(edit title) Best network for iPhone in Stockholm? New to Sweden, need a phone! Options

[Clando]

Hey guys,

Just moved here from Ireland recently I'm doing a P.h.D. in Stockholm University, so I'll be living in the country for a while.

I need to get a phone and have decided that I would like an iPhone 4/4S. I'm wondering which is the best network for me to go with? I don't necessarily want the cheapest deal, as there may be more expensive contracts but with more generous texts/data/calls etc. I'm working in the university doing a Ph.D., so feel free to chime in if you're in a similar situation.

Cheers,
Cian

[Johno]

Well, you wont get a contract phone without a Personnummer and a credit record etc (look it up on here if you dont understand) so its PAYG (kontantkort) in Swedish. Last time I posted Comviq to a similar query nobody disagreed. So a Comviq shop might sell you a PAYG phone all set up. Or buy a phone yourself and get a Comviq card http://www.thelocal.se/readeroffer/comviq/ using this link , saves 100kr.

[Clando]

Hey,

I have a Personnummer and bank account etc. So that isn't an issue. I would prefer to get contract as it will cost me less in the long run. Any advice on good networks in Sweden/Stockholm?

Cheers

[Johno]

Its still Comviq and you still may have trouble getting a contract without a credit record, but try it and see. Cost less in the long run? PAYG surfing is very cheap so its up to you knowing what use you will make of the phone.

[Clando]

Do you know if they have walk in stores? A friend of mine mentioned that sometimes the companies prefer you to have had a personnummer for a couple of months before the let you in on a contract.

I've been PAYG all my life and I would have assumed it more expensive to go that route with a smartphone. You usually have to pay a large amount upfront for the device and on top of that goes the credit you need to buy regularly. Am I wrong?

[Johno]

"companies prefer you to have had a personnummer for a couple of months before the let you in on a contract" cos then you have a credit record...

Stick Comviq or Tele2 (same network) and Stockholm or even your suburb into search site Eniro.se and take your pick. There are lots of walk in shops in malls and sometimes sales stands set up in the shopper areas. The Phonehouse have a range of suppliers.

[Clando]

My new bank is checking my credit history now actually before issuing my credit card. Shouldn't be any problems with that as I've never made a late payment. I can show them a copy of my employment contract, hopefully they will be understanding.

Cheers for all the help!

[Gordy]

Last time I checked Cian you needed to be here for at least 8 months before any of the phone companies will give you a contract, but that's about 2 years ago so may have changed.

"The Phone House" is the name for "Carphone Warehouse" here so one of their stores might be a good place to start as they deal with all the networks.

Three tre.se is a lot better here than in Ireland. I have a smartphone on PAYG with them and a 200kr top up gives you free surfing for a month and no problem tethering to my tablet and laptop.

[Johno]

" ...Shouldn't be any problems with that as I've never made a late payment". Not useable unless that applies to in Sweden. Swedish concerns use databases you can get a glimpse of with for example http://www.upplysning.se/ . Type your personal data into there and see what they have on you if anything. (It shocks newcomers that you can do this - its the Swedish open society thing)

[Clando]

Thanks for the heads up Gordy. That's why I want to do it "in store" as I can make a case that I have a job, personnummer etc.

Does that 200 Kr top up include calls and texts? How much did you pay for the phone itself?

[Gordy]

Does that 200 Kr top up include calls and texts? How much did you pay for the phone itself?

Yes, there are various different options available with included free calls to landlines or cheaper foreign calls etc. have a look on their website under "kontant card" for details.

The phone I bought sim free on Amazon.de less than half the price and twice as good as an iPhone!