Denmark keeps its Danish krone (DKK) despite belonging to the European Union, and it is one of the most card-oriented countries in the world: here is how to balance cash and card before you leave.
The Danish krone (DKK), a currency that is not the euro
Many travellers are surprised to learn that Denmark, a member of the European Union, has not adopted the euro. The country negotiated an opt-out clause (opt-out) and continues to use the Danish krone, whose international code is DKK and whose symbol is "kr". You will see prices displayed as "149 kr" or "149,-".
An important detail: the Danish krone is pegged to the euro within the European exchange rate mechanism, which makes its value relatively stable from one trip to the next, unlike more volatile currencies. The currency comes in coins (from the øre to the 20 kr coin) and in brightly coloured banknotes depicting Danish bridges and historic sites. Note: if you venture as far as the Faroe Islands or Greenland, you will come across local banknotes denominated in kroner, of the same value but different in appearance.
An almost cashless country: card is king
Denmark is a true laboratory of the cashless society. Bank cards, contactless and above all the national app MobilePay are used everywhere, from the big department store in Copenhagen to the street hot-dog vendor (pølsevogn). The historic local card, the Dankort, now coexists with Visa and Mastercard, which are accepted almost universally.
A concrete consequence for the traveller: many shops, cafés and even some museums strongly favour cashless payment, and Danish regulations allow certain establishments to refuse cash during defined time slots. You can therefore get through a weekend in Copenhagen paying only by card. Still, remember to let your bank know about your trip and to favour a card with no foreign fees, since each transaction outside the euro zone can incur conversion charges.
Watch out for "DCC" (dynamic currency conversion)
When paying by card, the terminal will sometimes offer to charge you "in euros" rather than in kroner. Decline: always choose to pay in the local currency, the DKK. The conversion offered by the merchant (DCC, Dynamic Currency Conversion) generally applies a far less favourable rate than your bank's.
How much cash should you really plan for?
Even in this ultra-digital country, keeping a little cash on hand remains useful. We recommend bringing a small reserve in kroner for:
- markets, food trucks and small stalls that may still ask for cash;
- the unexpected: a dead phone battery (and therefore no access to MobilePay), a small village off the beaten track;
- tips in cash, even though they are not expected (see below);
- getting by if a card is swallowed or blocked.
For a city break of a few days, a modest reserve is more than enough, with the rest going on card. There is no need to carry large sums: cash is rarely necessary and harder to spend than elsewhere. To prepare this budget from Paris, you can order your currency online and come and collect it in store before departure.
Withdrawing on site: ATMs
If you prefer to withdraw once you have arrived, ATMs (called hæveautomat) are plentiful in the cities but rarer in rural areas. Beware of fees: withdrawals outside the euro zone and possible fixed fees per transaction can quickly add up. Preparing part of your budget before leaving spares you these unpleasant surprises and the search for an ATM at the airport, often at the least attractive rate.
Tips, taxes and rules to know
In Denmark, service and VAT (one of the highest in Europe) are already included in the displayed prices: tipping is not mandatory and is not expected. Danes sometimes round up the bill or leave a small gesture for outstanding service, but no more than that. So never feel obliged to leave a systematic surcharge.
On the customs side, remember the European rule: any movement of €10,000 or more in cash (or its equivalent in kroner) into or out of the European Union must be declared to customs. For a typical tourist trip, you are well below this threshold.
Preparing your currency exchange before you leave
Exchanging your euros for Danish kroner before departure remains the most stress-free option: you know the exact amount you will receive and you avoid airport bureaux and repeated withdrawal fees. Paris Change, a bureau de change approved by the ACPR (Banque de France), offers more than 53 currencies with no commission, including the Danish krone. Our only shop is located at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, 75005 Paris, in the heart of the Latin Quarter, and remains open 7 days a week (Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, Sunday from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm). You can book online and collect your kroner in store at a time that suits you.
Frequently asked questions
Can you pay in euros in Denmark?
Very rarely. A few very touristy areas or hotels may accept euros, but at an unfavourable rate and often with change given in kroner. The official currency remains the DKK: bring a card and a little cash in kroner.
Do you really need to carry cash in such a digital country?
Yes, a small reserve. Denmark is one of the most cashless-oriented countries in the world, but a dead battery, a rural business or an unexpected situation justify keeping a few kroner on you.
Where can you exchange euros for Danish kroner in Paris?
At Paris Change, 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel (75005), an ACPR-approved bureau, with no commission and open 7 days a week. Booking online guarantees the availability of your currency.
Prepare your trip to Denmark with complete peace of mind: order your currency in just a few clicks and come and collect it at Saint-Michel before you take off.
