Denmark is a member of the Schengen Agreement, so check schengenvisainfo.com for details on various types of visas you may need. For US citizens, your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your stay. You may enter for Denmark for up to 90 days for tourist purposes without a visa. For additional details about travel into and within Schengen countries, please see our Schengen fact sheet.

As of March 9, there are no longer any requirements to use a coronavirus passport/covid certificate to enter Denmark.

Source: en.coronasmitte.dk

Copenhagen is extremely safe for travelers, especially for female solo travelers. Compared to other European cities, the crime rate in Copenhagen is relatively low. But follow normal travel rules, guard your bags and wallets. The Danes are also extremely friendly, so anytime you feel like you’re in danger or need help, locals will be more than willing to assist.

For an emergency number, call (+45) 112  for the police, fire, and ambulance. If you’re injured or need a doctor, call (+45) 1813.

Denmark has four VERY distinct seasons of spring, summer, fall and winter. The spring months (April and May) are mild and the summer months (June, July and August) are the hottest. Autumn runs from September to November and tends to be rainy and cloudy. From December to March, the weather is literally freezing with snow. That being said, the best time to visit is from May to August, when the days are long and everyone’s happy!

The Kingdom of Denmark has only one official language: Danish. Luckily, pretty much everyone speaks English in Copenhagen. And they speak it well! Just in case you’re curious, here are a few words to get you through the trip:

*Denmark is an egalitarian society so their language employs gender-neutral words.

Hello = Hej (pronounced just like “hi”)

Goodbye = farvel

How are you? = Hvordan har du det

Good = godt (pronounced just like “good”)

Excuse me/sorry = undskyld mig

Please = Vær venlig

Thank you = tak

You are welcome = selv tak

Yes = Ja (pronounced like “ye”)

No = ingen (pronounced like “ing”)

My Name is… = Mit navn er

What’s your name? = hvad hedder du

Do you speak English? = taler du engelsk

I don’t understand = Jeg forstår ikke

From public behavior on the streets to business meetings, the Danes definitely follow their rules. Be courteous and polite during your trip. Females are highly regarded in the Danish culture and they hold high positions in the business world, so don’t be a sexist.

5 things to avoid:

1. Don’t cross the street on a red light. The Danes are avid rule-followers, you need to respect local culture and don’t attempt to live dangerously.
2. Don’t buy hard drugs, even if you may be tempted while visiting Christiania. In Copenhagen, sales of narcotics are strictly prohibited.
3. Don’t intrude on the local’s privacy. The Danes may openly share their opinions regarding various issues, but privacy is very important to them so don’t invade.
4. Don’t be lured by touristy canal boat tours and end up paying double the price. Stick to “‘Netto Boats” = sans loud announcement speakers.
5. Don’t disturb cyclists. There are A TON of folks on bikes in Copenhagen, hence don’t jump in front of one. Follow bicycle rules!

Since the best exchange rate will be at the airport, try to do exchange money as soon as you land. Once in the city, ATM machines are also your best options. FOREX usually gives better rates during normal banking hours and slightly lower rates outside of normal banking hours.

There are plenty of ATMs throughout Copenhagen, and most machines will accept cards issued by any major international banks.

Most major credit cards are accepted in Copenhagen, including: Visa, MasterCard, JCB and American Express. Beware that many shops, taxis, restaurants will charge an extra 2-3% credit card fee.

Even though tipping is not a requirement, if you receive an extraordinary good service, you are welcome to reward it with a tip but it is not expected. Service is normally included in the bill, you can just round up the numbers.

Like the rest of Europe, Denmark uses one of the two European standard electrical socket types, with voltage of 220-240 Volts (U.S./Canada are 110-120 Volts.) Your converter should look like this:

Tap water is safe to drink in Copenhagen. But if you order tap water in some restaurants, you may be charged for it.

Most hotels, bars, restaurants will offer free Wi-Fi.

Unfortunately, Uber no longer operates in Denmark after 3 years of availability. While Uber is making its way back to Copenhagen, there are many taxis throughout the city. Copenhagen is one of the most expensive cities in the world, and taxis are naturally more expensive than those in other European cities. Tipping isn’t necessary, unless the service is particularly good and you’d like to give extra.

From the airport to city center, it takes about 20 minutes and will cost approximately DKK 250-300 (USD $38 – 45).

Let’s not forget, bicycles are the best ways to get around the city. Copenhagen also has a great public transport system with tons of pedestrian-only streets. The city isn’t too big, so this is a huge bonus.

Denmark is the world’s first country to recognize same-sex partnerships, making it extremely open and accepting to the LGBTQ community. In Denmark’s history, gays were criminalized in 1933, then in 1989 Denmark made world history by being the first country to recognized registered same-sex partnerships.

PDA is not a problem, and the gay scene is extremely vibrant especially in Copenhagen. Centralhjørnet is actually the world’s oldest gay bar that’s still operating in Copenhagen. In 2021, the city will be the first ever to host both the EuroGames and WorldPride in the same year.

For the center of LGBTQ nightlife in Copenhagen, head over to Studiestræde and the streets near City Hall in the old Latin Quarter.