Copenhagen - Post Report Question and Answers

Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?

Danes prefer cards to cash and it is very safe to use cards anywhere. - Feb 2022


Yes and yes. Danish society is getting away from cash and some places only accept a local debit/credit card. They are few and far between but they exist and they normally have a sign when you're paying that warns you. Most medical offices only accept local Danish cards. - Jun 2021


You can use a credit card in most places. Most places require a chip in the card and have no problems running an American card. There are ATMs outside of banks where you can use your American debit card. - Jul 2016


You will probably open an account in Denmark and use their local "chip" card (Dankort); that is what everyone does. If you want to use a U.S. credit card, request one with a chip from your card company and then you can use it all over Denmark and Europe. - May 2014


Everyone uses them, everywhere. Danes hardly use cash at all. They use the pin and chip card, but most will take a U.S. debit card as long as you have a 4 digit pin. A signature-based credit card will be accepted at most places, but many aren't as used to dealing with them. - Feb 2014


ATMs/banks are everywhere. However, credit/debit cards that do not have a "chip" and PIN will not be accepted at most businesses. Be sure to bring one or you will be frustrated. - Aug 2011


You need a PIN to use your credit card in many smaller stores or restaurants, if they take credit cards. More and more places are taking credit cards, though. ATMs are abound, though many have fees. I would highly recommend joining a bank (Danske Bank was great to us), and getting a Dankort (Danish ATM/Debit card), which will make your life much easier. - Jul 2011


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