The exchange rate for Sweden is somewhere around 6.6 kroner per 1 USD.
Upon arrival, and even before arriving I was told that Sweden was expensive. I knew that Sweden was expensive because I was here and remembered it was expensive. But there was still somehow this disconnect. You know, that thing that happens when you are told something, you never realize the profoundness of the statement until you live it yourself (we all learned this growing up - or our parents tried to prevent us from learning this). When I was here last I was in a travel bubble mode. Didn't have to buy the basics, didn't have to think long term and most of what I purchased was frivolous and gifts. So, today was the first day it really hit me, which again I know is silly. Ive sorta kinda sorta pay attention to buying groceries, but after the first 3 items I kinda loose track till the final receipt and quick math is not my forte and it all gets lost in the shuffle. Also, Id expect it to be costly to get me started so I haven't paid much attention
My epiphany today you ask? Contact solution. Something I have to buy once a month or so - something that costs around $12 for 2 bottles of generic brand low shelf stuff or $10 for 1 bottle of high class stuff. Well, here the same stuff cost me $21 for 1 bottle of the high class stuff. BAM! smack in the face - this shits expensive, and so will life here be. It might not be that big of a deal for you if you don't wear contacts - but this is one of the common items in my shopping cart that I hate buying in the US and now I REALLY hate buying it.
There are things I miss (already??). As always its the same story - new country different foods, so you miss those familiar foods. But I haven't even been here that long. Maybe India was so exotic that new foods overwhelmed and entertained for longer. However, here, there are such similarities in types of food. A very meat and potato base country unlike India. Also, in India I didn't cook for myself often. I had an Auntie or the kitchen staff at WII cooking. Now, I'm having to shop and look for food I understand and coming up short. No peanut butter - its been noted already. More on this later.
For now, a sample of a grocery receipt and approximate cost conversions for those of you who are curious:
Please note, I am writing from a computer that does not have the capability of writing some of the letters of the Swedish alphabet. Meaning the "a" with the little circle over it, the "a" with the two dots, and the "o" with the two dots. So my items listed below are not spelled correctly. Additionally, the sales receipt abbreviates and writes names wrong putting spaces where there shouldn't be or leaving out spaces more likely. Also, I've not put the quantity, but recall in the US we tend to buy things big. Most places Ive been do not have the culture of "storage" of food in our homes. So, milk - its sold in 1L only and there are 4L in 1gal (receipt #2). Most items are 500g or less for the quantity, like the brown sugar (receipt #2). Do the math.
Some things to highlight:
notice the cheapest box of tissue kleenex brand for about 80 sheets - $3!!!
Oranges or even apples are $5 per kg - not even a pound but KG! (thats .4kg per 1 lb)
Ive no idea what ny Skor smammorotter really is because I did not buy new screen steering wheels (according to google translator).
I am paying as much for milk as you pay for a gallon of gas in the USA...I haven't even gotten to gas prices here!
Remember in Sweden if you don't bring your grocery bags you have to buy them each time. they do not give out grocery bags!
Here's another example
Oh taco seasoning - $2.00 for a packet of taco seasoning....So, if you are thinking of sending packages - some food items would be greatly appreciated, just ask.
2 bottles of wine 103 kr which is $15 and thats not too bad for wine Ive never heard of or seen and haven't tasted.
Additional warning - if you are planning on coming to Scandinavia - remember Sweden is cheaper than Norway or Finland!
Upon arrival, and even before arriving I was told that Sweden was expensive. I knew that Sweden was expensive because I was here and remembered it was expensive. But there was still somehow this disconnect. You know, that thing that happens when you are told something, you never realize the profoundness of the statement until you live it yourself (we all learned this growing up - or our parents tried to prevent us from learning this). When I was here last I was in a travel bubble mode. Didn't have to buy the basics, didn't have to think long term and most of what I purchased was frivolous and gifts. So, today was the first day it really hit me, which again I know is silly. Ive sorta kinda sorta pay attention to buying groceries, but after the first 3 items I kinda loose track till the final receipt and quick math is not my forte and it all gets lost in the shuffle. Also, Id expect it to be costly to get me started so I haven't paid much attention
My epiphany today you ask? Contact solution. Something I have to buy once a month or so - something that costs around $12 for 2 bottles of generic brand low shelf stuff or $10 for 1 bottle of high class stuff. Well, here the same stuff cost me $21 for 1 bottle of the high class stuff. BAM! smack in the face - this shits expensive, and so will life here be. It might not be that big of a deal for you if you don't wear contacts - but this is one of the common items in my shopping cart that I hate buying in the US and now I REALLY hate buying it.
There are things I miss (already??). As always its the same story - new country different foods, so you miss those familiar foods. But I haven't even been here that long. Maybe India was so exotic that new foods overwhelmed and entertained for longer. However, here, there are such similarities in types of food. A very meat and potato base country unlike India. Also, in India I didn't cook for myself often. I had an Auntie or the kitchen staff at WII cooking. Now, I'm having to shop and look for food I understand and coming up short. No peanut butter - its been noted already. More on this later.
For now, a sample of a grocery receipt and approximate cost conversions for those of you who are curious:
Please note, I am writing from a computer that does not have the capability of writing some of the letters of the Swedish alphabet. Meaning the "a" with the little circle over it, the "a" with the two dots, and the "o" with the two dots. So my items listed below are not spelled correctly. Additionally, the sales receipt abbreviates and writes names wrong putting spaces where there shouldn't be or leaving out spaces more likely. Also, I've not put the quantity, but recall in the US we tend to buy things big. Most places Ive been do not have the culture of "storage" of food in our homes. So, milk - its sold in 1L only and there are 4L in 1gal (receipt #2). Most items are 500g or less for the quantity, like the brown sugar (receipt #2). Do the math.
Some things to highlight:
notice the cheapest box of tissue kleenex brand for about 80 sheets - $3!!!
Oranges or even apples are $5 per kg - not even a pound but KG! (thats .4kg per 1 lb)
Ive no idea what ny Skor smammorotter really is because I did not buy new screen steering wheels (according to google translator).
I am paying as much for milk as you pay for a gallon of gas in the USA...I haven't even gotten to gas prices here!
Remember in Sweden if you don't bring your grocery bags you have to buy them each time. they do not give out grocery bags!
Here's another example
Oh taco seasoning - $2.00 for a packet of taco seasoning....So, if you are thinking of sending packages - some food items would be greatly appreciated, just ask.
2 bottles of wine 103 kr which is $15 and thats not too bad for wine Ive never heard of or seen and haven't tasted.
Additional warning - if you are planning on coming to Scandinavia - remember Sweden is cheaper than Norway or Finland!
Woah!! I'm not even going to begin to convert it to the Rupee!
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