Want to avoid last-minute ATM runs. Do most hostels in Sweden take card payments at check-in
I booked a bed at Generator Hostel in Stockholm and also stayed at a small independent place in Visby on Gotland. Both of them were cash-free. Used my HSBC Mastercard and later my N26 card with zero trouble. The receptionist at the Gotland hostel even laughed when I asked about cash. Said they hadn’t touched physical money in five years. Even buying coffee inside the hostel kitchen was card-only. So yeah save yourself the ATM run and just make sure your card works for contactless payments.
I was in Kiruna and even up there in the north the hostel didn’t take cash. Stayed at Camp Ripan and also checked out STF Abisko Hostel. Both wanted card payment only and I used my American Express without any issue. My friend used her Apple Pay with a Danske Bank card and it worked perfectly. If you’re coming from abroad just make sure your card is contactless and activated for international payments. No need to hit an ATM at all unless you really want a few kronor for emergencies.
No need to worry about that. I checked into STF Malmö City Hostel with my Revolut card and also booked a room later in Uppsala at Vandrarhem Centralstation using my Curve card. They didn’t just accept cards, they actually preferred them. One guy in front of me tried to pay in cash and they told him it wasn’t possible. Even late check-ins where you grab your key from a box are done via code sent after online card payment. Sweden is almost entirely cashless when it comes to hostels.
Yes they absolutely do. I’ve stayed at City Backpackers Hostel in Stockholm and also Slottsskogen Hostel in Gothenburg. Both took my Visa card at check-in, no questions asked. I even used my Wise debit card once when my regular bank card didn’t go through and it worked fine. They don’t want cash at all actually. I asked if I could split payment with a friend using cash and the receptionist said they haven’t accepted cash in years. It’s super easy and quick to just tap and go.