United States of America to Sweden
Traveling from United States of America to Sweden? You'll need an adapter, and a voltage converter for the 110V difference.
Need an Adapter?
Yes! Yes, you need a Type A/B to Type C/F adapter
Need a Voltage Converter?
Yes β 230V can damage single-voltage United States of America devices
π Why This Route Matters
Traveling from United States of America to Sweden means crossing more than just time zones. You're entering a completely different electrical ecosystem. Type A/B (United States of America) and Type C/F (Sweden) are fundamentally different plug shapes. The bigger issue is voltage: United States of America runs 120V while Sweden operates at 230V. That's a 110V difference that can fry sensitive electronics. National dish: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Turning%20torso%20by%20night1.jpg. A little preparation goes a long way on this route.
Side-by-Side Comparison β‘
π― What Locals Know (That Tourists Don't)
- β¦Uses 24H time format (e.g., 23:00)
- β¦Temperature measured in Celsius (Β°C)
- β¦Electrical system uses 230V at 50Hz with Type C/F plugs
- β¦Tap water is safe to drink in most areas
- β¦Most Sweden hotels have a limited number of adapters at the front desk. Ask early.
- β¦Hair dryers and curling irons are the most common casualties of voltage mismatches. Check device labels.
What You Need for This Trip π§³
Plug Adapter
RequiredUnited States of America's Type A/B plugs won't fit Sweden's Type C/F outlets.
Voltage Converter
May Be RequiredSweden uses 230V vs United States of America's 120V. Most modern electronics handle this automatically.
Airport & Arrival Tip
ARN is your first stop, and potentially your first charging opportunity. Look for dedicated device charging kiosks in the arrivals hall (some require payment, others are free). If you forgot an adapter, check duty-free shops before overpriced gate kiosks. Prices vary wildly. If taking public transit, save your battery. You'll need GPS for navigation. Check into your hotel/Airbnb first before exploring. Test your adapters and charge devices fully.
Packing Advice
Pack both a plug adapter (Type A/B to Type C/F) AND a voltage converter (120V to 230V). You'll need both. All-in-one adapters with built-in USB charging are worth the investment for frequent travelers. A 10,000-20,000 mAh power bank is essential. It's enough to fully charge a phone 2-3 times during long days out. A small cable organizer pouch prevents tangled messes and makes airport security checks easier. Hair dryers are heavy and voltage-sensitive. Hotels in Sweden almost always provide them. Pack adapters in your carry-on. You might need to charge during layovers or if checked luggage is delayed.
Seasonal Considerations
Different seasons in Sweden mean different charging priorities and power challenges. **Summer travel:** Hot weather drains phone batteries faster than you'd expect. Keep devices cool when possible. **Winter travel:** Hotels crank up heating, creating dry air that can cause static. Be gentle with device charging. **Holiday season:** Holiday season means packed accommodations. Claiming outlets early is strategic. Seasonal extremes (hot summers, cold winters) impact battery performance more than most travelers expect.