Practical A–Z
Entry & Visa
EU Citizens
As an EU citizen, you do not need a visa. Denmark is a Schengen member — you only need a valid ID card or passport. However, since 2016, there have been temporary border controls at the German-Danish border (spot checks, no systematic control). Keep your ID with you!
Stay: Unlimited for EU citizens. For stays over 3 months: registration with the Statsforvaltningen is recommended.
Swiss Citizens
Same rules as EU citizens (Schengen Agreement). Passport or ID is sufficient.
Customs
Within the EU: no customs restrictions for personal items. Denmark has no special regulations for alcohol like Sweden or Norway — you can import unlimited amounts for personal use across the EU.
Money & Payment
Currency
Denmark does not use the Euro, but the Danish Krone (DKK). The exchange rate is fixed to the Euro: 1€ ≈ 7.46 DKK (fluctuates only minimally). Coins: 50 øre, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 DKK. Notes: 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 DKK.
Cashless Living
Denmark is the most cashless country in Europe. Since 2016, many shops are no longer required to accept cash — and many don't. Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted everywhere: from kiosks to hot dog stands. Contactless payment (NFC) and Apple Pay/Google Pay are standard. Tip: A Visa or Mastercard debit card with no foreign transaction fees is the best payment method.
MobilePay is Denmark's national payment app (like PayPal, but better). As a tourist, you can't use it (Danish bank account required), but you'll see "MobilePay" signs everywhere.
Tipping
In Denmark, tipping is not customary. Service staff receive fair wages (thanks to strong unions), and service is included in the bill. If you are particularly satisfied, you can round up or give 5–10% — but no one expects it, and it's not a faux pas to leave no tip.
Health & Safety
Health
Denmark has an excellent healthcare system. No special vaccinations required — standard vaccinations (tetanus, diphtheria, polio) should be up to date. Bring EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) for treatments in the public healthcare system. Nevertheless: A travel health insurance is recommended.
Drinking Water
Danish tap water is excellent — even better than many bottled waters. Drinkable everywhere, no need to buy water bottles. Bring a water bottle and fill it up at any tap.
Safety
Denmark is one of the safest countries in the world. Violent crime against tourists: practically zero. Pickpocketing: rare, but in Copenhagen (Strøget, Nyhavn, Metro) exercise usual big-city caution. The police are trustworthy and helpful. Emergency number: 112 (police, fire department, ambulance).
| Risk | Rating | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Crime | Very low | Normal caution in Copenhagen (tourist hotspots) |
| Road Traffic | Low | Watch out for cyclists! In Copenhagen, bikes have priority |
| Natural Hazards | Low | Pay attention to North Sea currents when swimming |
| Weather | Low | Always carry a rain jacket, weather changes quickly |
Achtung
On the Jutland North Sea coast: Strong currents and undertows! Swim only at supervised beaches (blue = safe, yellow = caution, red = prohibited). Especially with offshore winds, currents can become dangerous. Never leave children unattended by the water.
Packing List & Clothing
Summer (June–August)
- Layers: T-shirts + long-sleeve shirt + light jacket. Even in summer, it can get cool in the evenings (12–15°C), especially on the coast.
- Wind and rain jacket: Essential. Danish weather is changeable — "If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes."
- Comfortable shoes: For cobblestones in the old towns. Waterproof hiking boots for beach walks.
- Swimwear: For Baltic Sea beaches and the Danish outdoor swimming culture (havnebad).
- Sun protection: UV radiation on the coast is often underestimated — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
Winter (November–February)
- Warm jacket: Down or well-insulated. Danish winter is not extremely cold (around 0°C), but the wind makes it biting.
- Layers: Thermal underwear + fleece + wind/water-resistant outer layer.
- Scarf, hat, gloves: Against wind chill — especially on the coast and on bridges.
- Waterproof shoes: Rain and mud are common in winter.
Year-round
- Travel adapter: Danish sockets often have type K (with grounding pin). German plugs (type C/F) fit in most cases, but with newer Danish sockets, the grounding pin might be in the way. A small travel adapter (type K) costs 3–5€ and solves the problem.
- Water bottle: Tap water is drinkable everywhere.
- Umbrella: Often useless in Denmark — the wind turns it inside out. Better: a good rain jacket with a hood.
Tipp
The Danish proverb about the weather: "Der er ikke noget, der hedder dårligt vejr — kun dårlig påklædning" (There is no bad weather — only bad clothing). Take it seriously. A good wind- and waterproof jacket is more important in Denmark than any designer piece.
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