💰 Quick Context: The Danish Krone
Denmark uses the Danish Krone (DKK / kr.). A coffee costs 35–50 kr., a restaurant meal 150–300 kr., and a hotel night 800–2,000 kr. Quick math: divide by 7 for a rough USD estimate (e.g., 700 DKK ≈ US$100). Check the current DKK/USD rate before your trip. Denmark is one of the most cashless countries in the world, so a no-foreign-transaction-fee card is your best friend here.
🎧 Order Danish Krone Before You Fly
Have cash in hand when you land. Insured delivery, 2–5 day shipping.
Order DKK → CEI Currency ExchangeCash vs. Card: What to Expect in Denmark
Denmark is one of the most cashless countries in the world. Many shops and restaurants are card-only, and mobile payments (MobilePay) are the local standard. You could visit Copenhagen without ever touching cash.
Cards dominate. Contactless payments work at virtually every shop, restaurant, café, Nørreport Station kiosk, and supermarket (Irma, Netto, Føtex). Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. Many businesses are entirely cashless: some shops and restaurants in Copenhagen no longer accept cash at all. Denmark has legally allowed businesses to refuse cash since 2017.
Cash-only situations are very rare. Some flea market stalls at Loppemarked and a few very small vendors may only accept MobilePay (Denmark's mobile payment app, which tourists cannot use). For these situations, cash works. Keep 200–500 kr. as an emergency backup. Many visitors never touch it.
How to Get Kroner for Your Denmark Trip
Denmark sits at the cashless end of the spectrum, alongside Sweden and Norway. Many Copenhagen shops and restaurants don't accept cash at all (legally permitted since 2017), MobilePay (the domestic mobile-payment app tourists can't easily use) covers a lot of the rest, and Visa/Mastercard contactless handles everything else. You could spend a week in Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense without ever touching a krone, and many travelers do. The flip side: when you do need cash (a flea market stall at Loppemarked, a folk-music venue at Christiania, a kiosk on Bornholm), bank ATMs in Denmark have thinned out dramatically, so it's worth pre-ordering a small starter rather than hunting one down.
Order kroner before you fly
For pre-arrival kroner, two paths. A currency-exchange service like CEI Currency Exchange ships physical Danish kroner to a US address with insured 2–5 day delivery, at a small spread over the bank rate. Worth doing here precisely because Denmark is so cashless: 1,000–1,500 DKK in a small envelope is enough to cover a week's worth of edge cases (markets, kiosks, the rare cash-only smorrebrod restaurant) without needing to find an ATM at all. Your home bank can also order DKK (Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citi) for branch pickup or home delivery, free for many premium accounts and a modest fee otherwise. Allow 5–10 business days. Denmark does not have a Bank of America Global ATM Alliance partner, so BoA debit users will pay BoA's standard 3% non-network fee on any in-country withdrawal, which makes the pre-order route especially worth doing. The honest setup for most travelers: a Wise or Charles Schwab card for everyday card payments and a small CEI envelope of kroner as the emergency backup.
Withdraw from a Danish bank ATM
Once you're in Denmark, the cheapest source of kroner is a Danish bank ATM, but be aware that they're scarcer than in any other Nordic capital. Danske Bank, Nordea, Jyske Bank, Sydbank, and Nykredit all give the actual interbank rate with no markup, and they don't add an operator fee on foreign cards. Your only cost is whatever your home bank charges (1–3% foreign transaction fee on most US debit cards, zero with a Wise or Charles Schwab card). The catch: Danish banks have closed roughly half their ATM network since 2018, and in many neighborhoods you'll need to walk to a branch in the city center to find one. Copenhagen's Strøget shopping street and the area around Nørreport Station still have a few; outside the city center, ATM coverage thins fast. Avoid the Forex Bank ATMs (yes, the same Forex that runs the airport exchange counters has independent ATMs around Copenhagen) and standalone Euronet machines that have moved into the gap, both of which add operator fees and push DCC. Decline DCC every time the screen offers "charge in USD". See the Best ATMs section below for the bank-by-bank lineup, or our Copenhagen money guide for neighborhood-level locations. Want to know what a Danske Bank withdrawal will actually cost on your card? Plug it into our ATM fee calculator.
Airport counters & "0% commission" booths
Three traps to walk past in Denmark. The Forex Bank and Travelex counters in arrivals at CPH (Copenhagen Kastrup) advertise rates that look reasonable but routinely run 5–12% off the interbank rate, and Forex's spread on USD-to-DKK is consistently the worst in Scandinavia. The exchange windows on Strøget, in Tivoli's gate area, near Nyhavn, and around the Round Tower hide their markup in the rate while displaying "0% commission" or "no fee" on the board outside. And the Forex-branded ATMs and standalone Euronet machines that have filled the gap left by closed bank ATMs both layer DCC pitches on top of operator fees. Stick to bank-branded machines (Danske Bank, Nordea, Jyske, Sydbank, Nykredit), or honestly just pay everything with a Wise card and skip the cash question entirely. Heading to Copenhagen? Our Copenhagen money guide covers the neighborhood-level details.
For a side-by-side comparison of every method (bank wire, travel card, pre-order, ATM, exchange counter) including USD-to-DKK timing tips, see our complete Getting Currency guide →.
Best ATMs to Use in Denmark
Denmark's major banks operate ATMs across the country. Since Denmark is so cashless, you may rarely need an ATM. But when you do, stick to these bank-operated machines. Always choose DKK when prompted.
Danske Bank
Denmark's largest bank with the most extensive ATM network. Found in cities and towns throughout the country, including Copenhagen Airport.
Recommended
Nordea
Major Nordic bank with widespread ATM coverage across Denmark. Reliable machines with straightforward interfaces and fair exchange rates.
RecommendedJyske Bank
Denmark's third-largest bank with good ATM coverage, especially in Jutland and mid-sized towns. Reliable and no operator fees for foreign cards.
RecommendedNykredit
Danish financial institution with ATMs in major cities and towns. A solid alternative when Danske Bank or Nordea machines are not nearby.
Recommended⚠ Watch Out for Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)
When an ATM or card terminal offers to charge you in USD instead of DKK, always decline. Choosing USD means accepting a 3–5% markup hidden in their exchange rate. Always select "DKK" or "local currency" at every prompt. This applies at ATMs, restaurants, hotels, and shops.
ATMs to Avoid in Denmark
Independent and tourist-area ATMs in Denmark often charge extra fees and push DCC prompts. Stick to the major bank ATMs listed above.
Euronet
Found near Nyhavn, Strøget, and around Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. Aggressive DCC prompts, poor exchange rates, and potential surcharges. Walk past and find a bank ATM instead.
AvoidStandalone ATMs at Tivoli & Tourist Areas
Independent machines at Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, and other tourist hotspots typically charge flat fees and push DCC with inflated exchange rates. Use a bank ATM before visiting these areas.
AvoidPaying by Card in Denmark
Card Networks
Visa and Mastercard are accepted virtually everywhere in Denmark, from 7-Eleven kiosks to Noma and other fine dining restaurants. American Express is accepted at many hotels, larger restaurants, and chain stores, but smaller businesses may decline it. Dankort is Denmark's national debit card. International visitors do not need one since your Visa or Mastercard works at all the same terminals.
Contactless & Mobile Payments
Tap-to-pay is the default in Denmark. Danes tap for almost everything, from a smørrebrød at Torvehallerne to groceries at Irma. Transactions under 350 kr. require no PIN. Apple Pay and Google Pay work at most terminals. Many businesses are entirely cashless, so your contactless card is genuinely all you need for the vast majority of purchases.
Where Cards May Not Work
MobilePay-only vendors: a few very small businesses (flea market stalls, occasional street vendors) only accept MobilePay, which tourists cannot set up without a Danish bank account. These vendors may also accept cash. Coin-operated machines: some older laundry machines and parking meters may require coins, though most have been updated to accept cards or the ParkPark app.
Tipping in Denmark
Tipping Guide
Tipping is not expected in Denmark. Service is included in all prices by law, and workers earn good wages. At restaurants, no tip is expected. Rounding up the bill is a nice gesture (paying 520 kr. on a 498 kr. bill). 10% for exceptional service at places like Torvehallerne restaurants is generous but uncommon. At cafés, no tip expected. Taxis: rounding up to the nearest 10 kr. is fine but not expected. Hotels: not customary to tip porters, concierge, or housekeeping. Tour guides on canal tours or walking tours appreciate a small tip for excellent service, but it is never obligatory.
MobilePay & Denmark's Cashless Revolution
Things to Know
For Copenhagen-specific tips (Rejsekort transit, neighborhood-by-neighborhood card acceptance, and Strøget shopping payments), see our Copenhagen Money Guide.
MobilePay is Denmark's dominant payment app, used by over 90% of Danes for everything from splitting restaurant bills to paying at flea markets and donating to street musicians in Strøget. Tourists cannot use MobilePay: it requires a Danish bank account or CPR number (national ID). As a visitor, you will not be able to set it up.
Your contactless card works everywhere MobilePay does. Nearly all businesses that accept MobilePay also accept contactless Visa and Mastercard. You will not miss out on anything. Rare exceptions: some very small vendors at Frederiksberg Loppemarked or occasional food trucks at street food markets like Reffen might be MobilePay-only. For tourists, this effectively means cash-only. Having a few hundred kroner on hand covers these situations.
Money Safety in Denmark
Staying Safe
Denmark consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world. Violent crime is extremely rare. Watch for pickpockets in Copenhagen: Central Station (København H), Strøget (the main pedestrian street), and crowded metro platforms at Nørreport are the most common spots for petty theft. Standard precautions apply.
Use ATMs inside Danske Bank or Nordea branches rather than standalone Euronet machines near Nyhavn or Tivoli Gardens. Denmark is a well-known EU destination, so most card issuers do not flag Danish transactions. Non-European visitors should still mention "Denmark" when calling their bank, as some systems flag Scandinavian countries separately.
Skip the Foreign Transaction Fees
The Wise card converts your money at the real mid-market exchange rate. No markups, no surprises. Spend Danish kroner like a local.
Get the Wise Card →Frequently Asked Questions
Does Denmark use the euro?
No. Denmark uses the Danish krone (DKK / kr.), not the euro, despite being an EU member. Denmark opted out of the eurozone by referendum. You will need to withdraw or exchange kroner for your trip, though cards eliminate the need for much cash.
Do I need cash in Denmark?
Barely. Denmark is one of the most cashless countries in the world. Contactless Visa and Mastercard work at virtually every business. Some shops are entirely cashless. Keep 200–500 kr. as an emergency backup, but many visitors never use it.
What is MobilePay and can tourists use it?
MobilePay is Denmark's dominant mobile payment app, used by over 90% of Danes. Tourists cannot set it up because it requires a Danish bank account or CPR number. Your contactless Visa or Mastercard works at nearly all the same places.
Is tipping expected in Denmark?
No. Service is included in all prices by law, and Danish workers earn good wages. Rounding up a restaurant bill is a nice gesture but never expected. 10% for truly exceptional service is generous and uncommon.
Are Euronet ATMs in Denmark safe?
Euronet ATMs are functional but expensive. They push DCC aggressively and charge operator fees. Use Danske Bank, Nordea, or Jyske Bank ATMs instead, which do not charge operator fees and process in DKK by default.
Is Denmark expensive?
Yes. Denmark is one of Europe's most expensive countries. A restaurant meal costs 150–300 kr. ($22–44), a beer 50–80 kr. ($7–12), and a hotel night 1,000–2,500 kr. ($145–365). Street food at Reffen and hot dogs from pølsevogn (sausage carts) are cheaper options.
Quick Comparison
| Method | Cost | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-FX-fee card (contactless) | Best (no fees, mid-market rate) | ★★★★★ | Daily spending (primary method) |
| Bank ATMs (Danske Bank, Nordea) | Low (no operator fee, fair rate) | ★★★★★ | Emergency cash backup |
| Regular card with FX fees | Medium (1–3% FX markup) | ★★★★☆ | If no fee-free card available |
| Euronet / tourist ATMs | High (fees + poor rates + DCC) | ★★☆☆☆ | Avoid |
| Airport exchange counters | Highest (5–12% markup) | ★★☆☆☆ | Emergency only |
Denmark Quick Facts
| Currency | Danish Krone (DKK / kr.). Divide by 7 for rough USD estimate |
| Cash vs. Card | Extremely cashless. 200–500 kr. emergency backup is plenty |
| Best ATMs | Danske Bank, Nordea, Jyske Bank, Nykredit |
| Contactless | Universal. Tap to pay is the default payment method |
| Card Acceptance | Near-universal. Visa/Mastercard accepted virtually everywhere |
| Tipping | Not expected. Service charge included in prices |
| DCC Risk | Moderate. Always choose DKK at ATMs and card terminals |
| Best Strategy | No-FX-fee contactless card for everything. Bank ATM for small cash backup |
Denmark City Guides
Neighborhood-level money guides for Denmark's biggest cities. Where to find ATMs, which areas need cash, how to pay for transport, and more.