← Part of the Denmark money guide
Denmarkchecked Jul 2026Do I need cash in Denmark, or can I use cards?
Short answer: a card for almost everything, very little cash. Denmark is nearly cashless like its Nordic neighbors, and it keeps the krone rather than the euro. Here is how to handle it.
At a glance
Currency
Danish krone (DKK), not euro
Cards
Near-total, contactless everywhere
Cash
Rarely needed, some places refuse it
On a card
Choose krone, not dollars
Cards, essentially entirely. Denmark is nearly cashless: contactless is everywhere, Apple Pay and Google Pay are standard, and many places take little or no cash. The currency is the Danish krone (DKK), not the euro: Denmark kept the krone rather than joining the euro. You need very little cash, so a working card is essential. On any card or ATM, choose krone, not dollars.
Nearly cashless, like its neighbors
Denmark is nearly cashless, much like Sweden and Norway. Contactless cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere, and many shops and cafes take little or no cash. The domestic card is the Dankort, and locals pay each other with MobilePay, which you do not need as a visitor.
For you, a working card is essential and cash is close to optional. Carry a contactless card with a backup on a different network, and check it works on arrival, since being cash-only here is more of a problem than being card-only.
It is krone, not euros, so choose krone
Denmark uses the Danish krone (DKK), not the euro: it is in the EU but kept its own currency. When a card terminal or ATM asks whether to charge in dollars or krone, always choose krone. Dollars trigger dynamic currency conversion at a rate about 3 to 8% worse than your own bank's. Decline it every time.
You will rarely need cash, but if you do, use a bank ATM rather than a standalone tourist kiosk, and use a debit card to avoid cash-advance fees.
The little cash you might want
Most visitors need almost no cash in Denmark. Keep a small buffer of krone for a rare rural or cash-only spot, but do not exchange much. As in Sweden, the real risk is a dead card with no backup, so carry two cards on different networks.
Tipping is modest and not expected, since service is included; rounding up is plenty. For the wider picture, see the Denmark money guide.
Common questions
Quick answers.
Do I need cash in Denmark?
Almost never. Denmark is nearly cashless, and many places take little or no cash. A contactless card covers everything; keep only a small buffer of krone, if any, for rural or cash-only spots.
Does Denmark use the euro?
No. Denmark uses the Danish krone (DKK), not the euro: it is an EU member but kept its own currency. On a card or ATM, choose to be charged in krone, not dollars or euros.
Should I pay in krone or dollars in Denmark?
Always krone. If a card machine or ATM offers dollars, decline: that dynamic currency conversion adds roughly 3 to 8%, and your own bank's rate is better.
Can I travel Denmark without cash?
Almost entirely. Contactless cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay work nearly everywhere, and many places take little or no cash. Carry two cards on different networks as backup, since a dead card is the real risk.
More on Denmark
The little money things nobody warns you about.
- Tipping in DenmarkDenmark is not really a tipping country. Wages are high and service is included, so tipping is not expected. Round up for good service if you like. Here is what you actually owe.
- Bringing your dog or cat to Denmark.Denmark runs on the single EU pet-entry process for a US-origin dog or cat: microchip, rabies in the right order, and an EU health certificate on a 10-day clock. No quarantine, no rabies titer. Here is what that means for Denmark, and the local parts worth knowing.
Sources, and how this was checked
Last checkedJul 2026
- Danmarks Nationalbankofficial Danish krone information
- US State DepartmentDenmark country information
Our own readDenmark is nearly cashless in practice, though a rare spot may still want cash, so this is our practical read. The krone rate moves, and the firm rule is to decline dollar conversion. Checked July 2026.