Overseas Quick Guide

Welcome to your delivery experience at the birthplace of Volvo.

Volvo Overseas Roadside Assistance Europe - SUV parked by a beach

We wish you a safe and smooth journey. Here are some tips before you start your Swedish adventure in your new Volvo.

Tip #1: Vehicle preparedness

Connect your phone

Before setup, ensure you have an international data plan and that your phone’s hotspot feature is activated and tested.

On iPhone: Go to Settings > Personal Hotspot and turn it on. Scroll down and enable Maximize capability.

On Android: Go to Settings > Connections or Network & Internet. Turn on Hotspot and note the hotspot name and password.

On your vehicle's center display, go to Settings ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Select Connectivity ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Select Wi-Fi and enable ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Choose your phone’s hotspot name from the list ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Enter the password and tap Connect ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ A confirmation message and Wi-Fi icon will appear when successfully connected.

Reminders: • Keep your phone in the car while hotspot is in use. • Using hotspot consumes mobile data—monitor your plan if not unlimited. • If you leave and re-enter the vehicle, reconnection may take up to 2 minutes or require repeating setup.

Signing in to Google

Once you are in your vehicle and have your center display on: ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Go to settings ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Select Profiles ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Select Accounts ‎ ‎‎ ‎‎ ‎‎ ‎‎ ‎‎ ‎‎ Select Google ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ There will be three ways to sign into your Google Account. ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ For any of the selected options, follow the prompts on the display and on your mobile device. ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ A confirmation message will appear on the display when successfully signed in.

** Pair the Volvo Cars app to your Google built in vehicle: https://volvo.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/10426/year/2023/model/XC90

Google Assistant Functions

You can ask Google to send text messages, play music, add an appointment to your calendar and more.

There are three different ways to activate Google Assistant: ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ by saying the “Hey Google” or “OK Google” ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ by pressing briefly on the steering wheel button for voice control ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ by tapping on the microphone in the center display

Tip #2: During your trip

Roadside Assistance Procedure

If you experience any issues with your vehicle during your trip, please contact the Volvo Roadside Assistance. • This is a mandatory step to ensure that all costs, towing, and diagnostics are handled properly under warranty conditions.

Roadside Assistance Phone Numbers • Every country has its own dedicated Roadside Assistance phone number. The numbers can be found here: Overseas Roadside Assistance Europe | Volvo Car USA. • When you call, the operator may start speaking in the local language, but don’t worry—everyone speaks English. Just ask to continue the conversation in English.

Delivery Teams Cannot Call for You • The Delivery Team is not able to assist with calling Roadside Assistance on your behalf. • It is the driver's responsibility to make the call directly to initiate the proper procedure.

Soft Reset (Reboot via Home Button)

In case of minor glitches like unresponsive apps, frozen screens, Bluetooth issues, or navigation hiccups:Press and hold the Home button located bottom of the center display. • Keep holding it for approximately 20–30 seconds. • The screen will first enter cleaning mode (looks like a dimming/blank display), then go completely black, and finally restart showing the Volvo logo. Release the button once you see the logo. • Once restarted, the system should function normally again.

This method is explicitly advised for all Volvo models with Google Built in—including the XC90 (model year 2023 and later).

Low Tire Pressure Warning

If you receive a low tire pressure warning during your trip: • Please stop the car safely at the gas station if possible and inspect the tires. • For detailed information on how to check and adjust tire pressure, refer to the Owner’s Manual in the vehicle or the Volvo Cars app. • If you're unsure or if the tire appears damaged, contact Roadside Assistance before taking any further action. Do not visit a service center without calling Roadside Assistance first, as this may affect warranty coverage.

Parking

If you're planning a trip in Sweden, Norway, or Denmark, please take a moment to understand how parking works before entering the country, this can save you a LOT of stress and expensive fines!

Here’s what you MUST know: 1. Always double-check the parking payment details before leaving your car. European parking systems are STRICT and often automated. You might not get a reminder or a ticket on your windshield.

2. Enter the correct license plate number in the app or machine when paying for parking. The system verifies payment based on your license plate, one small typo and your payment won't count, even if you paid the correct amount!

3. Make sure the payment actually went through. Confirm in the app or take a photo/screenshot of the ticket if using a machine. If you're unsure, don't assume it's okay, double check!

Country-specific rules:

Sweden • Most cities use parking apps like EasyPark, Parkster or AimoPark. Parkering Göteborg is a useful app for parking in Gothenburg. Sign up before your trip! • You pay for the exact time you park, extend via app if needed. • Few areas allow free parking in evenings/weekends, but always read signs carefully (“avgift” = fee). • Some parking garages have cameras monitor entry/exit, no physical ticket needed.

Parking garages with license plate recognition typically automate payment through systems like Autopay, EasyPark, or AimoPark. These systems scan your license plate upon entry and exit, and then automatically charge your registered account or allow for payment through an app. BUT cameras might not be able to register the temporary/red license plate. You'll either need to register with the specific system used by the garage or pay via their app.

Norway • Common apps: EasyPark, APCOA Flow, or Bil i Oslo. • Parking is strictly enforced, especially in cities like Oslo or Bergen. • Street signs show when payment is required and how long you can park.

Denmark • Use apps like EasyPark, ParkMan, or OK Parkeringsapp. • Look for blue signs with time limits and payment rules. • Payment is required even in smaller towns, don’t assume it’s free.

* Please note that information may vary or change over time depending on the country, and we reserve the right to make adjustments accordingly.

TIPS: • Download parking apps before your trip and set them up with payment info. • Take a quick photo of any parking signs where you park. • Set a reminder to end or extend your parking time. • Incorrect or missed payment can lead to fines, even if you're just a few minutes over. So once again, double-check.

Remember that it is your own responsibility to find any/updated information related to your trip and to pay all tickets and fines incurred during your travels. We only cover road tolls within Sweden, which will be paid automatically by us. Contact the parking company straight away for any concerns related to your parking. The Overseas Delivery will not be able to assist with these types of matters. Travel smart, avoid missed parking invoices and parking fines, and enjoy your trip!

Tip #3: European practicalities

Because road-tripping is more fun when you know what you’re doing, we collected some good-to-know facts for peace of mind on the road.

Currency

• Scandinavia loves credit cards! ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ - American Express is not accepted at all merchants, VISA or Mastercard is recommended. • Many places accept card payments only. • The opposite applies in other countries; in Germany for example, cash is king. • Tipping in Sweden is optional.

Driving

• Never drive in the bus lane; it is prohibited for good reasons. • Whenever possible, also avoid the tram lane. • When in Europe, drive on the right-hand side (the only exceptions are the UK, Malta and Cyprus). • Theft-proof your car – store your valuables in the trunk and leave no tourist information lying around. • Empty out your glove compartment and leave it open for any potential thief to see it’s empty. • If you plan to drive through countries outside of Sweden, it may be required to obtain an international drivers license. ‎‎

Please visit the Travel.State.Gov website to find out more about the countries you plan to visit.

Environmental Concerns

Tap water is usually safe and drinkable in western Europe, unless indicated otherwise.

Specific rules in each country

Please note that tolls incurred within Sweden are automatically covered by Volvo Cars. However, any tolls or charges outside of Sweden are the responsibility of the customer.

To help make your journey smoother, we recommend the following tips:

• Research country-specific road tolls and fees in advance, as they can vary significantly. Many visit Norway so recommend for them to download Epass24 to pay Norwegian tolls. License plate number that is needed to register will be given during delivery so they can register after delivery. • Check whether an emission sticker is required, especially in cities with environmental zones. For example, emission sticker is needed in Germany for example if they choose to stay/park in city areas. Otherwise, they can get tickets by the police. • Download local driving apps or visit government websites for up-to-date information on road rules. In Europe, for example, it is not allowed to turn right on red. • Plan routes ahead of time to avoid restricted areas or unexpected charges. Being well-prepared will ensure a more enjoyable and hassle-free driving experience.

Tip #4: Driving in Sweden

Attention! Important information about driving in Sweden

• Minimum legal driving age in Europe is 18. • In order to be eligible to drive in Sweden, you need a valid driver’s license. • All drivers and passengers are required by law to use their dedicated seat belt. • All children up to 5 years old are required to sit in a child’s safety seat. • It is prohibited by law to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving.

The letter P for parking

Parking

This sign indicates a dedicated parking area. In most areas in Sweden you are required to pay for parking, by credit card or cash payment. Make sure you are able to pay the fee and do not violate any parking restrictions or you risk being towed at your own expense.

Right pointing arrow

One-way traffic

This sign indicates one-way traffic. You will not encounter oncoming traffic on this road.

Camera pointing left

Speed camera

This sign indicates an automated speed camera along your route. In the event of speeding, the camera will capture your license plate, and a fine will be imposed on the owner of the vehicle.

Arrows cycling in roundabout

Roundabout

This sign indicates the mandatory direction in the upcoming roundabout. Make sure to yield right of way to vehicles already in the roundabout before you enter.

Gas station

Gas station

All gas stations in Sweden are self-service stations. Note: there is more than one fuel type available, marked by colors and signs. For regular petrol (gas), choose “Bensin 95” (this applies to all US cars). For diesel engines, choose “Diesel” (D).

Hand carries toll money

Toll station

Cameras will automatically capture your license plate and send the bill to the vehicle owner, who is responsible with knowing country-specific requirements and paying toll bills. Note: in Scandinavia, it’s possible to register with your details online, in other countries you will mostly pay at physical toll stations. Not all countries charge tolls.

Crossed out right turn arrow

No turn on red

In case of a red light, do not turn right. Exceptions apply when there is a traffic light indicating driving directions with arrows.

Yellow bar in red circle

No entry

This sign indicates that entry is prohibited.

50 speed sign

Speed signs

This sign indicates the speed limit that applies to the respective stretch of road. Note that speed limits are stated in kilometers per hour.

No standing or parking sign

No standing or parking

This sign indicates that it is not permitted to stop or park in the restricted zone ahead. The same type of sign with only one diagonal line indicates that parking is not permitted.

Yellow yield triangle

Yield sign

Slow down and yield right of way.

Crossed out car and motorcycle sign

Cars and motorcycles prohibited

This sign indicates that no cars or motorcycles can enter the road.

Tip #5: Swedish vokabulär 

Learn common Swedish translations.

Hi / Bye

Hej / Hej då

Entrance / Exit

Infart / Utfart

Thank you / You are welcome

Tack / Varsågod

Open / Closed

Öppen / Stängt

Freeway entrance ramp / Highway exit

Påfart / Avfart

Speed / Mind the speed limit

Fart / Tänk på hastigheten

Lower your speed / Speed bump

Sänk farten / Farthinder

Private road / Passage prohibited

Privat väg / Ej genomfart

Family standing in front of stationed XC90

We’d love to hear from you

Hear stories from real Overseas Delivery customers

Learn more from recent Overseas Delivery customers and share your own adventures on our official Facebook group.

Find us

World of Volvo

Lyckholms Torg 1, 412 63 Göteborg, Sweden

T. +4631 59 50 00

E. delivery@volvocars.com

This page was created for informational purposes only. The information stated is not extensive and is subject to change. Volvo Cars does not take responsibility to verify the correctness of any information stated on this page.