In Denmark, cash is often an afterthought. Most transactions occur via cards or MobilePay, making it easy to go through your trip without handling a krone note.
This reliance on digital payments means travelers should prepare by ensuring their cards are compatible. While cash is rarely needed in Copenhagen, having some on hand is wise for rural areas and markets.
Live Denmark exchange rates
Exchange rates for the Danish krone (DKK) fluctuate daily. For accurate, up-to-date conversion rates before and during your trip, use the live tool here currency converter. This ensures you know the exact value of your money and avoid surprises when withdrawing or exchanging funds.
Currency Basics: Denmark
| Currency Name | Danish krone |
|---|---|
| ISO Code + Symbol | DKK (kr) |
| Issuing Bank | Danmarks Nationalbank |
| Coin Denominations in Circulation | 50 øre, 1 kr, 2 kr, 5 kr, 10 kr, 20 kr |
| Bill Denominations in Circulation | 50 kr, 100 kr, 200 kr, 500 kr, 1000 kr |
| Current Series in Circulation | The New Series featuring Danish cultural icons |
Danish banknotes feature a range of security elements. The 1000 kr note has a transparent window, while the 500 kr note includes a color-shifting ink. The 200 kr note has a watermark of Hans Christian Andersen.
Inspect the 1000 kr note carefully, as it is the highest denomination and most commonly counterfeited. Notes are generally treated with respect; bending or tearing is frowned upon, and it’s customary to hand over cash with both hands.
How Payment Works in Denmark
digital-first
Denmark is a digital-first country where tourists can rely heavily on cards and mobile payments. Most establishments accept credit and debit cards, making cash less essential. However, cash is still necessary in specific situations, particularly in rural areas and for small vendors.
Foreign cards generally work well in urban centers, but travelers should be aware of potential fees and limitations. While cash is not king, having a small amount on hand for certain transactions can save you hassle, especially in less touristy regions.
Where you need cash
| Situation | Why cash-only |
|---|---|
| small vendors and markets | Many small vendors prefer cash to avoid transaction fees associated with card payments. |
| rural guesthouses | Some guesthouses in remote areas may lack card processing capabilities. |
| public transport tickets | Certain public transport systems may only accept cash for ticket purchases. |
| street food stalls | Street food vendors often operate on a cash-only basis to keep prices low. |
| local festivals or events | Cash is preferred for entry fees or purchases at local events to streamline transactions. |
Where cards work
| Situation | Caveat |
|---|---|
| hotels and restaurants in cities | Some upscale places may impose a minimum spend for card use. |
| major retail stores | Certain stores may charge a small fee for credit card transactions. |
| tourist attractions | Some attractions may only accept cards at specific entry points. |
| car rentals | A credit card is often required for deposits, and debit cards may not be accepted. |
| online bookings | Some services may not accept foreign cards, requiring local payment methods. |
Card network acceptance (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, UnionPay)
| Network | Coverage | Surcharge |
|---|---|---|
| Visa | Widely accepted across Denmark. | Some merchants may charge a 1-3% fee. |
| Mastercard | Commonly accepted in urban areas. | Similar to Visa, expect potential surcharges. |
| Amex | Accepted at select hotels and restaurants. | Higher fees may apply. |
| UnionPay | Limited acceptance, mostly in major cities. | Check with individual merchants. |
Digital wallets
| Wallet | How tourists can use it |
|---|---|
| Apple Pay | Tourists can set up Apple Pay using their existing credit or debit cards, allowing for contactless payments at many locations. |
| Google Pay | Google Pay can be activated with a foreign card, enabling easy payments at compatible terminals. |
Wallets that don’t work for tourists
| Wallet | Barrier |
|---|---|
| MobilePay | Requires a Danish bank account for activation. |
| Swipp | Only accessible with a local bank account. |
Wise vs Revolut in Denmark
For travelers in Denmark, both Wise and Revolut offer competitive options for managing currency. Wise provides a transparent fee structure at local ATMs, with favorable exchange rates, but may face restrictions from local banks. Revolut also offers good rates and no ATM fees up to a certain limit, but users should be cautious of potential service interruptions. Both cards allow you to hold multiple currencies, making them ideal for travel in Europe.
ATMs & Currency Exchange
Best ATMs for foreign cards
| Bank / ATM | Why use it | Fee note |
|---|---|---|
| Danske Bank | Widespread ATM network with reliable foreign card acceptance and strong mobile payment integration. | No local ATM fees for withdrawals with major foreign cards; fixed withdrawal fees rarely apply. |
| Nordea | Good coverage in urban and suburban areas; supports contactless and chip cards without surcharge. | No local fees; some foreign cards may incur issuer fees. |
| Jyske Bank | Reliable ATMs in city centers, accepts most international cards with stable connectivity. | No local ATM fees; withdrawal limits generally 2,000 DKK (~300 USD) per transaction. |
ATMs to avoid
| ATM type | Why to avoid |
|---|---|
| Small local cooperative banks | Limited ATM network, frequent connectivity issues, and occasional refusal of foreign cards. |
| Standalone convenience store ATMs | High withdrawal fees and increased risk of skimming devices. |
Withdrawal strategy
Withdraw 1,500 DKK (~225 USD) per transaction to minimize fixed fees and avoid multiple charges. Danish ATMs typically allow up to 2,000 DKK per withdrawal. Frequent small withdrawals increase fees and risk. Danske Bank and Nordea ATMs rarely charge local fees, so use them first. MobilePay dominates local payments, reducing cash needs after initial withdrawal.
Dynamic Currency Conversion — always decline
At Danish ATMs, the DCC prompt appears as ‘Withdraw in your card currency (USD) or Danish kroner (DKK)?’ Always select Danish kroner (DKK) to avoid inflated exchange rates. For example, a 1,000 DKK withdrawal will show an option to pay in USD at a poor rate; reject it. MobilePay and contactless terminals may also offer DCC, showing a currency toggle—choose DKK there as well.
Skimming & card fraud
Avoid ATMs in Copenhagen airport’s non-bank areas and standalone machines in convenience stores or bars; these have higher skimming risk. Check the card slot for looseness, ensure the keypad is shielded, and scan for hidden cameras above or around the machine. Use ATMs inside bank branches or shopping malls during daylight hours for safer transactions. Watch for QR code stickers near payment terminals that may redirect payments.
Currency exchange
| Where | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Danske Bank branches | Offer fair exchange rates and no commission on currency exchange. |
| Nordea bank counters | Transparent fees and rates close to interbank levels. |
| Authorized currency exchange kiosks inside major train stations | Regulated, with posted rates and no hidden fees. |
Exchange counters to avoid
| Where | Why to avoid |
|---|---|
| Airport exchange booths | High commission and poor exchange rates. |
| Hotel front desk currency exchange | Marked-up rates and extra service fees. |
How much cash to carry
Carry about 300 DKK (~45 USD) in small denominations for daily expenses like coffee, public transport, and tips. Most urban vendors accept cards or MobilePay. Keep an additional 500 DKK (~75 USD) in a secure stash for emergencies. Rural areas rarely require cash, but small guesthouses or taxis may prefer it. Avoid carrying large amounts; cash usage is minimal outside specific cases.
Emergency backup
Bring two cards: one chip-and-PIN Visa or Mastercard and a backup contactless card. Store emergency cash separately from your wallet. If a card is blocked, immediately freeze it using apps like Wise or Revolut. Contact local banks Danske Bank or Nordea for emergency card replacement; their English-speaking hotlines assist tourists. Avoid calling your home bank first to save time.
Scams, Safety & Cash Handling
Common money scams in Denmark
QR Sticker Over Legitimate Payment Codes
How it works: Scammers place fake QR code stickers over official payment QR codes in cafes, shops, or taxis. When scanned, the payment goes to the scammer’s account instead of the vendor’s.
How to avoid: Inspect QR codes closely before scanning. Use trusted apps that verify merchants and confirm payment recipients. When possible, pay with contactless cards or mobile wallets instead of scanning QR codes on public displays.
Fake Police Money Inspection
How it works: Impostors posing as police officers ask tourists to show cash for counterfeit checks or request a fine on the spot. They rely on tourists’ reluctance to refuse and demand cash immediately.
How to avoid: Always ask for official identification and refuse to show cash on the street. Legitimate officers conduct checks at police stations, not random street stops. Report suspicious encounters to local police immediately.
Taxi Meter Manipulation
How it works: Some taxi drivers delay starting the meter, use inflated tariffs, or take longer routes in Copenhagen and tourist areas to increase fare.
How to avoid: Use official taxi apps or pre-booked rides with fixed prices. Confirm the meter is running before starting. Avoid unmarked taxis and insist on receipts.
Exchange Sleight of Hand
How it works: Currency exchange clerks at tourist hotspots or airports sometimes give incorrect change by quick hand movements or confuse Danish krone (DKK) with other currencies.
How to avoid: Avoid airport exchange desks. Use ATMs or official bank branches for currency exchange. Count change carefully and know the current exchange rates before transacting.
ATM Change-Swap
How it works: At some ATMs, especially outside Copenhagen, scammers place devices that swap your cash with counterfeit notes or shortchange you after dispensing.
How to avoid: Use ATMs inside bank branches or well-lit, secure locations. Check the cash immediately before putting it away. Avoid standalone ATMs in less busy areas.
Wrong-Change Trick
How it works: In busy markets or small shops, vendors confuse customers by giving change in smaller denominations than expected or shortchanging by a few kroner.
How to avoid: Count change aloud and slowly in front of the vendor. Use exact amounts when possible. Avoid paying with large bills for small purchases.
Anti-theft carry method
Use a slim neck wallet under your shirt in Copenhagen’s crowded metro and tourist zones. Pickpocketing targets tourists in busy areas and public transport. Money belts are bulky and less practical here; hidden pockets risk exposure when seated. A neck wallet keeps your cards and ID secure and accessible without drawing attention.
The three-wallet system
Carry a dummy wallet with a few small Danish krone (DKK) notes (50-100 DKK) and expired cards to distract pickpockets if targeted. Your day wallet should hold a contactless credit card, some 200-500 DKK notes, and a Danish health insurance card, kept in a front pants pocket or inside jacket pocket. Leave passports, large cash sums, and backup cards in the hotel safe. Set your bank app to alert instantly on card transactions and freeze cards remotely if needed.
Tipping in Denmark
| Situation | Amount | Local norm |
|---|---|---|
| restaurant/sit-down dining | 0-20 DKK ($0-$3) | Tipping is optional and small; service charges are included. Leaving coins or rounding up is common; large tips can confuse staff. |
| taxi or private driver | 0-10 DKK ($0-$1.50) | Rounding up the fare is sufficient. Tipping beyond this is unusual and may cause awkwardness. |
| hotel staff (porter/cleaner) | 0-10 DKK ($0-$1.50) | Tipping is not expected. Offering small change is appreciated but not required. |
| tour guide or day trip guide | 20-50 DKK ($3-$7) | Tips are appreciated but not obligatory. Avoid excessive tipping that may pressure guides. |
| massage or spa | 0-20 DKK ($0-$3) | Tipping is discretionary. Some spas include service fees; check the bill before tipping. |
Cash handling quirks
Danish krone (DKK) notes must be in good condition; torn or heavily marked bills are rejected by shops and banks. Small denominations (50 and 100 DKK) are preferred for small purchases and public transport tickets; breaking larger notes (500 DKK) can be tricky outside major stores. Most places accept cards, so cash change is often minimal and coins are common for small transactions.
Bargaining
Bargaining is rare and generally unwelcome in Denmark. Fixed prices apply in supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, and public transport. Some flea markets and secondhand shops allow a 5-10% discount if you negotiate politely. Attempting to haggle in chain stores or cultural sites is considered rude and ineffective.
Quick Reference
5 money rules for Denmark
- Use debit cards at Danske Bank or Nordea ATMs for the lowest fixed fee of about 30 DKK (~$4.50) per withdrawal; avoid airport ATMs which often charge higher fees and worse rates.
- Credit and debit cards work almost everywhere in Copenhagen and larger cities, but carry at least 200 DKK (~$30) cash for rural areas and small vendors that refuse cards.
- Contactless payment with mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) is widely accepted in urban Denmark but not reliable in rural shops or markets.
- Avoid exchanging cash at Copenhagen Airport exchange counters; rates are poor and fees high compared to withdrawing from city ATMs.
- Small 50 DKK notes cover most purchases like bus tickets, small meals, and market goods; large notes (500 DKK) are often refused in small shops and taxis.
| Daily cash to carry | 30 USD (~200 DKK) |
|---|---|
| Typical ATM fee | 30 DKK (~$4.50) fixed fee per withdrawal |
| Standard tip % | Tipping is not customary; service charges are included in prices. |
| Best foreign card | Wise card: avoids high ATM fees and offers near mid-market exchange rates on DKK. |
| Worst money mistake | Using airport exchange desks or non-bank ATMs, which charge steep fees and poor rates. |
| Best wallet app for tourists | MobilePay: widely accepted for contactless payments and peer-to-peer transfers; set up with a Danish phone number for full functionality. |
| Must-carry denomination | 50 DKK note — covers most small purchases like public transport tickets and street food. |
A typical bus ticket costs about 24 DKK, so a 50 DKK note covers transport and leaves change. A street meal or bakery item runs around 40-60 DKK, making the 50 DKK note ideal for quick food stops. Small market purchases like fresh produce or souvenirs often fall between 20 and 100 DKK, so carrying 50 and 100 DKK notes minimizes the need for change and speeds transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1Should I exchange Danish krone (DKK) before arriving or after landing?
Withdraw Danish krone from ATMs after arrival, preferably at Danske Bank or Nordea machines in the city for the best rates and lowest fixed fees. Airport exchange counters offer poor rates and high fees that reduce your buying power.
2Is tipping expected in Denmark?
Tipping is not expected in Denmark since service charges are included in prices. Leaving a small tip for exceptional service is appreciated but never required.
3What should I do if my card is blocked or declined in Denmark?
Contact your card issuer immediately and try another ATM network like Jyske Bank or Sydbank. Danish ATMs often require chip-and-PIN; ensure your card supports this. Carry backup cash for emergencies.
4How much cash should I carry for a typical day in Denmark?
Carry about 200 DKK (~$30) in cash daily to cover small purchases in rural areas, markets, and public transport where cards or mobile payments may not be accepted.
5Are ATMs safe to use at night in Denmark?
ATMs in well-lit, central locations like Copenhagen’s city center and major train stations are generally safe at night. Avoid isolated or poorly lit machines, especially outside urban areas.
6Which app should I install before arriving in Denmark?
Install MobilePay for contactless payments and peer-to-peer transfers. Set it up with a Danish phone number if possible for full functionality, especially useful in shops and taxis.
7What if I only have large-denomination bills in Denmark?
Large 500 DKK notes are often refused in small shops, markets, and taxis. Exchange them for smaller notes at banks or withdraw smaller denominations from ATMs to avoid payment issues.
8Can I go completely cashless in Denmark?
Yes, in Copenhagen and larger cities, cards and mobile payments cover most expenses. However, carry some cash for rural areas, small vendors, and public transport where digital payments are limited.