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Mobile Phone Service #

You must provide staff with a phone number where you can be reached. Some students choose to purchase an international plan from their current provider, while others purchase a Swedish SIM card and plan while in Stockholm. Many students use free services such as WhatsApp or Facetime to reduce costs while staying in touch with friends and family.

Swedish mobile service tend to be less expensive than American plans, typically costing $15–$35 per month depending on data use. Another advantage is that EU law requires Swedish mobile providers to allow you to use your Swedish plan without roaming charges in any other EU country that you may visit.

In order to use a Swedish SIM card, your phone must be unlocked for global use. Before departure, please contact your current mobile service provider to ensure that your phone is unlocked. We recommend doing this even if you believe your phone is already unlocked. (You can purchase an unlocked phone upon arrival in Stockholm, but please be aware that most smartphones are more expensive in Sweden than in the US.)

Swedish SIM Cards #

Phones with a Physical Sim Card Slot: Comviq #

Your Welcome Kit includes a gift card for the convenience store Pressbyrån. Use the gift card to buy a SIM card (SIM-kort) and voucher for a prepaid plan (värdebevis) so that you can contact staff and use navigational apps during orientation. We recommend buying a SIM card and “Fastpris 145” voucher from the mobile operator Comviq. Comviq’s “Fastpris 145” plan includes a Swedish phone number, 5 GB of data, and unlimited calls and texts to Swedish numbers valid for 30 days. Comviq also offers other plans at different price points that include international calling and texting. You can review plan options on Comviq’s website (in Swedish) or at Pressbyrån.

Phones with eSIM: Airalo #

If your device does not support a physical SIM card, Airalo offers international data plans to eSIM users. To use Airalo, your device must be carrier-unlocked and eSIM-compatible. Airalo offers data plans only and does not provide a Swedish phone number. Your data plan can be used for internet-based call and messaging apps (such as Whatsapp, iMessage, or Facetime), but not for traditional phone service. Some devices will allow you to use multiple SIMs and/or eSIMs simultaneously, enabling users to use their home network SIM for calls and texts, and their eSIM for data.

Airalo’s data plans range from 1–20 GBs with a validity period of 7–30 days. Once the plan expires, it can be topped up through the Airalo app or website. If you plan to travel during the semester, Airalo also offers regional data plans valid for use in 39 European countries, and global data plans valid for use in 124 countries around the world.

Using Comviq #

Verify Your Identity #

Swedish law requires that all SIM cards must be registered to a verified owner before use. Your SIM card will not work until it has been registered. The easiest way to register your SIM card is to simply ask the clerk at Pressbyrån to help you register the card when you make your purchase. You will need to present your passport to verify your identity. Alternatively, you can register your Comviq SIM card online. Enter the ICCID number for your SIM card, select “Sign with Veriff” and click “Sign with photo ID.”

Activate Your Plan #

After your SIM card is registered, follow these steps to activate your plan:

  1. Insert the SIM card into your phone. If your phone uses an eSIM and does not have a physical slot for the SIM card, it is not possible to activate a Comviq plan.
  2. Locate the kod (activation code) on your receipt as shown in the photo. Open the dial pad and enter *110*code# (replacing “code” with the activation code on your receipt).
  3. Press the call button as if to initiate a phone call. If successful, a gray screen will appear with the message, Ditt kontantkort kommer inom kort att fyllas på (Your plan will load shortly).
  4. Restart your phone. Your plan should now be active.

If you don’t have service after restarting your phone, try again and make sure to enter all of the characters exactly as written, including the * and # symbols. If you need additional assistance, please contact Comviq for help (see Comviq Customer Service).

Reloading Your Plan #

Most students continue to purchase pay-as-you-go plan from Comviq throughout the semester. To do so, purchase a new voucher from a Comviq retailer such as 7-Eleven, Pressbyrån, or ICA and follow the activation steps above to load your new plan. You can review plan options on Comviq’s website (in Swedish) or in person at Comviq retailers.

Comviq Customer Service #

If have questions or problems with your Comviq mobile phone service, please contact their customer service team. Comviq’s web chat service is usually the fastest way to get help. The web chat is open Tuesday–Friday from 9:00–17:00 and on Saturdays from 9:00–15:00. Follow these instructions to start a web chat:

  1. Go to https://www.comviq.se/hjalp.
  2. Scroll down and click Chatta med oss.
  3. When the chat window pops up, select Jag har inte Bank ID, and enter your question in English.

You can also contact Comviq’s customer service by calling 077-221 21 21 (Monday–Friday from 9:00–17:00) or emailing [email protected] (responses may take 3-4 business days).

Using Airalo #

Check back soon.