Scam in DenmarkFood and drink
High-priced drinks in Nyhavn in Denmark
How it works
Nyhavn draws many visitors, and its high drink prices make it a tourist trap. The risk is paying more than expected for the location. High prices alone do not mean the bill is fraudulent.
Warning signs
- You order before checking the menu.
- The waterfront setting matters more to your choice than the price.
How to avoid it
- Check drink prices before ordering.
- Compare menus before choosing a venue.
- Try the side streets north or south of Strøget for other drinking options.
If it happens to you
Compare the bill with the menu. Ask staff to explain any difference and request a correction for items or prices you did not agree to.
- 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.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/Denmark2022Something bad about CopenhagenA visitor reports paying £17 for two Carlsberg beers in Nyhavn compared with about £8 at home in Scotland, describing high prices rather than deceptive billing.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/copenhagen2022Is there anything I should know before I travel to Copenhagen? Tourist traps? where the food is cheaper? Anything from your experience would be appreciated.Commenters warn that drinks in Nyhavn cost substantially more than shop-bought drinks and suggest sitting by the water with supermarket beer.Read on Reddit
- TripadvisorCopenhagen restaurant reviews2019MCJOY'S CHOICE, Copenhagen - Indre By (Inner City) - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - TripadvisorVisitors report expensive drinks at McJoy's Choice in Nyhavn, including 62 DKK for half a litre of beer and 78 DKK for white wine, without necessarily alleging fraud.Read on Tripadvisor
Questions
What is the high-priced drinks in Nyhavn scam in Denmark?
Nyhavn draws many visitors, and its high drink prices make it a tourist trap. The risk is paying more than expected for the location. High prices alone do not mean the bill is fraudulent.
How can I spot it early?
You order before checking the menu. The waterfront setting matters more to your choice than the price.
How do I avoid high-priced drinks in Nyhavn in Denmark?
Check drink prices before ordering. Compare menus before choosing a venue. Try the side streets north or south of Strøget for other drinking options.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Compare the bill with the menu. Ask staff to explain any difference and request a correction for items or prices you did not agree to.
Where in Denmark does this happen?
Waterfront drinking venues in Nyhavn. 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.
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