid SIM cards.

Aspects

Prepaid SIM cards are often available at kiosks like Pressbyrån or 7-Eleven.
PEOPLE from the eu/eea benefit from "Roam like at home" rules.
Verify your phone is unlocked before travel.

Internet & Connectivity

Internet access is widespread on Gotland. Most hotels, cafes, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi for their patrons.

Options for Access

Public Wi-Fi shows up in central Visby areas.
An eSIM for Sweden offers digital data plan activation without a physical card. (Airalo eSIMs)
Portable Wi-Fi devices offer another option. (Solis Wi-Fi)

Language & Translation

Swedish holds status as the official language. English is widely spoken, especially by younger generations and those as part of tourism.

Language Aids

Significant language barriers are rare, especially in Visby.
A Translation app like Google Translate assists with signs, menus, or conversations.
Language learning platforms aid in preparation. (Rosetta Stone)

Important Phrases

Learning a few basic Swedish phrases demonstrates courtesy.

Common Expressions

Hello: Hej (pronounced "hey")
Thank you: Tack (pronounced "tahk")
Excuse me: Ursäkta (pronounced "oor-shek-ta")

Postal Services

Mail Information

PostNord is Sweden's national postal service.
Traditional post offices are less common.
Postal services integrate into major grocery stores or kiosks (ICA or Coop stores).
Stamps and postcard sending are available at this group of locations.

Flight Compensation

For flight delays, cancellations, or refused entry onto the plane.
Service available for compensation claims. (Compensair)
Assistance with claim processes.
Lounge access for frequent travelers. (Priority Pass)

Communication Tip

For non-EU/EEA citizens, buying a local prepaid SIM card is a common and economical choice for data and calls.

Business Hours & Schedules

Business hours on Gotland change with the season and establishment type.

Shops

Weekdays 10:00-18:00/19:00, Saturdays 10:00-16:00/17:00. Many smaller shops close Sundays. Supermarkets often open 08:00-21:00 or later.

Restaurants

Lunch STARTING at 11:00-14:00. Dinner 17:00/18:00 onwards. Many close between lunch and dinner. Some outside Visby limit hours in low season.

Attractions

Hours vary greatly by season. Peak season (June-August) brings extended hours, low season brings shorter or no hours. Consult websites.

Banking & ATMs

Traditional bank branches typically operate on weekdays. Sweden is largely a cashless society.

Access to Funds

Bank branches are usually open 10:00-15:00/16:00.
Cash is often not needed for transactions.
ATMs (Bankomat) are present in Visby and larger towns.

Holidays & Seasonal Changes

Major Swedish holidays greatly influence business hours and public services.

Plan Ahead

Holidays include Midsummer, Christmas, New Year, and Easter.
Businesses may close or offer reduced hours on these days.
Many tourist businesses on Gotland close or have very limited hours in low season (Oct-Apr).

Navigating Low Season

Considerations

Low season brings a quieter atmosphere.
More diligent arrangement for dining and activities is advisable.
Some establishments might close completely for winter.

Planning Suggestions

Always check specific attraction websites for current opening times.
Verify restaurant hours if dining outside Visby in off-peak times.
Some tours may not operate outside summer.

Business Hours Reminder

Public holidays often bring reduced business hours; plan accordingly if your visit includes these dates.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Familiarity with Gotland's etiquette fosters smoother interactions.

Greeting Customs

A simple "Hej" (hello) suffices for most interactions. A handshake is a common greeting for formal introductions.

Social Interactions

Swedes appear less effusive with greetings than some other cultures.
Subtlety in communication is generally valued.
A polite demeanor is appreciated.

Appropriate Attire

Casual and comfortable clothing works for most settings on Gotland. For upscale restaurants, smart casual attire suits the occasion.

Dressing for Occasions

Modest dress (dressing modestly) exhibits courtesy when visiting churches.
While not strictly enforced, modest dress shows respect in religious sites.
Comfortable shoes are a good choice for exploring cobbled streets.

Dining & Tipping

In most sit-down restaurants, waiting to be seated is common. Tipping is not mandatory, as service charges often feature in the bill.

Meal Practices

Rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount (5-10%) for good service is a kind gesture.
Self-service for coffee/tea and water often occurs.
A water carafe and glasses for customers is common.

Photography Ethics

Photographing public places plus vistas is generally fine. Courtesy toward privacy is important when photographing individuals.

Guidelines for Photos

Always ask for permission before taking someone's picture, especially children.
Some museums or religious sites may have specific rules for taking pictures; observe signs.
Respect private property signs.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Avoid These

Avoid discussing personal finances.
Avoid loud or boisterous behavior in public.
Directness can sometimes appear abrupt.

Important Inclusivity

Sweden is a very progressive and egalitarian society.
LGBTQ+ rights are strong; Gotland is generally welcoming.
Expect an environment of equality and mutual regard.

Religious Site Etiquette

General Conduct

Gotland's medieval churches stay as active religious sites.
Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor inside.
Silence cell phones.

Photography at Sites

Some churches possess certain rules regarding photography.
Look for signs indicating "no flash" or "no photography during services."
Always observe posted rules.

Cultural Courtesy

A simple "Tack" (thank you) makes a positive impression and goes a long way in dealings.

Accessibility Information

Travelers with considerations for mobility or other special needs find varied accessibility on Gotland.

Infrastructure Considerations

Visby's medieval city center, with its cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, and narrow alleys, has challenges.

Navigating Visby

Wheelchairs and strollers may encounter difficulty.
Some historic buildings may lack ramps or lifts.
Outside the city wall, infrastructure is generally more modern and accessible.

Accessible Transportation & Attractions

Many public buses on Gotland are wheelchair accessible, often with ramps or lifts. Newer ferries to Gotland are also designed to be accessible.

Points of Access

The Gotland Museum generally has accessible facilities.
Climbing the Visby City Wall is not an accessible activity.
Always check specific attraction websites or contact them for detailed accessibility information.

Support for Impairments

While specific tourism services for the visually or hearing impaired might show limitations, public facilities in Sweden generally consider accessibility.

Assistance Information

Assistance dogs typically receive permission.
Swedish public services are designed with accessibility.
Check with individual venues for specific aids.

Accessibility Resources

For current and detailed accessibility information, contact the local Visby Tourist Information Center (Gotland.com) directly.

Where to Find Help

They furnish specific details about accessible attractions, routes, and services.
Relevant organizations in Sweden focusing on accessible travel may also offer resources.
Contact prior to arrival for best planning.

Visby Navigation

When in Visby's old town, consider planning your routes. Taking a slightly longer path on a smoother street often skirts difficult cobbled sections.

Gotland Travel Tips