If you are investigating the two-letter code SE, you are referring to the official international abbreviation for a major European nation.
SE is the ISO 3166-1 Alpha-2 code for Sweden (officially the Kingdom of Sweden). This code is widely used for domains (.se) and data identification, but the mandatory telephone prefix required for placing a call is +46.
This comprehensive guide details the correct dialing procedure, lists the major city codes in Sweden, and provides essential information on the time zone for effective communication.
The +46 Country Code: Sweden
Sweden utilizes a numbering plan where domestic area codes (for fixed lines) and mobile prefixes often begin with a leading zero (‘0’). This zero must always be omitted when dialing from outside the country.
Key Facts About Sweden’s Codes
| Detail | Information |
| ISO Alpha-2 Code | SE (Sweden) |
| International Dialing Code | +46 |
| Capital City | Stockholm |
| Time Zone | Central European Time (CET) – UTC+1:00 (Observes Daylight Saving Time) |
| Key Dialing Rule | Always omit the leading zero (0) in the area or mobile code. |
How to Correctly Dial a Number in Sweden
The key to a successful international call to Sweden is replacing the domestic trunk prefix (the leading ‘0’) with the country code +46.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions (Example from the US/Canada)
- Dial the Exit Code: Dial 011 (the standard US/Canada exit code) or use the plus sign + on a mobile phone.
- Dial the Country Code: Dial 46.
- Dial the Area Code/Mobile Prefix: Omit the leading ‘0’ from the national code.
- Dial the Local Number: Dial the remaining subscriber number.
Full Examples:
| To Call | National Number Format | International Dialing Format |
| Stockholm Landline | (08) XXX XXXX | 011 – 46 – 8 – XXX XXXX |
| Gothenburg Landline | (031) XXX XXX | 011 – 46 – 31 – XXX XXX |
| Mobile Phone | 07X XXX XXXX | 011 – 46 – 7X – XXX XXXX |
Key City Codes (Fixed Lines)
The length of the city code determines the length of the rest of the local number.
- Stockholm: 8
- Gothenburg: 31
- Malmö: 40
- Uppsala: 18
Time Zone and International Call Considerations
Time Zone
Sweden observes Central European Time (CET), which is UTC+1:00 during Standard Time and UTC+2:00 during Daylight Saving Time (CEST).
- Time Difference: Sweden is typically 6 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time (EST/EDT).
Safety and Scam Risk
While Sweden is not a known source of major international scams, you should always treat unsolicited international calls with caution.
- Toll-Free Numbers: Note that Swedish domestic toll-free numbers (beginning with 020) are not reachable from outside Sweden; companies typically provide a standard geographic or 077 number for international contact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is +46 used for both mobile phones and landlines in Sweden?
Yes. The +46 country code is used for all numbers—both mobile and landline—in Sweden. The number after the +46 indicates whether it’s a mobile prefix (070, 072, etc.) or a geographic area code (8, 31, 40, etc.).
What is the Swedish emergency number?
The universal emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance services in Sweden is 112.
Do I need to be in Sweden to get a phone number with the 08 Stockholm area code?
No. Through modern VoIP service providers, businesses can acquire a virtual Swedish phone number with the +46 8 prefix to establish a local presence in Stockholm without needing a physical office there.
Conclusion
The code SE refers to the country of Sweden, and the mandatory dialing code is +46. Remembering to omit the leading zero from the domestic number when dialing from abroad is the essential rule for ensuring your call or message connects successfully.
