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How do you activate or top up a prepaid SIM card in Sweden?

Registration first, then top-up options and validity rules.

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Short answer

You activate a Swedish prepaid card by registering it with an identity check, and then you top it up with a plan online, in the operator's app or at a reseller. Comviq says you must register before topping up, and Telia says its card stays valid as long as it is used or topped up.

Telecom and internet providers in Stockholm Illustration of a smartphone with signal bars, a SIM card and a Wi-Fi symbol

Why

  1. Comviq says that before you can call, receive calls or surf you need to top up, and that a card bought from a reseller must be registered by you before you can top it up.
  2. Comviq lists three ways to top up: in the Comviq app, on comviq.se, or with a voucher bought from a reseller.
  3. According to Telia, you can pay with Swish or card on telia.se/ladda or in the Mitt Telia app, and top up at Pressbyrån, 7-Eleven, OKQ8, Coop, Hemköp and ATG shops.

Details

Telia says an unused card is ended after 12 months, then paused for one month during which a top-up reactivates it. Comviq says a card without an active plan moves to Bas and 1.50 kr a day is deducted from the balance. For paying in shops, see paying by card, Swish or cash, and find operators under telecom and internet providers in Stockholm.

Tip

Register the card first and top up second. If a reseller registers the card at the counter, you can often top up straight after, since Comviq says many resellers help with registration at purchase.

What may differ

Plan types differ: Telia lists Fastpris, Saldo and Surf plus Utland and Årskort, and Comviq lists Fastpris, Amigos, Boost and others. Prepaid plans have different validity, from days to a year, so check the plan before you buy.

Common misconception

You can top up and use a prepaid card right after buying it in a kiosk.

What actually happens

Comviq says you must register a card bought at a reseller yourself before you can top it up and start using it, although many resellers can help with registration at purchase.

People also ask

  • How do I activate a prepaid SIM card in Sweden?
  • How do I top up a Swedish prepaid SIM?

Sources

Prices and fees change, so check the operators' own price pages before you buy.

Telecom and internet providers in Stockholm
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