Hi,
Apologies if this has been covered to some extent but I'm a newbie. We're British and going to Copenhagen soon for a week and it seems confusing re exactly how to maximise spending power whilst there. From what I can gather:
Cash - best to take a reasonable amount and get it before you go to avoid ATM charges?
Card - widely accepted except maybe in some places after 10PM? Some people are saying they had no fees applied but i wondered if it might instead be better to get an International Debit Card though I'm not sure if they can be used in the same way as a credit card?
Visa or Mastercard - I heard that MC is not so widely accepted - is that the case?
Just to complicate matters we'll probably do at least one day trip across to Sweden but I don't suppose that will be too difficult money-wise.
Thanks
Ken
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
6999 posts
It has been. But there are no stupid questions.
A proper ATM should not add any charges, but your card might do. Visas and Mastercards are both widely accepted and if you are staying in the touristy areas you might not need cash at all. The same with Sweden, if you are just spending a day walking around central Lund, you will probably not need any cash.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
2791 posts
If you go over to the Italy board, there’s a story posted recently about a woman who thought she lost €1200. She got lucky and got it back but it’s a cautionary tale. No you should not get all your money and take it with you, unless losing it day one of your vacation will not create a problem. Never carry more money in cash then you can afford to lose without having a bad impact on your vacation.
Posted by
Connecticut
693 posts
I spent a week in Copenhagen last fall (2022). Only used cash a couple of times with street vendors. Just about everywhere else accepted my Visa or American Express cards. The ATM withdrawal for the local currency amounted to about $40 U.S. My bank refunded what were negligible ATM fees.
I did not use a debit card for purchases. In the U.S. the use of debit cards come with extremely limited protection. Credit card liability is generally capped at $50. A credit card that doesn’t charge international fees has been ideal for me. I mention U.S. because I’m only familiar with their credit and ATM cards.
Posted by
Berlin
3020 posts
Denmark is widely on card payment. Visa and MC are nearly the same because they are both handled by the card device operators.
Tip: look into hotel and restaurant websites; they often list their payment methods.
Posted by
Chicago
1143 posts
Multiple trips to Denmark in past few years, most recent 2 months ago. I only used credit cards - US Master and Visa, bith accepted everywhere. Strange carrying no cash, but it was unnecessary for my trip.
You might specific questions and include itinerary on Tripadvisor where there are some Brits who sometimes post and several expert level Danish citizens who could comment on random situations where cash might be used. I forgot I had one of those instances at a living history museum on Funen Island. We took a horse cart ride operated not by the museum but the driver. Payment of the equivalent of $3 in kroner or Euro which I was carrying. Obviously the vendor knows most tourists aren’t carrying Danish currency.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
It does seem confusing and difficult to choose a payment option where the restaurant (for example) doesn't add a percentage. Only way to avoid that I suppose is cash.
Ken