Denmark Travel Guide

Denmark is compact, highly connected and easy without a car, but it is expensive and uses the Danish krone, not the euro. It is one of the most cashless countries, with cards and contactless accepted almost everywhere and some venues card-only, so a working card is essential. Entry depends on the passport held; Denmark is in the Schengen area and the EU's ETIAS is planned but not yet in force. Budget around DKK 1,200 to 2,300 per person per day. Carry most spending on a low-fee card with a backup, plus a small DKK float, and choose DKK at terminals.

Understanding the Danish krone exchange rate

DKK exchange rates float, so compare the final customer rate after card foreign-transaction fees, ATM charges and any conversion offer rather than a headline number. Denmark uses the Danish krone, not the euro, so make sure your card and any travel-money product handle DKK.

How much Danish krone to carry

Denmark is one of the most cashless countries, and some venues do not accept cash at all, so a working card is essential. Keep a small DKK reserve for the rare cash-only moment, top up at bank ATMs, and put day-to-day spending on a low-fee card. Avoid changing large sums at airport counters, where rates are usually poor.

Cards, cash and paying in DKK

Cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere. The key money trap is being offered a currency choice.

• Dynamic currency conversion: when a terminal or ATM offers DKK or your home currency, choose DKK. Home-currency billing lets the operator set the rate and add a margin.
• Not the euro: Denmark is in Europe but uses the Danish krone; do not assume euro prices or euro acceptance.
• Backup: carry a second card from a different provider, as some venues are card-only.

The best ATM approach in Denmark

Use ATMs operated by recognised banks rather than standalone tourist machines, which often charge high fees and push conversion. Review the operator fee, withdraw a sensible amount rather than many small ones, and decline any offer to convert the withdrawal into your home currency.

ETIAS and Schengen entry

Short-stay entry depends on nationality: some visitors travel visa-free, others need a Schengen visa. Denmark is part of the Schengen area. The EU's ETIAS travel authorisation is planned but not yet in force (see the fees panel); once it launches, visa-exempt travellers will need it, while travellers whose passport requires a Schengen visa should apply for one. Check the official sources for your passport before booking.

Official EU ETIAS information →

VAT and tourist shopping refund

Prices include VAT. Eligible non-EU visitors can usually claim a VAT refund on qualifying purchases above a minimum spend, by requesting a refund form in-store and validating it at the airport on departure (see the fees panel for the rate). Allow extra time at the airport for the refund process, and keep goods and receipts available for inspection.

Cash declaration

Declare EUR 10,000 or more in cash or monetary instruments when entering, leaving or transiting Denmark. Declaring is a reporting requirement, not a penalty; keep exchange receipts where relevant.