I'm Visiting Copenhagen. Do I Need Danish Kroner or Euros?

If you are planning a trip to Copenhagen, it is a good idea to know what you need to make purchases during your visit. The super quick answer is if you have a working credit or debit card, you probably do not have to do much else. Read on to learn why!

What currency is used in Denmark?

Copenhagen is the vibrant capital of Denmark, and while Denmark is a part of the European Union, they do not use Euros. Danish Kroner (DKK) is the only currency used in Denmark.

Can I pay with Euros in Denmark?

Not really. The exception is that there may be some shops that focus on tourists that may accept Euros, but you will not get a good exchange rate from these shops. Some may say that if the shop accepts Euros, it may be a shop worth avoiding.

Do I need to carry cash in Copenhagen?

Probably not! If you have a working credit or debit card, that is probably all you need. Denmark is a largely cashless society, and many locals prefer not to carry or use cash. All restaurants, bars, and street vendors are equipped to make transactions by card. 

There may even be some situations where it is not possible to pay with cash. While the vast majority of public toilets are free, pay toilets (in the Central Station for example) require payment by card. As it gets later in the evening some establishments are also not required to take cash anymore.

Many locals will tell you that they have not used cash in years! Yes, even the hot dog carts and vendors at the Christmas Markets will all happily take payment by card.

For public transportation, buses are the only transport that may take cash for a ticket. If you are boarding at a busy stop it may be difficult to ask the driver for a ticket, and not having your ticket beforehand slows the ride process. To easily ride the bus, trains, metro, and even the water bus, it is easiest to download the DSB app and pay directly in the app.

Really, no cash at all?

Some people will say that it is always a good idea to carry some local currency in case of emergency, or in case a vendor's card terminal goes down. This is very rare though, and if it makes you comfortable to carry a little bit of cash, you can, but it likely won't be needed.

Will my card work in Denmark?

If you haven't traveled with your card before, it may be a good idea to contact your bank or the card provider to make sure that it can be used in Denmark. Some credit or debit card companies require you to tell them when you are traveling so that your card is not frozen when they detect foreign transactions.

You will likely find that Danish society likes many aspects of life to be easy for everyone. Not needing to carry cash is one of those aspects. Enjoy your cashless visit!