Scam in DenmarkChanging money
Poor exchange rates and high commission on Strøget in Denmark
How it works
Some exchange offices offer a low exchange rate and charge a very high commission. You receive fewer Danish kroner than you expected. This is a poor-value exchange deal rather than necessarily fraud.
Warning signs
- The commission is high.
- The final amount you will receive is unclear.
- The quoted rate is much worse than other offers.
How to avoid it
- Ask how many kroner you will receive after every fee.
- Compare the final payout at more than one exchange office.
- Read the rate and commission before handing over money.
- Keep the exchange receipt.
If it happens to you
Keep the receipt and ask the business to explain the rate and fees. If the amount differs from what you agreed, request a correction and save evidence.
- 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.
- TripadvisorCopenhagen ForumMoney Changer - Copenhagen Forum - TripadvisorA contributor warns that Money Exchange at Vesterbrogade 9 and similar businesses on Strøget charge an 11% commission when exchanging foreign currency into Danish kroner.Read on Tripadvisor
- Travel blog2015Things to Do in Copenhagen: What to See, Eat and Where to Stay - Hostelworld Travel BlogHostelworld's Copenhagen guide reports that exchange bureaux on Strøget generally charge commissions of up to 10%.Read on Travel blog
Questions
What is the poor exchange rates and high commission on Strøget scam in Denmark?
Some exchange offices offer a low exchange rate and charge a very high commission. You receive fewer Danish kroner than you expected. This is a poor-value exchange deal rather than necessarily fraud.
How can I spot it early?
The commission is high. The final amount you will receive is unclear. The quoted rate is much worse than other offers.
How do I avoid poor exchange rates and high commission on Strøget in Denmark?
Ask how many kroner you will receive after every fee. Compare the final payout at more than one exchange office. Read the rate and commission before handing over money. Keep the exchange receipt.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Keep the receipt and ask the business to explain the rate and fees. If the amount differs from what you agreed, request a correction and save evidence.
Where in Denmark does this happen?
Currency exchange offices on Strøget 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: bad exchange rates when paying in foreign currency.
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