Bad exchange rates when paying in foreign currency in Denmark

Nyhavn, Tivoli, and major restaurants and hotels used by tourists in Copenhagen.

How it works

A business accepts euros or Swedish kronor but uses a poor exchange rate. Paying in a familiar currency can cost more than paying in Danish kroner. Acceptance of foreign cash does not guarantee a fair rate.

Warning signs

The business offers to accept euros or Swedish kronor.
The exchange rate or total in Danish kroner is unclear.

How to avoid it

Ask for the price in Danish kroner.
Check the conversion before agreeing to pay in foreign currency.
Pay in Danish kroner when the offered exchange rate is poor.

If it happens to you

Check your receipt and ask how the conversion was calculated. Request a correction if the rate or total differs from what was agreed.

Move somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or let a dispute become a confrontation.
Freeze missing payment cards and contact your card issuer. Report any payments you did not authorise.
Save receipts, booking details, screenshots and vehicle details. Write down the time, place and what happened.
Report theft or suspected fraud to police on 114. Call 112 if there is immediate danger or a serious emergency.
Contact your insurer if you need to make a claim. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement advice.

Where it happensNyhavn, Tivoli, and major restaurants and hotels used by tourists in Copenhagen.Copenhagen

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in DenmarkHigh-priced drinks in Nyhavn: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the bad exchange rates when paying in foreign currency scam in Denmark?

How can I spot it early?

The business offers to accept euros or Swedish kronor. The exchange rate or total in Danish kroner is unclear.

How do I avoid bad exchange rates when paying in foreign currency in Denmark?

Ask for the price in Danish kroner. Check the conversion before agreeing to pay in foreign currency. Pay in Danish kroner when the offered exchange rate is poor.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Check your receipt and ask how the conversion was calculated. Request a correction if the rate or total differs from what was agreed.

Where in Denmark does this happen?

Nyhavn, Tivoli, and major restaurants and hotels used by tourists in Copenhagen. It has been reported in Copenhagen.

How common is this scam in Denmark?

Occasional. Denmark is very safe, and tourist scams are not described as widespread. The main risks are pickpocketing, taxi drivers pushing for ATM cash, poor exchange deals and high prices in tourist areas.

Are there similar scams in Denmark?

Yes: poor exchange rates and high commission on Strøget.

Who can I report it to?

Police: call 114 for non-emergency reports of theft or suspected fraud. Keep your evidence and ask for a report reference. Emergency services: call 112 for immediate danger or a serious emergency. The call is free and works from mobile phones without a SIM card. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to freeze a card and report payments you did not authorise. Taxi company or booking platform: report the journey through the booking app or the company's official contact channel. Include the booking reference, vehicle registration and receipt if available. Business involved: ask staff to explain a disputed bill or exchange transaction. Keep the receipt and request a correction if the charge differs from what was agreed. Embassy or consulate: if your passport is stolen, use your embassy or consulate's official contact details to ask about replacement travel documents. Travel insurer: contact your insurer through its official claims channel. Keep receipts, evidence and any police report reference.

What number do I call in an emergency in Denmark?

Emergency services: 112, Police non-emergencies: 114.

Reviewed by @snuck