Denmark
Currency in Denmark: what to use and how to exchange
Denmark uses the Danish krone (DKK, kr), not the euro, at roughly 7.46 kr to €1. Pay by card almost everywhere, keep 200–300 kr in cash for the few card-free places, and withdraw from an ATM rather than buying krone at the airport or a street bureau.
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GuideDenmark
Key facts
- Currency
- Danish krone (DKK, kr); 100 øre = 1 krone
- Euro accepted?
- No, except some border and tourist shops at poor rates (check)
- Rough rate
- About 7.46 kr to €1 (2026 estimate; check before you travel)
- Peg
- Krone is pegged to the euro under ERM II (check)
- Cards
- Visa and Mastercard work almost everywhere; many places are cash-free
- Cash you need
- 200–300 kr is plenty for a normal trip
- Best way to get krone
- Debit card at a bank ATM, or a card payment with no foreign fee
- Worst value
- Airport bureaux, hotel desks and street exchange kiosks
Details
Denmark kept the krone when it voted against adopting the euro, so prices, menus and tickets are in kr. Notes run from 50 to 1,000 kr and coins from 50 øre to 20 kr; small coins are being phased out, so expect rounding on cash totals (check).
The country is close to cashless. Supermarkets, cafés, museums, trains and even market stalls take cards, and a growing number of places refuse notes and coins entirely. Contactless is the default: tap your card or phone and go. If your card is a Visa or Mastercard, it will work; American Express and Discover are accepted far less often, so carry a backup.
Cash still has a few uses: some small kiosks, older vending machines, church concerts, flea markets and tips where you choose to leave one. Two or three hundred krone covers that. You do not need to arrive with a wallet of notes.
For getting krone, a debit card at a Danish bank ATM gives the mid-market rate plus your bank's fee. Paying directly by card is often cheaper still, because the exchange happens inside the payment. Airport bureaux, hotel front desks and city-centre exchange kiosks charge the widest spreads. If you do use a bureau, ask for the total in kr you will receive and compare it with the rate on your phone before handing over money.
Always choose to be charged in krone (DKK), not in your home currency, when a terminal or ATM offers the choice. That 'pay in USD' option is dynamic currency conversion and adds a markup of several percent.
| Method | Typical cost | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Debit card at a bank ATM | Mid-market rate plus your bank's fee (2026 estimate) | First arrival, top-ups of 200–500 kr |
| Card payment in krone | Usually no Danish fee; your bank may add 0–3% | Almost every purchase |
| Airport or street exchange bureau | Several percent spread, often worse for cash (2026 estimate) | Only if you need cash immediately |
| Hotel front desk | Widest spread (check) | Emergency only |
| Euro notes | Accepted at poor rates in some tourist spots (check) | Avoid; change to krone instead |
Rates and fees move; check your own bank's foreign transaction fee before you fly.
Summary table
The short version of what to carry and what to skip.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What currency is used in Denmark? | Danish krone (DKK, kr) |
| Can I pay in euros? | Generally no; a few border and tourist shops accept them at poor rates (check) |
| Do I need cash? | No for most spending; 200–300 kr is a sensible buffer |
| Best place to exchange money? | A bank ATM with a debit card, or pay by card and skip exchange altogether |
| Cards accepted? | Visa and Mastercard almost everywhere; Amex and Discover less often |
| Should I pay in DKK or my home currency? | Always DKK; refuse dynamic currency conversion |
2026 estimate; confirm current rates and any card fees with your bank.
Tips
- Decline the ATM's or terminal's offer to convert to your home currency; pay in krone.
- Carry two cards from different networks in case one is blocked or not accepted.
- Tell your bank you are travelling if it still uses travel notices, and check your daily ATM limit.
- Keep a few 20 kr and 50 kr coins for lockers, toilets and small kiosks.
- Round up rather than tip in most places; service is already included in prices.
- Keep ATM receipts until you get home if you may need to query a fee.
- If you leave with krone, spend or change them before departure; some banks at home will not take coins.
FAQ
Questions people ask
What currency is used in Denmark?
The Danish krone, written DKK or kr, divided into 100 øre. Denmark has not adopted the euro, so prices and tickets are in krone. The rate sits near 7.46 kr to €1 (2026 estimate); check the current rate before you travel.
Where is the best place to exchange money in Denmark?
A Danish bank ATM with your debit card usually gives the best deal, at or near the mid-market rate plus your own bank's fee. Airport bureaux, hotel desks and city exchange kiosks charge the widest spreads. Paying by card in krone often beats exchanging cash at all.
Is it better to bring cash or use a card in Denmark?
Use a card. Denmark is close to cashless and many places no longer accept notes. Visa and Mastercard work almost everywhere; Amex and Discover less often. Bring 200–300 kr in cash as a buffer, and always choose to be charged in DKK, not your home currency.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check