#3 Taking a Taxi｜Swedish Daily Life Phrases
Haruno NAVIA
#18 Buying a Mobile SIM Card | Swedish Shopping Phrases
Haruno
When you stay abroad or plan a longer stay, you may need to purchase a local SIM card.
In Sweden, you can buy SIM cards at airports, mobile phone shops, or electronics stores. Various plans are available depending on your length of stay and how you intend to use your phone.
In this article, I explain useful Swedish expressions that will help you when buying a SIM card, including phrases for checking plans and deciding on a purchase.
Contents
Dialogue
Hej. Jag letar efter ett SIM-kort för min vistelse här i Sverige.
（Hello. I am looking for a SIM card for my stay here in Sweden.）
Okej. Hur länge planerar du att stanna, och hur mycket data behöver du?
（Alright. How long do you plan to stay, and how much data do you need?）
Jag stannar i två veckor och använder mest internet, inte så mycket samtal.
（I will be staying for two weeks and mainly use the internet, not calls very much.）
I så fall kan jag rekommendera vårt kontantkort med 20 GB data.
（In that case, I can recommend our prepaid SIM card with 20 GB of data.）
Ingår SMS också?
（Are SMS messages included as well?）
Ja, det går bra att använda den utan problem.
（Yes, you can use it without any problems.）
Det låter bra. Då tar jag det.
（That sounds good. I will take it.）
1. Telling the Staff You Are Looking for a SIM Card
When you enter the shop, you should first let the staff know that you are considering buying a SIM card.
- Jag letar efter ett SIM-kort för min vistelse här i Sverige.
(I am looking for a SIM card for my stay in Sweden.)
The phrase “letar efter” means “to be looking for” and clearly expresses your purpose for visiting the shop.
By adding “för min vistelse” (for my stay), you make it easier for the staff to suggest a suitable plan, whether for a short-term or long-term stay.
Similar expressions include:
- Jag behöver ett SIM-kort.
(I need a SIM card.) - Jag skulle vilja köpa ett SIM-kort.
(I would like to buy a SIM card.)
2. Explaining Your Length of Stay and Usage Needs
When choosing a SIM card, your length of stay and intended usage are important factors.
For this reason, staff will often ask questions such as:
- Hur länge planerar du att stanna?
(How long do you plan to stay?) - Hur mycket data behöver du?
(How much data do you need?)
Typical responses from you include:
- Jag stannar i två veckor.
(I am staying for two weeks.) - Jag använder mest internet.
(I mainly use the internet.)
The word “mest” means “mostly” or “mainly” and helps you describe your usage clearly.
Additional useful expressions:
- Inte så mycket samtal.
(I do not use calls very much.) - Jag behöver data för kartor och sociala medier.
(I need data for maps and social media.)
Providing these details allows the staff to make a more accurate recommendation.
3. Checking the Details of the Plan
When a plan is suggested, you should confirm what services are included and where the SIM card can be used.
- Ingår SMS också?
(Are SMS messages included as well?)
The verb “ingår” means “to be included” and is essential when discussing SIM cards and pricing plans.
Other useful questions include:
- Hur mycket data ingår?
(How much data is included?) - Gäller det i hela EU?
(Is it valid throughout the EU?)
The verb “gäller” means “to be valid” or “to apply,” and is used when confirming the coverage area.
4. Expressing Your Decision to Buy
Once you are satisfied with the conditions, you should clearly express your decision to purchase.
- Då tar jag det.
(In that case, I will take it.)
The word “då” means “then” or “in that case,” and is commonly used when finalizing a purchase.
Other possible expressions include:
- Det passar bra för mig.
(That works well for me.) - Jag bestämmer mig för det här.
(I decide on this one.)
Summary
- Jag letar efter ett SIM-kort …
→ An expression used to state your purpose when buying a SIM card. - Hur mycket data behöver du?
→ A key question for choosing the right plan. - Ingår … ?
→ A phrase used to check pricing and included services. - Då tar jag det.
→ A clear expression used to finalize your purchase.
