If you do try it, always use a sign and be prepared for long waits. Taxis are no bargain anywhere. A three kilometre ride will set you back around 60kr and there's a minimum charge of around 20kr. If you order a taxi by phone, that adds another 30kr to the total all in all, taxis are worth avoiding in cities where the public transport systerns are excellent. Cycling A much better way to get around independently is to cycle. Some parts of the country were made for it, the southern provinces (and (Gotland in particular) ideal for a leisurely pedal. Many towns are best explored by bike and tourist offices, campsites and youth hostels often rent out machines from around 7080kr a day, 300 400kr a week. If you're touring, be prepared for longdistance hauls in the north and for rain in summer. Taking a bike on a train counts as luggage and will cost you 50kr. The Svenska Cykelsallskapet (cycling association; Box 6006, S164 06 Kista, Stockholm; «08 751 62 04) signposts cycle routes in central and southern Sweden; and there's an English language guidebook to cycling in Sweden, available from Cykelframjandet Box 6027, S102 31 Stockholm («0832 16 80). Also, contact the STF (see below) for details of cycling package holidays in Sweden, which include youth hostel accommodation, meals and cycle rental. Accommodation Surprisingly, finding somewhere cheap to sleep is not the hassle that might be expected in an otherwise expensive country provided you're prepared to do some advance planning. There's an exceiieni network of youth hostels and campsites while private rooms and bed and breaKtas places are common in the cities. Yearroun» discounts even make hotels affordable, a option certainly worth considering m ROOM PRICE SCALES The Swedish pensions and hotels listed in the guide have been pricegraded according to the scale outlined below. The rates quoted represent the cheapest available double room, ttiough we've pointed out vvhich hotels generally offer seasonal deals at weekends or in summer you can often secure a room at a rate one or even two grades below that given. Single rooms, where available, usually cost between sixty and eighty percent of a double. ® under 5Юкг ®500700kr ®700900kr ® 9001200kr © over1200kr large cities where a city discount card is thrown in as part of the package. Hotels and pensions Hotels and pensions come cheaper than you'd think in Sweden. Although there's little chance of a room under 250kr a night anywhere, you nnay be lucky during the summer, especially in July, when the Swedes all head south out of the country and hotels drop their prices significantly to attract custom. For the rest of the year, rooms at weekends are much cheaper than midweek, when business travellers push up prices. On average, for a room with TV and bathroom you can expect to pay from 350kr for a single, 500kr a double. Nearly all hotels include a selfservice buffet breakfast in the price which, given its size, can form a useful saving.