Denmark, a land of fairy-tale castles, modern design, and scenic coastal towns, is a highly cashless society. Whether you’re cycling through Copenhagen, exploring the historic streets of Aarhus, or visiting the stunning cliffs of Møns Klint, knowing how to handle payments is essential. While credit and debit cards are widely accepted, some places may require contactless payments or mobile wallets. This guide provides key details on cash and ATMs in Denmark, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a smooth and effortless visit.
Where to find ATMs in Denmark?
Urban Areas: Cities such as Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense have a dense network of ATMs, particularly in city centers, shopping areas, and near bank branches. Major banks like Danske Bank, Nykredit Bank, and Arbejdernes Landsbank operate extensive ATM networks. ATMs can also be found within or near shopping malls and supermarkets.
Tourist Spots: Popular attractions like Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, and The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen have ATMs nearby, often within or near tourist facilities.
Rural Areas: In smaller villages and remote regions, ATM availability may be limited. It’s recommended to withdraw cash in larger towns before traveling to these areas.
Best ATMs to use in Denmark for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Denmark are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Nordea
- Danske Bank
- Jyske Bank
- Arbejdernes
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Denmark.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Denmark, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or, Charge in DKK).
- If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and pay an extra fee for this.
- If you Decline, the ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in DKK’.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Denmark?
Yes, majority of the foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in Denmark.
Types of cards accepted at ATMs
ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus cards. Some of them accept American Express and Diners cards. Others like JCB, UnionPay, Discover cards are generally not accepted.
ATM operations
Opening hours: Most ATMs operate 24/7, except those inside bank branches operate only during business hours.
What are ATMs called: ATMs in Denmark are usually found by a signage of word ATM’ or ‘Hæveautomat’ or ‘Automat’.
Language options at ATMs: ATMs in Denmark primarily present Danish and English as language options. Use Google Translate camera if you need translations of these languages.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Denmark?
ATMs in Denmark usually dispense cash only in Danish Kroner (DKK).
ATM withdrawal limits in Denmark
ATMs in Denmark have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of kr 2,000 (Danish Kroner). Some ATMs allow upto kr 5,000 per transaction.
ATM Fees in Denmark
There are some fee-free ATMs in Denmark. Some Bank ATMs in Denmark charge kr 50 to kr 60 per transaction (as these banks outsource ATM operations to an independent company Kontanten) while some bank ATMs do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. So, you have some options of fee-free ATMs in Denmark (All figures in Danish Kroner).
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Denmark. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Denmark
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Denmark?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Denmark. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Denmark.
Safety at ATMs
Denmark is known for its low crime rate, making it a safe destination for travelers. Incidents of ATM-related crimes are rare. In general, use ATMs located in well-lit, populated areas or within bank premises to minimize potential risks.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Denmark takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs here?
Yes, its possible. There are some fee-free ATMs in Denmark. Some Bank ATMs in Denmark charge kr 50 to kr 60 per transaction while some bank ATMs do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted?
Absolutely yes! You can usually use cards from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other countries at ATMs here.
Bitcoin ATMs
Currently, there are no Bitcoin ATMs in Denmark.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Denmark
Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate ATMs here.
Barclays: No, Barclays does not have ATMs here.
HSBC: No, HSBC does not operate ATMs here.
Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not have ATMs here.
