Cards, cash and tipping

Do you need cash in Copenhagen?

Not much. VisitCopenhagen says most visitors do not need much cash, as the major cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, cafés and restaurants. We found no official source guaranteeing that you can do entirely without cash: keep a small amount as a back-up.

Will your card be accepted?

• Remember your PIN and photo ID.
• Some shops charge fees on foreign cards.
• VisitDenmark warns that many small shops and supermarkets do not accept international credit cards: have a fallback.
• MobilePay requires a Danish social security number, phone number and bank account, so ordinary visitors cannot rely on it.

Can you pay in cash everywhere?

In principle, physical shops with staff must accept cash from 06:00 to 22:00, or until 20:00 in areas exposed to theft if a sign says so. The rule does not apply to distance selling, unstaffed self-service outlets or temporary events such as festivals. In practice, VisitDenmark reports that many places operate without cash.

Kroner or euros?

Pay in Danish kroner (DKK). Many places accept euros, but at a poor rate. 1,000 DKK notes have been out of circulation since May 2025.

Should you leave a tip?

No, it is not a tradition in Copenhagen and service is included. If you would like to leave one, 10% of the bill is enough.