When Costco opened its first Scandinavian store in Arninge, Täby in fall 2022, it became an instant beacon for American expats in Stockholm. The familiar oversized shopping carts, bulk rotisserie chickens, and $1.50 hot dogs (well, 15 SEK) — it all suddenly existed in Sweden.
If you've been relocated to Stockholm by your company, or you're working at Costco Arninge itself, this guide is for you.
Costco Arninge — The Basics
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Address | Arninge Station, Täby (within Trophi shopping center) |
| Size | 13,000+ sqm — full American-style warehouse |
| Opened | Fall 2022 — Sweden's first and only Costco |
| Membership | 500 SEK/year (your US Costco card works here) |
| Getting there | By car via E18, or bus 615 from Täby Centrum to Arninge. From central Stockholm ~30 min by car. |
| From our rooms | ~10 min by car, ~15 min by bus 615 (via Täby Centrum) |
| Payment | Cash AND cards accepted. Unlike most Swedish stores, Costco takes cash — great for expats without Swedish bank cards yet. |
What American Expats Love About It
- American brands you can't find elsewhere: Kirkland products, American-style cuts of meat, ranch dressing, real peanut butter, American cereal brands
- Bulk buying: Swedish grocery stores are smaller. Costco is the only place where you can buy 48 rolls of toilet paper and a 5kg bag of rice in one trip.
- The food court: Hot dogs, pizza, churros. It's not gourmet, but it's familiar. And it's cheap by Swedish standards.
- Electronics and home goods: Often cheaper than Swedish retailers like Elgiganten or NetOnNet.
What's Different From US Costco
- Costco accepts cash! Unlike most Swedish stores (which are near cashless), Costco takes bills and coins. This is a lifesaver for newly arrived expats who don't have a Swedish bank card yet.
- Product selection is smaller than US Costco. The store carries a mix of American imports, European brands, and Swedish products.
- No gas station. Gas is sold at regular Swedish stations (Circle K, OKQ8, Preem).
- Returns are easy — Swedish consumer law is actually more generous than the US.
🍷 The Alcohol Section — Not What You'd Expect
Here's something that surprises every American: Costco Arninge does sell alcohol, but not to regular customers.
Sweden has a state monopoly on alcohol sales to consumers (Systembolaget). However, Costco operates as a partihandlare (wholesale distributor), which means they can sell alcohol to businesses.
- You need a special "Vin- och spritmedlemskap" (500 SEK excl. moms)
- You must hold a valid serveringstillstånd (alcohol service permit) — typically restaurant/bar/hotel owners
- The alcohol section is physically separated and closed to the general public
- For personal alcohol purchases, Systembolaget is right next door — 200–300m walk from the Costco entrance (turn right). No need to drive to Täby Centrum
💊 The Pharmacy — Open to Everyone
Costco has an in-store pharmacy (apotek), and here's the important part: Swedish law (Apotekslagen) requires pharmacies to serve everyone, regardless of membership.
- You do NOT need a Costco membership to use the pharmacy
- Tell the door greeter you're going to the pharmacy — they'll let you in
- Prescription medications (receptbelagda läkemedel) are available to all
- Members may get additional discounts on certain products
⚠️ The Parking Situation — Read This Before You Drive
🅿️ Arninge Has Aggressive Parking Enforcement
This is the #1 complaint among Costco shoppers and it catches every newcomer off guard. The parking area around Costco Arninge is patrolled by private parking companies who issue fines fast — often within 10–15 minutes.
- You MUST display a parkeringsskiva (parking disc) in your windshield showing your arrival time. No disc = instant fine, even if you've only been inside for 10 minutes.
- The wardens are extremely active and patrol non-stop. They don't care that the Costco checkout queue was 30 minutes long.
- Fines are typically 500–800 SEK — more than your Costco haul costs.
- This is a private parking operation, not the municipality. The rules are strict and there's little sympathy for "I was only shopping."
🕐 What Is a Parkeringsskiva?
Americans: you've never seen one of these. It's a small cardboard/plastic disc that you place on your dashboard to show when you parked. It's a Swedish and European system used in lieu of parking meters.
- Where to get one: Free at gas stations, Biltema, Clas Ohlson, or ask your host. Some car rental companies include one.
- How to use: Set the arrow to your arrival time (rounded up to next half hour), place it visible on the dashboard.
- Time limit: Check the signs — usually 2–3 hours at Arninge. Plenty for a Costco run, but you need the disc.
Pro tip: Keep a parkeringsskiva permanently in your car. You'll need it at shopping centers, hospitals, and residential areas across Sweden.
Working at Costco Arninge
Costco brings management and training staff from their US and international operations to set up and maintain stores. If you're one of them, here's what you need to know about living nearby:
📍 Living Near Arninge
- Täby is the ideal location — Costco is literally in Täby municipality. Residential, safe, quiet, with excellent schools and nature.
- Don't live in central Stockholm. It's 30+ minutes by car (with traffic), parking is expensive, and you'll drive to Arninge daily anyway.
- Car culture: Unlike central Stockholm, the Täby/Arninge area is car-friendly. Wide roads, free parking at Costco, and easy highway access (E18).
- International community: Täby has a significant expat population, particularly near the international schools.
Expat Essentials Near Costco Arninge
| What You Need | Where | Distance from Costco |
|---|---|---|
| International School | Internationella Engelska Skolan, Täby | ~10 min |
| Regular Groceries | ICA Maxi Täby, Willys | ~5 min |
| Alcohol | Systembolaget, Arninge | ~2 min walk |
| Healthcare | Danderyds Sjukhus | ~15 min |
| Pharmacy | Apotek Hjärtat, Arninge | ~2 min |
| Gym | SATS, Actic — multiple in Täby | ~10 min |
| Nature | Lake Vallentuna, Rösjön, multiple trails | ~10 min |
American Comforts in Stockholm
Missing home? Beyond Costco, here are American-friendly spots in the Stockholm area:
- Texas Longhorn / TGI Fridays — American-style restaurants in central Stockholm
- Starbucks — Multiple locations (but Swedish fika culture is better, trust us)
- Amazon.se — Launched in 2020, delivers most things within 1–2 days
- American Football — Stockholm Mean Machines (if you miss NFL Sundays)
- Thanksgiving at the American Church — Strandvägen, central Stockholm. Community Thanksgiving dinner annually.
Working at or near Costco Arninge?
Our furnished rooms in Täby are a quick bus 615 ride from Costco via Täby Centrum — or 10 min by car. Villa neighborhood, 1 Gbps fiber, full kitchen, laundry, sauna. Perfect for a 3–12 month corporate relocation. We provide proper invoices for company reimbursement.
🚌 Getting Here Without a Car
Bus 615: Täbybadet → Täby Centrum → Gribbylund → Arninge station. Runs every ~60 minutes, weekdays 05:25–00:00. Our villa is a short walk from stops along the route. Check SL.se for real-time schedules.