[ENG-SUB] CONS of living in Sweden || స్వీడన్‌లో నివసించడం వల్ల ప్రతికూలతలు || Indians in Sweden

Summary

This video explores the cons of living in Sweden, including high taxes, high cost of living, housing shortages, language barriers, job hunting challenges, strict driving license requirements, expensive parking, harsh winters, and social interaction difficulties. Despite these drawbacks, the video provides insights into navigating life in Sweden.

Takeaways

• 💼 Taxes in Sweden are notably high, and can vary depending on your proximity to the city center and vehicle ownership, including emission and congestion taxes.
• 🏠 The cost of living in Sweden is high, with a tight housing market that can result in long waiting times for government housing or paying above-average rent for second-hand contracts.
• 🗣️ Language can be a barrier in Sweden, especially for non-IT jobs, where Swedish is often a requirement, and even for students, learning Swedish is beneficial for long-term living.
• 🔍 Job hunting in Sweden can be challenging due to language barriers and the absence of campus placements; job seekers are responsible for their own employment.
• 🚗 Obtaining a Swedish driving license is a strict and potentially expensive process, with high standards during the driving test and significant costs involved.
• 🅿️ Parking in central Stockholm is not only limited but also can be very expensive if not checked properly for rates and restrictions.
• ❄️ Sweden's climate has its drawbacks, particularly during the winter months from November to February, where darkness and cold can be demotivating.
• 🧣 The winter preparation for going outside involves dressing in multiple layers, which can be time-consuming and tiring, especially with the addition of winter accessories.
• 🚶‍♂️ The social aspect of living in Sweden can be challenging due to the reserved nature of Swedes, who may not engage in small talk or approachability in public spaces.
• 🤝 Making friends in Sweden may require attending meetups or using apps designed for socializing, as Swedes are not typically outgoing in public settings.
• 🏥 While healthcare in Sweden is free, it is also slow, with long waiting times for appointments, which can be frustrating for those needing timely medical attention.

Q & A

What is the first con mentioned about living in Sweden?

The first con mentioned about living in Sweden is the high taxes, which may also depend on the proximity to the city where one lives.

Why might someone pay more taxes living closer to Stockholm compared to living further away?

The amount of tax one pays may be higher living closer to Stockholm due to local tax rates that can vary based on the area, resulting in a 2% more tax for those living closer to the city.

What additional taxes might car owners face in Sweden?

Car owners in Sweden might face additional taxes such as emission tax (Carbon Tax) for fossil fuel vehicles and congestion tax for driving into the city during peak traffic hours.

What is the general situation regarding the cost of living in Scandinavia?

The cost of living in Scandinavia, including Sweden, is quite high, as mentioned in the script referring to a specific video about the cost of living in Stockholm.

How long might one have to wait for housing in Sweden?

The housing situation in Sweden is tight, with some people potentially waiting up to 4 years on government housing queues.

What challenges do people face when looking for housing in Sweden, aside from waiting times?

People may end up paying more than the average rent on second-hand contracts if they cannot wait for long periods in housing queues.

What is the language barrier situation like in Sweden, especially for job seekers?

While most Swedes are fluent in English, knowing Swedish is often a requirement for jobs outside the IT sector, especially those involving customer interaction.

What resources are available for learning Swedish for non-native speakers?

Resources like free Swedish courses offered by universities for students, and SFI (Swedish for Immigrants) for anyone residing in Sweden, are available to learn the language.

What is the job hunting process like in Sweden, especially for those without previous work experience?

Job hunting in Sweden can be difficult, especially for those without previous work experience. It may take time, and one should not expect to land a job immediately upon arrival.

What is the process like for obtaining a Swedish driving license after having an Indian license?

After an Indian license's validity of one year, obtaining a Swedish license is strict, expensive, and requires adherence to detailed driving rules during the test.

What are some of the difficulties and costs associated with parking in central Stockholm?

Parking in central Stockholm can be expensive, with high fees for short durations, and limited spaces. It also requires careful checking of parking rules to avoid fines.

How does the climate in Sweden affect the daily life and mood of residents?

The climate in Sweden, with long periods of darkness and snow during winter, can be depressing and demotivating, affecting the mood and willingness to go outside.

What are some social aspects of Swedish people that might be different from other cultures?

Swedish people may not be as outgoing or inclined to engage in small talk, making it less common to initiate conversations in public transport or other settings.

What is the downside of the healthcare system in Sweden as mentioned in the script?

Despite being free, the healthcare system in Sweden is described as slow, with long waiting times for appointments and treatments.

How can newcomers make friends in Sweden, given the cultural differences in socializing?

Newcomers can make friends in Sweden by attending events through meetups, a website or mobile app that lists local happenings, or by using social apps like Bumble or Tinder that have friend-making features.