Welcome to Denmark 😊
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe, known for its beautiful coastline, historic cities, and relaxed lifestyle. The capital city, Copenhagen, is a hub of culture and design, with colorful buildings, canals, and world-class museums and restaurants. Danish cuisine is famous for its pastries and open-faced sandwiches, and the country is also home to several renowned breweries. Outside the cities, visitors can explore the rolling hills and forests of the countryside, or visit one of Denmark's many picturesque islands.
Quick Facts About Denmark
- Currency: Danish krone
- Population: 5.8 million
- Languages: Danish
Money and Finances
The currency used in Denmark is the Danish krone (DKK). The denominations of coins are 50 øre, 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 kroner. The denominations of notes are 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 kroner.
ATM Network
ATMs are widely available in Denmark and can be found in most cities and towns. Many ATMs accept international cards, and major credit cards can also be used to withdraw cash.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are widely accepted in Denmark, and Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted. AMEX is accepted in some places, but not as widely as the other two. It is generally easy to use credit cards for purchases and transactions in Denmark.
Internet and Phones
Denmark is a highly connected country with an average internet speed of 52 Mbps for downloads and 17 Mbps for uploads. While there is no government interference in internet use, websites with illegal content are blocked.
Phone Plans and SIM Cards
Denmark has several telco companies such as TDC, Telia, and 3. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around DKK 150-300 per month. SIM cards are easily available and there are no compatibility issues.
Dialling to Denmark
To call Denmark from another country, dial +45 followed by the local number. Within Denmark, the area code is 1-4 digits long depending on the region.
Transport Around Denmark
Air Travel
Denmark has three major international airports located in Copenhagen, Billund, and Aalborg. Copenhagen Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Denmark.
Train Travel
Denmark has an extensive inter-city train network called DSB. A ticket from Copenhagen to Aarhus costs around 300 DKK and takes about 3 hours.
Metro / Local Trains
Copenhagen has a metro system with two lines serving the city. It is a quick and convenient way to get around Copenhagen.
Buses
Denmark has an efficient and reliable bus network operated by companies such as Movia and Arriva. A bus ticket from Roskilde to Copenhagen costs around 24 DKK and takes about 45 minutes.
Rideshare
Rideshare companies such as Uber and Bolt are available in Denmark, but are slightly more expensive than public transportation. A ride from Copenhagen to Aarhus costs around 800 DKK.
Driving by Car
Driving in Denmark is easy and safe, with well-maintained roads and reliable signage. The speed limit on highways is 130 km/h and Denmark drives on the right side of the road.
Local Customs
In Denmark, tipping is not expected as service charges are usually included in the bill. Locals usually greet each other with a handshake, a smile, and maintaining eye contact. Men and women usually address each other with Mr./Ms. followed by their first name. Speaking with strangers is usually done politely and reservedly, as Danes value their personal space. It is also important to note that punctuality is highly valued in Denmark.
Health and Diseases
Medical System
Denmark has a tax-funded universal healthcare system, which is accessible to all residents. Most doctors and hospitals are publicly owned and managed by the government. Most medical services are free of charge, but there may be some nominal fees for certain services. The approximate cost of a visit to the doctor is around 30-50 USD.
COVID Situation
Denmark has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with stringent measures, including lockdowns and travel restrictions. The government has implemented widespread testing and contact tracing, and has been successful in keeping infection rates relatively low. As of June 2021, there have been approximately 282,000 confirmed cases and 2,528 deaths from COVID-19 in Denmark.
Common Health Risks
The health risks in Denmark are generally low, but travelers should be aware of the risk of food-borne illnesses such as salmonella and E. coli. Lyme disease is also a risk in rural areas, particularly during the summer months. There is currently no risk of malaria or other serious diseases in Denmark.
Laws and Regulations
Alcohol Consumption
In Denmark, the legal drinking age is 18 years old. Alcohol can be purchased in supermarkets, convenience stores, and bars. However, there are restrictions on the sale of alcohol on certain days and times. It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content of over 0.05%. The consumption of alcohol in public is generally allowed, except for specific areas where it is explicitly prohibited.
Recreational Drugs
Recreational drug use is illegal in Denmark, including the use of cannabis. However, possession and use of small quantities of cannabis may be decriminalized in specific areas, depending on local policies. There are also drug consumption rooms where drug users can consume drugs under medical supervision. Penalties for drug trafficking and possession of larger quantities of drugs can be severe.
Pre-Marital Relationships
Denmark has a fairly liberal attitude towards pre-marital relationships. Cohabitation is common and socially accepted, and there are no laws criminalizing it.
LGBTQ and Same-Sex
Denmark was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex partnerships in 1989, and same-sex marriage was legalized in 2012. Discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals is prohibited by law, and they enjoy the same legal protections and rights as heterosexual couples.
Firearms / Guns
Denmark has strict gun control laws, and ownership of firearms is heavily regulated. Most firearms are prohibited, and those that are legal require a license to own and strict storage requirements. Concealed carry is not allowed, and gun violence is relatively rare in Denmark.