When you travel in Denmark, it is a good idea to know about the country's currency, payment methods, and price level.
Here is an overview of how you pay in Denmark, where you can withdraw cash, and how to easiest shop in stores, restaurants, and online.
The Danish currency
Denmark's official currency is Danish kroner (DKK).
One krone is divided into 100 øre. Coins are available in 50 øre, 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 kroner. Banknotes are issued in 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 kroner.
Although Denmark is a member of the EU, the country has chosen not to introduce the euro, so Euro is accepted only in a few placesTypically in tourist areas near the border, on ferries, and in certain shops in Copenhagen.
Payment by card
Most Danes pay with cards, and International payment cards are widely accepted.
You can pay with:
- Visa and Visa Electron
- Mastercard / Maestro
- American Express (not everywhere)
- Apple Pay and Google Pay In many shops and restaurants
Even small amounts are often paid contactless.
It is completely normal to use cards, even for amounts under 20 kroner – for example, for a cup of coffee or a bus ticket.
MobilePay and contactless payment
Denmark is one of the world's most digital countries, and many Danes use MobilePaya Danish mobile payment app that works via phone number.
The app is still when available for Danish accounts, as a foreigner you can instead use:
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Contactless card (NFC)
All these solutions work seamlessly in most parts of Denmark.
ATMs and cash
Although most payments in Denmark are made digitally, there still are ATM In all cities and many villages.
You can withdraw Danish kroner with most foreign cards.
Note:
- Some machines charge a small fee when using foreign cards.
- Always choose to be billed in DKK Instead of in your home currency – you usually get the best rate.
More and more stores are now cashless, men larger supermarkets and gas stations Still accepts cash.
Prices and tips
Denmark is known as a country with high prices, but also high quality og transparency In the pricing.
There is no hidden treasures or taxes The prices you see are always including VAT (25%).
Tips are not required In Denmark, as service and wages are included in the price.
But it is common to give a little extra.
- 5–10% at restaurants if you are satisfied
- Round up at the taxi stand
- Maybe add a little to bars and cafes
Payments at hotels, restaurants, and transportation
- HotelsAlways accept cards, and you can pay in DKK.
- Restaurants and cafesAlmost everyone uses Visa/Mastercard.
- Taxi and busesCard and contactless payment are accepted (make sure to have a chip card).
- Public transportationRejsekort and app payment (Journey Planner or DOT Tickets).
- Ferries and bridgesPayment by card or online pre-order.
Tips for foreign visitors
- Check with your bank that your card works in Denmark (Nordic/Scandinavia).
- Choose DKK Pay to avoid a poor exchange rate.
- Consider a Travel card or digital payment solution - You rarely need cash.
- If you pay in euros, you often get change money in Danish kroner.