Do you want to make any online purchases in Sweden but don’t have a bank ID or find your credit card transaction fees too high? Here’s how I managed my transactions online:
I wanted to buy a good rice cooker through Amazon but couldn’t make any transaction with my Swedish credit card. Knowing that my Visa MasterCard would charge an extremely high currency exchange rate and an international transaction fee, I needed a new way to get through this. After doing some research, I found the most effective and low-cost method: gift cards!
Through gift cards, you can make purchases online, especially on Amazon, as well as on Netflix, Spotify, and H&M. These online gift cards can save you from enormous transaction fees.
So where can you buy them? Everywhere! In supermarkets, convenience stores, and so on. I had quite a journey looking for them because I went to all the supermarkets and convenience stores (7-Eleven) nearby but couldn’t find any. It turns out they were available at ICA and Pressbyrån. If you’re in a hurry, Pressbyrån has the longest working hours. This is the fastest way, but they charge five Kronas as a card fee. ICA doesn’t charge any extra fees; you just get the estimated amount you need. First, buy an Amazon gift card and add the desired amount to the card within the specified range. Then log into Amazon and enter the code. You just need to scratch the card with a coin to reveal the serial numbers.
If your order is successfully made, now comes the most exciting part: delivery! There are a few options for delivery.
Cheap option: Get it delivered to the nearest pick-up spot. It is usually delivered to convenience stores or similar places. You’ll receive a notification when it arrives, usually within two weeks. Remember, you’ll need an ID to collect your parcel. I tried to use my residence card, but they don’t accept it as valid ID. You’ll need a passport or Swedish ID. They are very strict about valid IDs. I’ve begged them, saying, “Can I give you my personal ID? Can you check one more time with my card?” but nothing worked. Swedish rules are strict. Sadly, I had to go back home empty-handed. Also, make sure checking the store’s opening and closing times. I was used to 24-hour services or stores open until 10 PM back home, but here they close at seven, depending on the store.
A funny thing to note is that if you order multiple items from different sellers in amazon, you might end up picking up parcels from different places. I ordered two items and had to collect them from two different locations, so be careful when checking out!
Home delivery option: With this option, the parcel will be delivered to your door. It might differ by delivery company, but parcels I’ve received so far were delivered without requiring a signature or my presence. They were left in front of my door. It’s a trustworthy society here!
In conclusion, navigating online purchases in Sweden without a bank ID or dealing with high credit card fees can be challenging, but there are effective alternatives. Using gift cards for platforms like Amazon, Netflix, Spotify, and H&M can help you avoid hefty transaction fees. These cards are widely available in stores like ICA and Pressbyrån, making them accessible. While collecting your parcels, ensure you have a valid ID and be mindful of store hours. Opting for home delivery can also provide convenience. By leveraging these methods, you can enjoy a seamless and cost-effective online shopping experience in Sweden.