Money and banking methods can be very different from country to country. When arriving in Denmark, it is recommended that you hold an international credit card to make sure, that you are able to pay for rent, fees etc. Some places will not accept cash and this is especially the case when paying for your rent.
Although all major credit cards such as VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Euro Card and Diner’s Club are widely accepted in large stores and international chains, in smaller stores they often do not accept foreign cards.
Please also note that Denmark uses the chip and pin system, so you must be able to type in a pin code when using your card at a cash machine or to pay for goods in a shop.
If you are working in Denmark alongside your studies, you can also apply for a Dankort from your Danish bank.
A Dankort is a Danish-only debit card and is the most widely used card in Denmark. This is often accepted in smaller stores when they do not take other types of credit/debit cards.
Contact your local bank in order to obtain a credit card, which you can use in all-cash dispensers in Aarhus. Be aware of transaction fees.
A NemKonto is a regular bank account which you choose to designate as your NemKonto, and all citizens registered in Denmark are required to have one. It is a completely ordinary bank account that you already have, and it is imperative that you open a NemKonto, as it is through this that any public sector payments are processed, such as EU students receiving SU, and for those in receipt of housing benefit.
The first step in establishing your own is to decide which of your existing bank accounts you wish to use as your NemKonto.
Your options are:
Throughout 2022, MitID replaced NemID as the new Digital Signature system. This is to improve the security of the system. Please note, you no longer need to obtain a NemID, but if you still wish to do so, this can be done at a citizen service centre. Read more here.
MitID is primarily a mobile app, used to authenticate your log in details. It has exactly the same function as NemID, and allows you to log in to many important services on the internet, with the same login. For example, you can use MitID to log in to your online banking, open your e-boks (Digital Post), check your taxes (Skat), and much more.
If you cannot use the mobile app it is also possible to access MitID through a code display or audio code reader. You can find more information about this, and MitID in general, on the official MitID webpage.
MitID consists of a user ID and a PIN code. When you want to log in with MitID simply type your user ID into the MitID window in your browser. You will then receive a notification on your MitID app (or code reader) in order to confirm the log in. You can confirm the log in by typing in your PIN code or by using biometrics such a fingerprint or facial recognition.
MitID can be obtained either through your NemID, at a citizen service centre, or through using your passport. Take a look here to see which option is best for you.
MobilePay is an app provided by Danske Bank, which is widely used for payments in Denmark. You can use the app to pay with your credit card from your smartphone in supermarkets, different stores and among you and your friends.
If you would like to be able to use the MobilePay app, it is required that you open a bank account in a Danish bank.
