In Sweden, cash is legal tender under the Sveriges Riksbank Act. Essentially, this means that they should be able to be used for payment. At the same time, there is freedom of contract, which means that, for example, businesses or restaurants can, in most cases, decide which methods of payment they accept. A shop can therefore, in principle, refuse to accept cash altogether, or refuse to accept certain denominations, such as coins or 1,000-krona notes. It is therefore important for customers to be given information in advance, for example via a sign at the entrance.
However, from 1 July 2026, a new law will come into force requiring food shops and pharmacies, with certain exceptions, to accept cash. This means that freedom of contract has been restricted in these areas.
According to a ruling by the Supreme Administrative Court (2015), patient charges within the publicly funded healthcare system must also be payable in cash.
However, from 1 July 2026, a new law will come into force requiring food shops and pharmacies, with certain exceptions, to accept cash. This means that freedom of contract has been restricted in these areas.
According to a ruling by the Supreme Administrative Court (2015), patient charges within the publicly funded healthcare system must also be payable in cash.