Getting Danish Krone for Your Trip to Denmark
Despite being an EU member, Denmark has its own currency - the Danish Krone (DKK). Don't make the common mistake of arriving with Euros; while some tourist spots may accept them, you'll get poor rates. The good news is that Denmark, like its Scandinavian neighbours, is extremely card-friendly.
Copenhagen is consistently ranked among the world's most liveable cities, and its payment infrastructure reflects this. Cards are accepted everywhere from the famous Tivoli Gardens to the smallest smørrebrød stall. The Danish Krone is pegged to the Euro, which means exchange rates are very stable and predictable.
Your best strategy is simple: bring a fee-free debit card and use it for everything. You'll get the best rates, avoid carrying cash, and fit right in with how Danes prefer to pay.
Best Ways to Pay in Denmark
1. Fee-Free Debit Cards (Recommended)
Multi-currency cards like Wise and Revolut are perfect for Denmark. They use the real exchange rate, charge minimal fees, and are accepted everywhere. Since most transactions in Denmark are card-based, you'll use your card constantly.
2. Credit Cards
Visa and Mastercard are universally accepted. American Express works at larger establishments but isn't as widely taken. Note that Danish shops often add a small surcharge for credit card payments - this is legal in Denmark. Debit cards typically don't incur this surcharge.
3. Mobile Payments
Apple Pay and Google Pay work well in Denmark. Link your fee-free card for convenient contactless payments. MobilePay is Denmark's local payment app used by most Danes, but it requires a Danish bank account so tourists can't use it.
4. ATM Withdrawals
ATMs are available throughout Denmark if you need cash. Use bank ATMs from Danske Bank, Nordea, or Jyske Bank. Always decline currency conversion and withdraw in DKK to get your card's better exchange rate.
Using Cards in Denmark
Denmark is one of Europe's most card-friendly countries:
Where Cards Are Accepted
- All shops, supermarkets, and department stores
- Restaurants, cafes, and bars (including hygge spots)
- Public transport (DSB trains, Metro, buses)
- Tivoli Gardens and all tourist attractions
- Street food markets like Copenhagen Street Food
- Hotels and hostels
- Taxis and ride-sharing
- Even most Christmas markets
Card Payment Tips
- Choose DKK: Always pay in Danish Krone, never your home currency
- Watch for credit card surcharges: Some shops charge extra for credit cards (1-2%)
- Dankort note: Some older terminals may only show "Dankort" - your international card usually works, just insert and try
- Contactless widespread: Tap-to-pay works almost everywhere
Denmark vs Euro
A common question from visitors: why doesn't Denmark use the Euro?
Denmark joined the EU in 1973 but opted out of the Euro following a 2000 referendum. However, the Danish Krone is pegged to the Euro through the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM II), meaning the rate fluctuates only within a narrow band around 7.46 DKK per Euro.
What This Means for Tourists
- Stable rates: DKK/EUR is very predictable - roughly 7.46 DKK = 1 EUR
- Don't bring Euros: You'll need Krone, not Euros, for your trip
- Tourist traps accept Euros: But at very unfavorable rates - always pay in DKK
- Greenland and Faroe Islands: Also use Danish Krone if you're island-hopping
ATMs in Denmark
If you need cash, ATMs are widely available:
Best ATMs
- Danske Bank: Denmark's largest bank with ATMs everywhere
- Nordea: Major Scandinavian bank with reliable ATMs
- Jyske Bank: Good coverage, especially outside Copenhagen
- 7-Eleven: Convenient locations but may charge fees
ATMs to Avoid
- Euronet: Often found in tourist areas with poor rates
- Any ATM offering "guaranteed" or "no fee" currency conversion
Tipping in Denmark
Tipping is not customary in Denmark - service is included in all prices, and staff earn living wages. However, small tips for exceptional service are appreciated:
- Restaurants: Not expected; rounding up or 5-10% for exceptional service
- Cafes: No tipping expected
- Taxis: Round up to nearest convenient amount
- Hotels: Not customary; kr 10-20 per bag for porters if you wish
- Bars: Keep the change or round up slightly
Best Exchange Options for DKK
Top providers by category:
Forex Bank
Best exchange rates in Denmark.
Danske Bank
Largest Danish bank. ATMs everywhere.
Nordea Denmark
Major Nordic bank in Denmark.
Copenhagen Airport
Forex Bank available at CPH.
Nyhavn Area
Tourist rates. Walk to Central Station Forex.
Compare DKK Exchange Rates
See what you'd receive from providers local to you
Frequently Asked Questions
Denmark is so card-friendly that a multi-currency card such as Revolut or Wise can pay for almost everything, leaving little need for cash. When you do want notes, Forex Bank is rated best for rates and is also at Copenhagen Airport, while Danske Bank, Nordea and Jyske Bank ATMs are the alternative; skip exchanging around Nyhavn.
No: Denmark has been an EU member since 1973 but stayed out of the Euro after a 2000 referendum, keeping the Danish Krone. The Krone is pegged to the Euro through ERM II, so the rate moves only within a narrow band, roughly 7.46 DKK to one Euro. Tourist spots may take Euros, but at poor rates, so pay in DKK.
Rarely. Cards are taken in all shops and supermarkets, restaurants, cafes and bars, on DSB trains, the Metro and buses, at Tivoli Gardens and other attractions, at street food markets, in taxis and even at most Christmas markets. Contactless works almost everywhere, so a card covers practically the whole trip.
No. MobilePay is the local payment app most Danes use, but it needs a Danish bank account, so visitors cannot use it. Apple Pay and Google Pay do work well in Denmark, so link your fee-free card to one of those for contactless payments instead.
Often: Danish shops are allowed to add a small surcharge, around 1-2%, for credit card payments, and they frequently do. Debit cards usually escape this, another reason to lead with a fee-free debit card. Visa and Mastercard are taken everywhere, while American Express works mainly at larger places.
No. Service is included in prices and staff are paid a living wage, so nobody expects a tip. If service has been exceptional you can round up or leave 5-10% in a restaurant, round up a taxi fare, keep the change at a bar, or give porters kr 10-20 a bag, but none of this is required.
Nearby Destinations
Planning to visit multiple countries? Check out exchange guides for nearby destinations:
Germany
Sweden
Norway
Netherlands