"Moms" What is it? You'll see this in the price in virtually every purchase, including accommodation rates, meals and retail items in Denmark. Here are a few ways you can save some kroner.
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Budgeting tips
Some seasoned travelers and former residents recommend budgeting about 500 kroner (DKK) a day, roughly the price of a pair of jeans in the country, but you can whittle it down to closer to 300 kroner if you skimp on many things and try to prepare or cook your own food instead of eating out. Everyday items such as milk and bread can also run high. Drinking is also very expensive -- as high as 35 kroner, which equates to US$5.58 or 4.70 Euro. You might want to "pre-game" at your hotel or a restaurant to avoid breaking the bank on pricey beers at the pub. Cans of local beer can be bought relatively cheaply at any supermarket. A hostel dorm ranges from US$21-33 (132- 207 kroner) Staying in a 2- or 3-star hotel is about 650 kroner a night, which equates to US$103.67 and 87.33 Euro. A fast-food meal is about 60 kroner, or US$9.57 and just over 8 Euros and restaurant burgers are generally more expensive than in other countries.
Transport tips
There is no need to take an expensive taxi from Copenhagen airport to the city center. Getting into town from the airport is remarkably easy with the Metro. Simply hop on metro line M2 and you’re in the center in minutes. The cost of this journey is around US$5.58 or 35 kroner and you can buy tickets from the red/white machines clearly marked “Tickets/ Billetter”.
Cheap eats
One traveler said that a way to cut down meal costs is by going to buffets. Some restaurants will do buffet-style during the day and leave out the VAT (Moms), which reduces the cost significantly. Expect to spend anywhere from 70 kroner for a pasta buffet to 140 kroner for something more substantial. Most restaurants go back to their standard, tax-added menu prices for dinner.
Hot dog stands feature in several Scandinavian countries including Denmark and can give you a cheap but filling option for as little as 19 kroner. Pizza shops will often run lunch specials for 40 kroner or less and kebab shops sell delicious plates with pita bread, meat or falafel, rice or fries and salad for 60-80 kroner.
Another great way to save money is to pack a picnic and head to a nearby park or garden for a relaxing cheap lunch. Some local attractions also have designated areas where people can relax and eat.
It's also worth checking out Copenhagen's street food market, Copenhagen Street Food
Accommodation & shopping
For accommodation options, one traveler praises Denmark's vast array of camping grounds and hostel offerings, both of which can be great ways to cut down on the cost of your stay. The condition of hostels in most areas of the country is also a little better than the dingy backpacker havens seen elsewhere and may look more like boutique hotels, particularly in the lounge areas.
Those looking to spare some change for souvenir shopping may find Copenhagen's Strøget Street suitable, but some travelers caution that clerks may try to overcharge in the already expensive city. Cafes, shops and other spots may try to get in on the "let's make an extra buck off tourists" game. Get outside the main tourist destinations to cut down the chances of being taken for a retail ride.
Save on sightseeing
Despite the price tag of some attractions and activities in Denmark, there are plenty of free things to see and do which can save you money.
- Take a walk down the colorful and vibrant waterfront area of Nyhavn.
- Check out 65 million-year-old fossils at the World Heritage Listed area of Stevns Klint, one hour from Copenhagen.
- Discover the Viking way of life at Trelleborg.
There is also the Copenhagen Card which travelers can buy and gives you free transport, free access to 86 attractions, discounts on tours, restaurants and more. The card is available as a 24hr to 120hr card depending on how long you stay in the city. The card is bought online and can be collected at Copenhagen Airport or other service centers upon presenting a printed receipt voucher.
Cash or card?
Cash is the way to go in Denmark, as payments made by credit card incur a fee as high as 3 percent. ATMs are prevalent, so take out cash from there or convert it to DKK before you come. If you choose to withdraw cash at the airport, be sure to shield your pin from prying eyes and check that no one is following you. People have been robbed on the metro train into the city after using the ATMs at the airport. Be cautious and keep a constant eye on your belongings.
Though prices may be displayed in Euros in many establishments, Danish businesses are not obliged to accept anything other than the official currency.
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