Going to au Danemark: Formalities and administrative steps
Organize your stay au Danemark
Money au Danemark
The official currency is the Danish krone, DKK or Kr. Danish coins have featured a crown since 1234, but the name was not officially used until 1600, during the reign of Christian IV. The first banknotes appeared in 1913. In a referendum, the decision was made not to use the euro. Nevertheless, the Danish krone is part of ERM II, so its exchange rate is linked to that of the euro, with a fluctuation margin of 2.25%.
You'll be handling banknotes of 500, 200, 100 and 50 DKK and coins of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 DKK or 20 and 50 øre. The crown is divided into 100 øre.
The exchange rate is fixed at 1 € = 7.46 DKK and 1 DKK = 0.13 €.
Commission charges apply to withdrawals or purchases in DKK. Ask your bank for details. You'll find cash dispensers and exchange offices as soon as you arrive at Copenhagen airport, notably after the baggage reclaim area, towards the exit of the airport hall, or at ferry arrivals.
The Faroe Islands have their own banknotes - Faroese krona - issued by the Faroese government, and only Danish coins are used. However, Danish banknotes are accepted everywhere. Please note, however, that Faroese banknotes cannot be exchanged outside the archipelago. You'll find several ATMs that accept international credit cards. Banks are open from 9.30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. The exchange rate is 100 DKK = €13.40.
Budget & Tips au Danemark
Life is expensive in Denmark in general and in Copenhagen in particular. As far as accommodation is concerned, youth hostels are the best way to keep your budget in check, costing around €45 for a bed in a dormitory. Otherwise, expect to pay a minimum of €120 for a double room in a hotel. An interesting offer at the hotel: the "breakfast included" package. Breakfast is buffet style. They are very hearty, and offer both savory and sweet dishes. Just like our Danish friends, you should opt for this meal, so a snack will suffice at lunchtime.
The average restaurant meal costs €40 per person. Water in a carafe is not offered, as is not customary here, and wine is a more expensive beverage than in France.
If you'd like to experience life the Danish way, contact Meet the Danes and sign up on their website meetthedanes.com.
The Faroe Islands' hotel capacity is not as large, so plan ahead if you're staying in high season. Camping is a very popular and inexpensive form of accommodation. Another option is to stay in a gîte or with a local. Contact the tourist offices, which have lists (sometimes of members).
Passport and visas au Danemark
As a member of the EU, there are no special formalities for EU citizens in Denmark; however, the identity card must be valid, especially if you arrive by plane. Also, your identity papers will be useful in case of a problem in Denmark. Remember to photocopy or scan them, which can be very useful in case of loss or theft.
It is the same for the Faroe Islands even if they are not part of the EU or the Schengen area. Customs controls are supposed to be systematic! On the other hand, you, European tourists, benefit from duty-free shopping. You can benefit from tax-free prices, sometimes up to 25% off, including in the airport area!
Driver's license au Danemark
French national driving licenses are accepted in Denmark. Before taking to the road, find out more about driving rules on the website of the French Embassy in Denmark: https: //dk.ambafrance.org/Permis-de-conduire-au-Danemark.
The conditions for renting a car are as follows: the minimum age required is 19, and the driving license must have been issued more than 1 year previously. For the deposit: an international credit card with deferred debit is required in the name of the main driver + passport or ID card. Before renting, check that you have the necessary limit on the credit card in the driver's name, in order to secure the deposit for the rental company: from DKK 5,000, depending on the category of vehicle chosen. In addition, a deferred debit credit card imprint in the name of the main driver will be requested when you pick up the vehicle (the word "credit" must be noted on your credit card).
The road network in the Faroe Islands is highly developed, but it follows a contrasting landscape, rather like Corsica! Narrow, winding roads require great vigilance. Often single-lane, they are equipped with rock-cut crossing areas. The speed limit is 80 km/h. Don't forget the many animals you may come across!
Health au Danemark
In case of illness or accident during your stay, plan to take the European Health Insurance Card with you. You can apply for this card directly with AMELI or on their online website.
It will allow you to be reimbursed for your care and medication. Particularities of Denmark: care is free in Danish hospitals for foreigners visiting Denmark. On the other hand, for a visit to a doctor on duty, you will have to pay cash on the spot.
If you have a Visa or Mastercard, your contract includes health insurance and medical repatriation assistance for any stay of less than 90 days. Check the conditions with your banker.
Mandatory vaccination au Danemark
No vaccine is mandatory at this time, neither in Denmark nor in the Faroe Islands. As in most European countries.
Security au Danemark
No particular danger. Neither in Copenhagen nor on the Faroe Islands, in fact, is it pleasant to feel completely safe. Denmark has the reputation of being one of the safest countries in the world. Although there is no such thing as zero risk, be careful with your belongings. Pickpockets do exist, as they do in all the world's major cities, and operate in stations and on public transport. The website of French embassies and consulates provides a wealth of useful information. https://dk.ambafrance.org/
Driving in the Faroe Islands requires a great deal of prior information, and you should be well aware of the sometimes extreme weather conditions, narrow and windy roads and the various rules of the road before starting your journey. Always take appropriate equipment with you, whether for hiking, camping, diving or birdwatching. Find out about the different types of equipment on the websites for each activity. A document has been created to help you during your Travel Safe trip: https://visitfaroeislands.com/en.
Time difference au Danemark
No time difference. Denmark operates on summer and winter time just like France.
On the other hand, the Faroe Islands have a time difference of + 1 hour, in summer and in winter (like Great Britain).
Spoken languages au Danemark
The official language is Danish or Faroese. English is the second language spoken in the whole kingdom of Denmark, and it is compulsory in school. Internet sites are systematically available in the language of Shakespeare, but the language of Molière is not yet well established! So if you speak fluent Danish or Faroese, it's even better!
Communication au Danemark
The international code for Denmark is 00 45, for France it is 00 33. You can use your cell phone in complete peace of mind, with no extra cost since 2017. The wifi is everywhere and the 4G passes rather well. The international code for the Faroe Islands is 00 298.
Electricity and measurements au Danemark
220 volts and plugs identical to the rest of Europe. Same for the measuring system. It's just like at home!
Luggage au Danemark
Bring the basics that will guarantee an unforgettable stay, i.e. an umbrella or a rain hat. Rubber boots are also good, because a little drizzle can always happen, especially in autumn or on the different islands wrapped in mist. Good walking shoes, because the cities can be crossed on foot and the cobblestones are numerous. Clothes adapted to the snow. In winter, don't forget your gloves and a hat. It's better to ride when the temperatures start to cool down. In summer, travel lighter and take along some nice sunglasses because the light is bright! But think about the evenings which can be a bit chilly... So a light sweater is good too.
For your excursions in the Faroes, always have something warm with you! We also recommend that you bring a map, a compass and a GPS, especially when traveling in remote areas.
Please note that in the Faroe Islands, pets are not allowed for stays of less than three months or for transit via the Faroe Islands to another country. Ordinary pets may only be imported if the person has a permanent address in the Faroes or if the person plans to stay for more than three months. As a general rule, it is forbidden to import exotic and dangerous animals into the Faroe Islands. More information and guidelines for the import of cats and dogs are available from the Food, Veterinary and Environmental Agency.
Daily life au Danemark
Hello? au Danemark
To call from Denmark or the Faroes to France, dial +33 followed by the phone number without the 0. To call from France to Denmark, dial +45 followed by your correspondent's 8-digit number.
To call from France to the Faroe Islands, dial +298. Calls are included in Orange rate plans.
Accessibility au Danemark
Public transport and tourist attractions score well. The only downside is the cobbled sidewalks and gutters to cross in some cities.
The Handilol website offers advice based on the experience of their bloggers - two brothers, Julien and Rudy, who travel in wheelchairs. You'll find practical information on their website: https: //handilol.com/guides-de-voyage-pmr/europe/copenhague-accessible/.
Another English-language site lists the accessibility of places in Denmark by type of disability: https://godadgang.dk/. See the Tourism section.
Health au Danemark
Sanitary conditions are similar to those in France, and hygiene is respected in most establishments. Vaccinations are not compulsory. In the event of illness, contact the French consulate. They will help you with the necessary formalities and provide you with a list of French-speaking doctors. They may also be able to arrange repatriation.
In Copenhagen, Steno Apotek, 6 C Versterbrogade(www.stenoapotek.dk) is a pharmacy open 24/7.
Visit the Danish hospitals website: www.rigshospitalet.dk/english/Pages/default.aspx.
In the Faroes, first aid is provided by hospitals in Tórshavn, Klaksvík and Tvøroyri.
GPs can also be contacted for non-urgent consultations by telephone, usually between 8 and 9 am. If you need urgent medical treatment outside GP opening hours, i.e. between 4pm and 8am, you should call the emergency medical service tel. 1870.
An emergency dental service is also available in Tórshavn, and the clinic is open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10am to 11am. To book an appointment, call (+298) 314544.
Emergency numbers au Danemark
A single general emergency number throughout Denmark and the Faroe Islands for police, fire and ambulance services: 112. Calling 112 is always free, including from public phone booths, and is available 24 hours a day.
Nurses and doctors on call: 1813.
Bank card opposition +33(0)892-705-705
Securty au Danemark
A very safe country, Denmark is a peaceful place to live.
Copenhagen Main police station - Politistation - Reventlowsgade- +45 33 14 14 48/114 - open weekdays 8am to 9pm, weekends and public holidays 10am to 5pm.
Police station in the main station: Tel: +45 3314 1448 - Email: [email protected] open weekdays 8am-9pm, weekends 10am-5pm.
The Faroe Islands police number: +298 351448.
LGBTQ au Danemark
Copenhagen is one of the most gay friendly destinations in the world. Denmark was the first country to recognize same-sex marriage and Copenhagen is home to the oldest openly gay bar in Europe! It celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2017!
In April 2016, the Faroese Parliament approved the adoption of the Danish same-sex marriage laws. The only difference (from the Danish law) is that the Faroese State Church is not required to participate in a same-sex marriage. Same-sex marriages and adoptions have been in effect in the Faroes since 2017. Regarding transgender people, a new bill allows for a legal sex change without invasive surgery or castration.
For more information, contact the national LGBT organization Føroyar, http://fimff.fo.
Embassies and consulates au Danemark
The Embassy is located in Copenhagen, in the city center, near Kongens Nytorv. 2022 marked the 100th anniversary of the Embassy's move to the Palais Thott, first as tenant in 1922, then as owner in 1930, when the Palais, built in the 17th century for Admiral Niels Juel, was purchased by the French State.
Ambassade de France - Chancellerie : Kongens Nytorv 4 DK - 1050 København K, Tel: (+45) 33 67 01 00. Fax: (+45) 33 93 97 52(https://dk.ambafrance.org/).
Embassy of France - Consular Section: Ny Østergade 3,2nd floor DK-1101 Copenhagen K. Tel: (+45) 33 67 01 64/61/00. Fax: (+45) 33 33 75 70.
Opening hours outside French and/or Danish public holidays: Monday-Wednesday-Friday 8.40am-1pm; Tuesday and Thursday 8.40am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-4pm.
In the event of a proven emergency, a consular officer is available outside working hours, by telephone, at home. The agent can be reached on +45 26 72 51 25.
In addition to the Consulate General in Copenhagen, there are 7 honorary consuls based in Aalborg, Aarhus and Frederikshavn, Rønne, Odense, Ribe, Nuuk (Greenland) and Tórshavn (Faroe Islands).
Mail au Danemark
Post offices are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, Saturday from 9am to 12pm. Stamps can be purchased at the post office or tobacconists. Letterboxes are red and can be found all over the city.
Stamp price for a single letter to France: DKK 50.
Copenhagen, Central Post Office, Hedegaardsvej 88,(www.postnord.dk). The building dates from 1912. It was designed by Heinrich Wenck in an attractive neo-baroque style!
In the Faroes, the Post Office (Posta) in Tórshavn is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.
Post offices in smaller villages have shorter opening hours. They are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. A stamp to France costs 33 DKK. It would be a shame to miss out, as Faroese stamps are much sought-after by collectors!
Local media au Danemark
The most useful newspaper, at least for those with only a vague idea of the Danish language, is The Copenhagen Post, the only Danish newspaper published in English with news from Denmark. It is available either in hard copy, distributed free of charge at tourist offices, hotels and cafés, or online. In this form, CHPPOST Online is constantly updated. www.cphpost.dk
Or, if you don't mind a little Danish, Weekendavisen keeps you informed about cultural and political life in Denmark. The newspaper is a mix of debates, cultural news and moments in history, with news in the form of illustrated articles. www. weekendavisen.dk
Last but not least, WN Network, the leading online press in several countries and news provider for BBC, CNN, Reuters, Washington Post, The New York Times and many other regional sources, is also available online in English. https://wn.com/Copenhagen_news/Copenhagen
In the Faroe Islands, in English, you'll find Ice News, an independent newspaper covering Iceland, Scandinavia and Northern Europe. It publishes articles on news, politics, entertainment, culture, travel and upcoming events. www.icenews.is. The territory's major public media group is kvf.fo (Kringvarp Føroya). It comprises the SvF (Sjónvarp Føroya) television channel and the ÚF (Útvarp Føroya) radio station.
