Phones and internet in Denmark

Determine your needs

Firstly, it’s a good idea to check what subscriptions you will need to take out. Some employers pay for mobile services or internet and already have deals set up with a company. Other services like television subscriptions and fast-speed Wi-Fi might be included in your rental contract at a fixed fee. In many cases, expats with all-inclusive rental contracts do not need to worry about getting a landline or signing up for internet services.

Accessing services in Denmark

Signing up to any type of subscription service will require a CPR number. Expats will need to show the CPR number and proof of a registered address to sign up to new services. Read more about the CPR number in the ‘Healthcare in Denmark’ article. 

If you are only staying in Denmark for a short time, you will be able to purchase a prepaid SIM card without a CPR number. The Danish SIM cards should work in most phones that are not SIM locked. SIM cards can be purchased at some convenience stores or phone shops like Telia and Lebara. 

 Good to know: 

Take along some form of identification (e.g. passport or national ID) just in case. 

Service options in Denmark

Some subscription services will require you to have a local bank account and an agreement with the automatic payment service ‘Betalingsservice’. Read more about opening a bank account in Denmark so that you can access the automatic service for payments. 

Mobile/Smartphone in Denmark

Mobile coverage in Denmark is excellent, and there are rarely areas without connection. 2G, 3G, and 4G networks are available and easy to connect to with a local SIM card. 

Expats who prefer a prepaid plan can use the advice above to purchase a SIM card from a convenience store or phone shop. Data and airtime can usually be topped up online via the service provider’s website. 

Denmark has a competitive selection of mobile operators that offer monthly subscription plans with different packages. Check out the websites Billigste Abonnement and mobilabonnement.dk for price comparisons of the different options. 

Internet in Denmark

Connecting to the internet in Denmark is easy and affordable. Hardware such as routers and cables can often be purchased or rented at a low price directly from the internet provider. Alternatively, expats can purchase the hardware at any electronics shop. 

Once you have an idea of how much data you want to be included in your internet package, order the subscription service online if you are comfortable with Danish websites. Assistance in English is usually available in-store, although some websites like Kviknet have pages in English. 

 Good to know: 

Many subscription services for internet have a six-month binding fee. Read the fine print in all contracts before signing up. 

Media licenses in Denmark

In Denmark, there is a yearly fee for a ‘medialicens’. If you own a device with internet access (e.g. computer, smartphone, or tablet), you are required to pay the media license fee through the ‘Betalingsservice’. Visit the DR website for updated license fees. 

There are specific rules about who, when, and what the media license covers. For example, one license is valid for one family registered at the same address (spouse/partner/children) but not for roommates, siblings, or grandparents, even when they are registered at the same address. 

 Good to know: 

Media licenses cannot be paid as part of a rental contract. Read more about the rules and registering for the media license online.