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Denmark (DK)

Denmark is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy in Northern Europe — the southernmost of the Scandinavian nations — celebrated for its pioneering design aesthetic (Royal Copenhagen, Bang & Olufsen, Lego), the concept of hygge (cosiness and togetherness), the world's best work-life balance, free world-class universities, a welfare state that ranks among the globe's most generous, and Copenhagen consistently topping global rankings for sustainability, cycling infrastructure, and quality of life.

Capital: Copenhagen
Region: Europe
Language: Danish
Currency: DKK (kr)
Cost of living: Expensive (index 82)
Emergency: 112

Currency & Money

Practical money tips for living in Denmark.

kr
Danish Krone
DKK

Denominations

Coins: 50 øre, 1 kr, 2 kr, 5 kr, 10 kr, 20 kr. Notes: 50 kr, 100 kr, 200 kr, 500 kr, 1000 kr.

Payment Culture

Denmark is highly cashless — Dankort (the national debit card) is accepted virtually everywhere, and MobilePay is used by over 90% of the population for peer-to-peer and small business payments. Contactless card payment is standard. Many businesses are card-only. Cash is still accepted but increasingly rare. Note: Denmark is NOT in the Eurozone — euros are not accepted except at major tourist sites.

ATM Tips

ATMs (hæveautomater) are widely available at banks, shopping centres, and petrol stations. Foreign cards may incur fees of DKK 25–50 per withdrawal. Danske Bank and Nordea ATMs are most common.

Exchange Tips

Use Wise or Revolut for international transfers to avoid bank fees. Currency exchange at Copenhagen Airport has poor rates — change only what you need. Forex bureaux in city centres offer better rates.

Pro tip: Best apps for expats

  • Wise — Send money internationally at near-interbank rates
  • Revolut — Multi-currency account, free ATM withdrawals (limits apply)
  • N26 — German IBAN, free account, good for EU residents