Stay Connected in Denmark
Network coverage, costs, and options
Connectivity Overview
Denmark's connectivity situation is pretty much what you'd hope for in a Nordic country – excellent across the board. You'll find 4G coverage basically everywhere people actually live, and 5G is rolling out steadily in Copenhagen, Aarhus, and other major cities. The infrastructure here is genuinely solid, which makes sense given Denmark consistently ranks among the most digitally connected countries globally. Free WiFi is common in hotels, cafes, and public spaces, though quality varies as it does anywhere. For travelers, the main decision is really between grabbing an eSIM before you arrive or picking up a local SIM card once you land. Both work well here, it's more about what fits your travel style and how much you value hitting the ground running versus saving a few euros.
Get Connected Before You Land
We recommend Airalo for peace of mind. Buy your eSIM now and activate it when you arrive—no hunting for SIM card shops, no language barriers, no connection problems. Just turn it on and you're immediately connected in Denmark.
Network Coverage & Speed
Denmark has three major mobile networks: TDC NET, Telenor, and Telia, all of which offer pretty comparable service quality. TDC NET (operating under YouSee and Telmore brands, among others) has the largest network footprint, though honestly the differences are marginal – you'll get solid coverage from any of them in urban areas and along major transport routes. 4G speeds are reliably fast, typically hitting 30-100 Mbps in real-world use, which is more than enough for video calls, streaming, or uploading photos. 5G is expanding but still concentrated in city centers at the moment. Where you might notice coverage thinning out is in rural Jutland or on smaller islands, though even there you'll usually have at least basic connectivity. The network quality genuinely supports remote work if that's your situation – I wouldn't hesitate to take calls or join meetings from most locations. Worth noting that Denmark uses standard EU frequencies, so compatibility with international devices is rarely an issue.
How to Stay Connected
eSIM
eSIM is honestly the route I'd lean toward for most Denmark trips, especially if your phone supports it (most iPhones from XS onward and recent Android flagships do). The main advantage is you can sort everything before you leave home – buy a plan from providers like Airalo, install it on your phone, and you're connected the moment you land. No hunting for SIM card shops, no language barriers, no queue at the airport when you just want to get moving. Cost-wise, eSIMs run slightly more than local SIMs – you might pay €15-25 for a week's data versus €10-15 for a local option – but that premium buys you convenience and peace of mind. The setup takes maybe five minutes from your hotel room the night before departure. For shorter trips (under two weeks), the price difference is pretty negligible when you factor in your time and the immediate connectivity.
Local SIM Card
If you're committed to getting a local SIM, it's straightforward enough in Denmark. You'll find prepaid SIMs at the airport (Copenhagen has several shops in arrivals), 7-Eleven stores, supermarkets, and dedicated mobile shops throughout cities. Major prepaid brands include Lebara, Lycamobile, and offerings from the main carriers. Prices are reasonable – expect around 100-150 DKK (€13-20) for a tourist-friendly package with several GB of data valid for a week or two. You'll need your passport for registration, which is an EU requirement. Activation is usually immediate, though occasionally it takes an hour or so. The SIMs are standard EU format (works across the Schengen area if you're visiting multiple countries), which is handy. Main downside is just the logistics – finding a shop, dealing with the purchase when you're tired from traveling, and potentially language confusion with activation instructions, though English proficiency is high in Denmark.
Comparison
Here's the honest breakdown: Local SIM is cheapest (maybe €5-10 less for a week), but requires effort and airport/shop time. eSIM costs a bit more but you're connected immediately – no hunting for stores or dealing with tiny SIM tools while jet-lagged. Roaming from your home carrier varies wildly; EU travelers often have decent roaming included, while Americans and others might face eye-watering rates. For trips under two weeks, eSIM wins on convenience. For month-long stays, local SIM makes more financial sense. For a weekend, your home roaming might actually be fine if the rates aren't terrible.
Staying Safe on Public WiFi
Denmark's public WiFi is convenient but comes with the usual security concerns you'd face anywhere. Hotel networks, airport hotspots, and cafe WiFi are generally unencrypted, meaning your data travels in plain text – not ideal when you're checking bank accounts, booking accommodations, or accessing anything with passport information. Travelers are particularly attractive targets since you're often handling sensitive transactions on unfamiliar networks. A VPN encrypts your connection, essentially creating a secure tunnel for your data even on sketchy networks. NordVPN is a solid option that's straightforward to use – just flip it on when you connect to public WiFi and your browsing stays private. It's not about being paranoid, just sensible protection for the sensitive stuff you inevitably handle while traveling. Worth having regardless of where you're visiting.
Protect Your Data with a VPN
When using hotel WiFi, airport networks, or cafe hotspots in Denmark, your personal data and banking information can be vulnerable. A VPN encrypts your connection, keeping your passwords, credit cards, and private communications safe from hackers on the same network.
Our Recommendations
First-time visitors: Go with eSIM through Airalo. You'll land in Copenhagen, open your phone, and everything just works – no stress about finding shops or figuring out Danish SIM card packaging when you're focused on navigating a new city. The time and mental energy saved is genuinely worth the small premium. Budget travelers: If you're on a really tight budget, yes, a local SIM saves maybe €10 over a week. But consider whether that saving is worth the airport hassle when eSIM lets you hit the ground running. For most people, the convenience justifies the modest difference. Long-term stays: If you're here for a month or more, local SIM makes financial sense – better rates, more flexibility to top up as needed, and you'll recoup the time investment. Business travelers: eSIM is really your only sensible option. Your time is valuable, you need immediate connectivity for work, and the last thing you want is hunting for a SIM shop between meetings. Sort it before you travel and focus on why you're actually there.
Our Top Pick: Airalo
For convenience, price, and safety, we recommend Airalo. Purchase your eSIM before your trip and activate it upon arrival—you'll have instant connectivity without the hassle of finding a local shop, dealing with language barriers, or risking being offline when you first arrive. It's the smart, safe choice for staying connected in Denmark.
Exclusive discounts: 15% off for new customers • 10% off for return customers