Going to à COPENHAGUE: Formalities and administrative steps

Organize your stay à COPENHAGUE

Money Money à COPENHAGUE

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 band 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: €1 = DKK 7.46 and DKK 1 = €0.13.

Commission charges apply to withdrawals and purchases in DKK. Ask your bank for details. You'll find cash dispensers and exchange offices as soon as you arrive in Copenhagen, notably after the baggage reclaim area, towards the exit of the airport hall.

Budget & Tips Budget & Tips à COPENHAGUE

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 €35 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 served as a buffet. They are very hearty, and offer both savory and sweet dishes. Like our Danish friends, you should opt for this meal, so that a snack is sufficient 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.

Passport and visas Passport and visas à COPENHAGUE

As an E.U. member country, there are no special formalities for European nationals; however, you must have a valid identity card, especially if you are arriving by air. Likewise, your identity papers will come in handy in the event of a problem.

Remember to photocopy or scan them, as this can be very useful in the event of loss or theft.

Driver's license Driver's license à COPENHAGUE

The French nationaldriving license is accepted in Denmark. Before taking to the road, please consult the website of the French Embassy in Denmark for information on driving regulations (https://dk.ambafrance.org/Permis-de-conduire-au-Danemark)

The minimum age forrenting a car is 19, and the driver's license must have been issued more than one year previously.

A deferred debit credit card imprint, in the name of the main driver, will be required as a deposit when you pick up the vehicle (your credit card must be marked "credit"), along with your identity papers (passport or ID card). Before renting, make sure you have the necessary credit limit on the credit card that will be 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.

Health Health à COPENHAGUE

In the event of illness or accident during your stay, be sure to take your European Health Insurance Card with you. You can apply for this card directly from AMELI or via their online website (www.ameli.fr/assure/adresses-et-contacts/lobtention-dun-document/commander-une-carte-europeenne-dassurance-maladie-ceam). It will enable you to be reimbursed for treatment and medication.

Special features in Denmark: treatment in Danish hospitals is free for visiting foreigners. However, if you wish to visit a doctor on duty, you will have to pay cash on the spot.

If you have a Visa or Mastercard credit card, your contract includes health insurance and medical repatriation assistance for stays of less than 90 days. Check conditions with your bank.

Security Security à COPENHAGUE

There's no particular danger in Copenhagen, and it's very pleasant to feel safe. Denmark has the reputation of being one of the safest countries in the world. There is no such thing as zero risk, so 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 Frenchembassies and consulates provides a wealth of useful information. https://dk.ambafrance.org

Spoken languages Spoken languages à COPENHAGUE

The official language is Danish. English is the second language spoken in Denmark, and is compulsory at school. Websites are systematically available in the language of Shakespeare, but the language of Molière is not yet well established. So if you're fluent in Danish, all the better!

Communication Communication à COPENHAGUE

You can use your mobile phone with complete peace of mind, at no extra cost since 2017. Wifi is everywhere and 4G is going pretty well.

Electricity and measurements Electricity and measurements à COPENHAGUE

Here, no difference. 220 volts and plugs identical to the rest of Europe. Same for the measuring system. It's just like at home!

Luggage Luggage à COPENHAGUE

Take along the basics that will guarantee an unforgettable stay, i.e. an umbrella or rain hat. Rubber boots are also a good idea, as a little drizzle is always a possibility, especially in autumn. You'll also need good walking shoes, as the city can be covered on foot and there are many cobblestones, as well as clothing suitable for snow. In winter, don't forget your gloves and a hat. It's better for cycling when temperatures start to cool. In summer, travel lighter and take along some sunglasses, as the sun's rays are bright!

Daily life à COPENHAGUE

Hello? Hello? à COPENHAGUE

To call from Denmark 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.

Accessibility Accessibility à COPENHAGUE

Public transport and sightseeing are rated very highly. The only drawback is the cobbled sidewalks and gutters to cross. For more detailed information, visit www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/planning/disabled-travellers. Another English-language site lists the accessibility of places in Denmark by type of disability:www.godadgang.dk.

Accessible toilets. You can find information on wheelchair-accessible public toilets in Copenhagen at www.kk.dk/brug-byen/byens-groenne-oaser/parker-og-groenne-omraader/offentlige-toiletter-i-koebenhavn.

Handicapvenlig: wheelchair accessible.
Ikkehandicapvenlig : not wheelchair accessible.

Health Health à COPENHAGUE

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.

Steno Apotek, 6 C Versterbrogade (www.stenoapotek.dk) is a 24-hour pharmacy.

Doctor on call - medical emergencies: tel. 1813.

Emergency numbers Emergency numbers à COPENHAGUE

There is only one general emergency number in Copenhagen for police, fire and ambulance: 112. Calling 112 is always free of charge, including from public payphones, and is available 24 hours a day.

Securty Securty à COPENHAGUE

Main police station (Politistation - Reventlowsgade): +45 33 14 14 48; emergency 114 (open weekdays 8am-9pm, weekends and public holidays 10am-5pm).

Bank card opposition: +33 (0)892-705-705.

LGBTQ LGBTQ à COPENHAGUE

Copenhagen is one of the world's most gay-friendly destinations. Denmark was the first country to recognize gay marriage, and Copenhagen is home to Europe's oldest openly gay bar. It celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2017!

Embassies and consulates Embassies and consulates à COPENHAGUE

The Embassy is located in the city center near Kongens Nytorv. 2022 marked the 100th anniversary of its move to the Palais Thott, first as tenant in 1922 and then as owner in 1930, when the Palais, built in the 17th century for Admiral Niels Juel, was purchased by the French state.

French Embassy - Chancellery: Kongens Nytorv 4 DK-1050 København K; tel. (+45) 33 67 01 00; fax (+45) 33 93 97 52. See also https://dk.ambafrance.org.

France consular: Ny Østergade 3,2nd floor DK-1101 Copenhagen K; tel. (+45) 3515 8018. Telephone reception from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, except French public holidays. Opening hours outside French and/or Danish public holidays: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8.40am to 1pm; Tuesday and Thursday, 8.40am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4pm. Appointments must be made in advance.

In theevent of a proven emergency, a consular officer will be on duty outside working hours, by telephone, at home. The agent can be reached on +45 26 72 51 25.

Mail Mail à COPENHAGUE

Post offices are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, and Saturday, 9am to 12pm. Stamps can be purchased at the post office or tobacconists. Mailboxes are red and can be found all over the city.

Stamp price for a single letter to France (under 100g): DKK 50.

Central Post Office: Hedegaardsvej 88 (www.postnord.dk). The building, dating from 1912, was designed by Heinrich Wenck in an attractive neo-baroque style!

Post office: Østergade 52. Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Local media Local media à COPENHAGUE

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 to report on current events in Denmark. The paper version is available free of charge from tourist offices, hotels and cafés, or online.

CHPPOSTOnline (www.cphpost.dk) is constantly updated.

If you don't mind speaking Danish, Weekendavisen (www.weekendavisen.dk) keeps you informed about cultural and political life in Denmark. The newspaper is a mix of debates, cultural news, history and news in the form of illustrated articles.

Finally, the leading online press company, WN Network, is present in several countries, providing news for BBC, CNN, Reuters, Washington Post, The New York Times and many other regional sources. It is available online in English at https://wn.com/Copenhagen_news/Copenhague.