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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Sweden?

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We asked people in Sweden if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...

"It is important to be aware of cultural differences when visiting Sweden. It is important to be respectful of Swedish customs and traditions. It is considered rude to be late for appointments or social engagements, so it is important to be punctual. It is also important to dress appropriately for the occasion, as Swedes tend to dress more formally than in other countries. It is also important to be aware of the Swedish concept of 'lagom', which means 'not too much, not too little', and to be mindful of not being too loud or intrusive in public. It is also important to be aware of the Swedish concept of 'jantelagen', which is a set of unwritten rules that emphasize the importance of equality and modesty. Finally, it is important to be aware of the Swedish concept of 'fika', which is a social coffee break, and to be respectful of this tradition," commented one expat who made the move to Sweden.

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Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

"Yes, when I first drove to my boy friends home from the airport, I turned onto a huge bike path. I had no idea it wasn't part of the road. There wasn't a sign or anything painted identifying that area was for bikes only. eeek," remarked another expat in Karlstad, Sweden.

Other Questions:

What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Sweden?

If you live in Sweden, newcomers to Sweden would love to hear your answer to this question.

If your answer relates to a specific city or town in Sweden, please include the name of the city/town below:


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Traveling Mailbox lets you view your postal mail online anywhere and it's is affordable, simple, and flexible.
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Traveling Mailbox lets you view your postal mail online anywhere and it's is affordable, simple, and flexible.
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William Russell
William Russell

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