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Should you pay in Danish kroner or local currency when using your card abroad?

The choice on the terminal screen matters.

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Short answer

Paying in the local currency is often better. When you pay with a Danish card abroad, the terminal often lets you choose between Danish kroner and the local currency. If you choose kroner, the shop typically charges a fee for converting the amount. Whether local currency is cheaper depends on the amount and your bank's currency surcharge, so check the surcharge on your card before you travel.

Practical info

Why

  1. The shop's exchange rate and fee are added on top when you choose kroner.
  2. The best choice depends on the amount and your bank's currency surcharge.
  3. The currency surcharge can be higher on other cards than Visa/Dankort.

Details

Withdrawing euro in another EU country must not cost more than withdrawing euro in Denmark.

Tip

Keep the receipts and compare them with your account, so you can see what each payment really cost.

What may differ

Currency surcharges and fees differ between banks and card types.

Common misconception

Paying in Danish kroner abroad is safer, because you see the exact price.

What actually happens

You see a price in kroner, but it usually includes the shop's own fee, so it is often more expensive.

People also ask

  • Can you use a Danish Visa/Dankort abroad?
  • What does it cost to withdraw cash abroad?
  • What is Dankort?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Payment rules, limits and fees change, so check the official sources or your bank before you pay.

Practical info
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