Culture & rules
Everyday etiquette: time, queues and privacy
Being on time, taking a queue number, booking ahead and giving people space — small habits that make daily life smoother.
Habits to know
| Habit | In practice |
|---|---|
| Punctuality | Arrive on time for appointments, meetings and dinners. A few minutes late? Send a message. |
| Queue numbers | At pharmacies, post offices and service desks, take a number (*kölapp*) from the machine and wait to be called. |
| Booking ahead | Doctors, hairdressers, authorities and even friends’ visits are booked in advance. |
| Personal space | People keep a little distance, on buses too. Silence with strangers is normal, not rude. |
| Privacy | Questions about salary, religion or family plans can feel personal to Swedes — let them come up naturally. |
| Shoes off | Take your shoes off when entering a home. |
| Equality | Men and women share housework and parental leave; women in leadership are normal. |