Stay Connected in Denmark
Network coverage, costs, and options
Connectivity Overview
Denmark offers excellent mobile connectivity with comprehensive 4G coverage and expanding 5G networks across the country. The three major carriers - TDC, Telenor, and Telia - provide reliable service in cities and most rural areas. Data speeds are among Europe's fastest, making Denmark ideal for staying connected whether you're exploring Copenhagen's canals or venturing into Jutland's countryside. Most travelers will find mobile internet essential for navigation, translation apps, and staying in touch. The good news? Getting connected is straightforward with multiple options available. Prices are higher than some European destinations, but service quality matches the cost. WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public spaces, but having your own mobile data gives you the freedom to explore without hunting for hotspots.
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's mobile infrastructure is world-class, with 4G coverage reaching over 99% of the population and excellent geographic coverage. 5G deployment is rapidly expanding in major cities like Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense, with rural rollout ongoing. The three main carriers dominate the market: TDC (largest market share), Telenor, and Telia, all offering reliable service with average 4G speeds of 30-50 Mbps. Rural coverage is generally strong, though you might experience slower speeds in remote areas of western Jutland or some smaller islands. The networks use standard European frequencies (800/900/1800/2600 MHz for 4G), ensuring compatibility with most international phones. Network quality is consistent - dropped calls are rare and data connectivity is stable. Copenhagen and other major cities have dense cell tower coverage, providing excellent indoor coverage in buildings. For travelers, any of the three major networks will serve you well, with minimal dead zones throughout the country.
How to Stay Connected
eSIM
eSIMs are an excellent choice for Denmark, offering immediate connectivity without the hassle of finding SIM card shops or dealing with language barriers. Providers like Airalo offer Denmark-specific and European regional plans that activate instantly upon arrival. The main advantages are convenience - you're connected the moment you land - and security, since your primary number stays active. Plans typically range from €5-15 for short-term data packages (1-7 days) up to €25-40 for monthly allowances. Coverage piggybacks on the major Danish networks, so you'll get the same quality service. The downside? eSIMs cost more per GB than local options and don't include local calling minutes. However, for most travelers, the premium is worth paying for the convenience and peace of mind. Make sure your phone supports eSIM technology (most recent iPhones, Google Pixels, and Samsung flagships do) and purchase before traveling for the smoothest experience.
Local SIM Card
Local SIM cards offer the most cost-effective data rates in Denmark, available at Copenhagen Airport, train stations, supermarkets (Netto, Føtex), and mobile carrier stores throughout the country. The three main carriers offer prepaid options: TDC's "Oister," Telenor's "Telenor Prepaid," and Telia's "Telia Prepaid." Expect to pay around 100-150 DKK ($15-22) for starter packs with 2-5GB of data valid for 30 days. You'll need your passport for registration, and activation usually takes 15-30 minutes. The carriers' staff generally speak English, especially in tourist areas. Top-up cards are widely available at convenience stores and supermarkets. Local SIMs include Danish phone numbers and often unlimited domestic calling. The main hassles are airport queues, potential language barriers, and the risk of your primary number being unreachable. For stays over a month, local SIMs become increasingly attractive due to better per-GB rates and more flexible top-up options.
Comparison
eSIMs win on convenience and immediate connectivity, costing roughly 30-50% more than local SIMs but saving time and hassle. Local SIMs offer the best value for money and include calling features, but require shopping around and setup time. International roaming is convenient but expensive - expect €10-15 per day for reasonable data allowances. For trips under two weeks, eSIMs make the most sense unless you're on an extremely tight budget. Longer stays tip the scales toward local SIMs for the cost savings.
Our Recommendations
First-time visitors: Go with an eSIM from Airalo. You'll be connected immediately upon landing, can navigate to your hotel without stress, and won't waste precious vacation time dealing with SIM card shops. The convenience factor alone justifies the modest extra cost. Budget travelers: If every dollar counts, local SIMs are cheapest - but factor in the time cost of airport queues and potential communication barriers. For most budget travelers, an eSIM still makes sense for the security and convenience. Long-term stays (1+ months): Local SIMs become worthwhile for the significant savings on data costs and the flexibility of unlimited top-ups. Visit a carrier store in the city center for better service than airport kiosks. Business travelers: eSIM is the only logical choice - immediate connectivity, no downtime on your primary number, and the ability to expense the convenience premium. Purchase before departure and activate upon arrival.
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.
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