Using Euros In Copenhagen Airport: Is It Possible?

can i use euros in copenhagen airport

Copenhagen Airport has currency exchange offices and ATMs available, but these often offer poor exchange rates. While it is possible to use euros in Copenhagen, the official currency of Denmark is the krone, and it is better to switch currency before travelling. Credit cards are widely accepted in Copenhagen, and it is possible to pay with cards almost everywhere, even for small purchases.

Characteristics Values
Currency in Copenhagen Danish Krone
Currency in Copenhagen Airport ATMs Euros may be available at airport ATMs, but the exchange rate is likely to be poor.
Currency exchange offices in Copenhagen Airport There are currency exchange offices in Copenhagen Airport, but the exchange rate is likely to be poor.
Using cash in Copenhagen Cash usage is decreasing in Denmark, and credit cards are widely accepted. However, shops must accept cash between 6 am and 10 pm (or 8 pm in high-risk areas).
Legislation on currency exchange It is illegal to exchange or spend 500 Euro bills in Denmark.

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Copenhagen Airport has currency exchange offices, but they offer poor exchange rates

Although Denmark is not a cashless country, the use of cash is decreasing. Credit cards and mobile banking apps are widely accepted, even for small purchases. In Copenhagen, automated station toilets only accept cards, and in some cases, food trucks only take cards and do not accept cash. However, shops are required by law to accept cash between the hours of 6 am and 10 pm (or 8 pm in high-risk areas).

If you need to exchange currency, it is recommended to use a bank ATM, as these typically offer better exchange rates than currency exchange offices or Euronet ATMs. The Danske Bank branch located at Copenhagen Airport may be a good option for travellers looking to withdraw money before or after passing through security. It is worth noting that some travellers have reported being able to pay directly with euros in Denmark, with the exchange rate calculated automatically. However, it is generally recommended to use the local currency, which in Denmark is the krone.

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Denmark's official currency is the Krone, not the Euro

If you need to exchange currency, it is recommended to use the ATMs attached to the Danske Bank branch located before and after security at the airport, as these will offer a better exchange rate than the currency exchange offices or Euronet ATMs. However, keep in mind that Copenhagen is largely a cashless city, and you can use your credit cards almost everywhere, even for small purchases. Many places, including food trucks, only accept cards and do not take cash.

If you intend to travel beyond Greater Copenhagen, you will need a small amount of cash for local buses and toilets. It is also worth noting that while Denmark is not part of the Eurozone, you can still use your euros in Copenhagen. The city has a wide range of free attractions, so it can be a budget-friendly destination even if you need to exchange currency.

In 2020, legislation was passed in Denmark to combat money laundering, making it illegal to exchange or spend 500 Euro bills in the country. This is similar to the removal of the 1,000 krone bill from circulation in May 2025 for the same reason.

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Card payments are widely accepted in Copenhagen, including for small purchases

Copenhagen Airport has currency exchange offices, but the exchange rate is poor. It is illegal to exchange or spend 500 Euro bills in Denmark, a law introduced to combat money laundering. It is also unlikely that you will find an ATM that dispenses Euros at the airport. However, card payments are widely accepted in Copenhagen, including for small purchases. In fact, Denmark is one of the most credit-card-paying countries in the world, with card payments making up approximately 50% of transactions.

While Denmark is not entirely cashless, the use of cash is decreasing. In Copenhagen, automated station toilets only accept cards, and some shops have opted to use MobilePay, which requires a Danish social security number. However, most stores accept VISA and Mastercard. Card machines are required to be provided by law, and all shops must accept cash between 6 am and 10 pm, except in high-risk areas, where the cut-off time is 8 pm.

Contactless payments with Dankort are also popular, making up 80% of transactions with this card. MobilePay is a digital wallet used by over 4 million people in Denmark, and it is widely accepted throughout the country. It is used for online payments and in-store, and it is common to see the service used by door-to-door salespeople or charity collectors, as well as at small stalls and pop-up events. Other payment apps such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal are also very popular.

If you do need to withdraw cash, it is recommended to use the ATMs attached to a bank branch for a better exchange rate than the airport currency exchange offices or Euronet ATMs.

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It is illegal to exchange or spend 500 Euro bills in Denmark

Copenhagen Airport has four currency exchange offices after security and three before security. However, the exchange rate is poor, and you will get a better rate at the Danske Bank branch located before and after security at the airport.

Although Denmark is not cashless, the use of cash is decreasing. Credit cards and mobile banking apps are widely accepted, so you will rarely need cash, especially in Copenhagen. However, if you intend to travel beyond Copenhagen, you will need a small amount of cash for local buses and toilets.

Denmark's official currency is the krone, and while euros and dollars can sometimes be used to pay for high-priced items such as hotel rooms, vendors are not legally obliged to accept them. It is worth noting that in 2020, legislation made it illegal to exchange or spend 500 Euro bills in Denmark. This law was introduced to combat money laundering. Similarly, the Danish 1,000 kr bill was removed from circulation in May 2025 for the same reason.

If you are exchanging money, it is best to do so in Denmark, as you may find better exchange rates. However, many banks and exchange offices are not open on weekends, so ensure you have enough cash if you arrive during the weekend.

ATMs in Denmark will usually dispense cash in Danish kroner, but some may offer euros and other currencies. It is always a good idea to have kroner or an alternative means of payment with you, just in case.

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ATMs in Copenhagen Airport are Euronet ATMs with poor exchange rates

Copenhagen Airport has currency exchange offices and ATMs available for use. However, it is advised to avoid the Euronet ATMs at the airport. Euronet ATMs are known for their poor exchange rates and manipulative withdrawal processes. One user reported that they were charged 60 euros to withdraw 3000 kroner, resulting in a total loss of 460 euros.

It is recommended to use the ATMs attached to the Danske Bank branch located within the airport instead. These bank-run ATMs will provide a better exchange rate than the Euronet ATMs. Additionally, it is generally advised to avoid currency exchange booths and kiosks, as they often charge high fees and offer unfavourable rates.

If you are looking to exchange a large sum of money, it may be worth considering using a service like Revolut, which allows users to buy euros in the app without any exchange fees and then withdraw them at ATMs with no additional charges. Alternatively, you can also consider withdrawing cash from your bank account before travelling to avoid the hassle and stress of finding favourable exchange rates and dealing with ATMs upon arrival.

While Copenhagen Airport does provide convenient options for currency exchange, it is important to be aware of the potential drawbacks of certain services, such as the Euronet ATMs, to make informed decisions and minimise any unnecessary losses.

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Frequently asked questions

The official currency of Denmark is the Krone, and Copenhagen Airport has several currency exchange offices. Euros are accepted in some places, but it is better to switch to Danish Krone for a more favourable exchange rate.

Copenhagen Airport has four currency exchange offices after security and three before security. However, the exchange rate at the airport is poor. It is recommended to use the ATMs attached to the Danske Bank branch at the airport, as these will provide a better exchange rate.

Card payments are widely accepted in Copenhagen, and many places only take cards. Credit cards and mobile banking apps are also accepted. However, some local services like buses and toilets may require a small amount of cash.

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