Normal Copenhagen business hours are from 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday, with most businesses being closed on Saturdays and Sundays. The larger department stores and shops typically stay open until 18:00 Monday to Thursday, 20:00 on Fridays and 17:00 on Saturdays, with the majority closing on Sundays. According to Danish law, shops can open on the first Sunday of each month only; however, the number of shops who take advantage of this varies throughout the year.

Banks: 10:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 09:00 to 18:00 Monday to Thursday
09:00 to 20:00 Fridays
09:00 to 17:00 Saturdays
Museums: 10:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Sunday
Business Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday

Like all Scandinavian countries, Denmark enjoys a very low crime rate compared to many of its European neighbours. Most visits to Copenhagen remain trouble-free. In recent years, however, the rise in unemployment and homelessness in Denmark has led to a small increase in petty theft on the capital's streets; therefore, visitors are advised to take care of their valuables, particularly when travelling on public transport or when waiting at Copenhagen Train Station.

Electricity: 220V, 50Hz

The currency in Denmark is the Danish Krone (DKK), which is divided into 100 øre. Danish banknotes are issued in denominations of 1000 Dkk, 500 Dkk, 200 Dkk, 100 Dkk and 50 Dkk, while coins come in denominations of 20 Dkk, 10 Dkk, 5 Dkk, 2 Dkk, 1 Dkk, 50 øre and 25 øre.

Unlike much of Europe, Denmark has not adopted the Euro currency, however you will find many shops will still accept it as payment as long as you don't mind any change being given in Danish Krone.

Currency exchange in Copenhagen should never be a problem as the city's banks give a good rate although they are only open on weekdays. The city does, however, have several bureaux de change that are open until late, seven days a week. Visitors will find travellers cheques are excepted virtually everywhere, including hotels, shops and restaurants, while all major credit cards are also accepted by most establishments and ATMs, which you will find generously spread throughout the city.

As Denmark is a member of the European Union, it has generous duty free allowances for visitors arriving from other EU countries, with no duty to pay on up to 800 cigarettes, 200 cigars, 1kg of tobacco, 20 litres of spirits, 90 litres of wine and 110 litres of beer. Allowances for visitors from non-EU countries are less generous, with duty payable on goods exceeding 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, and 250g of tobacco, 1 litre of spirits and 2 litres of wine. For other non-commercial items there is a value limit of Dkr 1,350, while the import of any fresh food items is strictly prohibited.

The Danish people are generally very friendly and welcoming to visitors from all parts of the world; however, Danes do have a great love of privacy and tend to keep themselves to themselves out of courtesy to others rather than indifference as sometimes can be the impression. This courtesy extends to other aspects of life, with any form of boasting or showing off considered extremely rude, while any form of disrespect for the Danish love of order, such as queue jumping is likely to be challenged quite vigorously.

Tipping in restaurants is not expected but as elsewhere it is appreciated. Most restaurants include a service charge in the bill, with anything extra left entirely to the bill payer's discretion. When eating or staying in upmarket restaurants or hotels, it is customary to tip bathroom attendants 1 or 2 Krone per visit.

There are no major health concerns, or specific vaccinations required for visitors to Denmark, although travellers planning to head into the country's forested areas during the summer months should be aware that there is a small risk of tick-borne encephalitis. 

The Danish health system is considered to be among the very best in the world, with some of the most modern and best equipped hospitals in Europe. Denmark's all inclusive health service extends free emergency treatment to all international visitors, with Citizens of EU countries enjoying complete medical cover on presentation of an European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU citizens are advised to take out health insurance cover before arrival in the country.

Copenhagen University Hospital
Rigshospitalet
Blegdamsvej 9
DK-2100 Copenhagen O
Tel: +45 3545 3545

Steno Apotek Pharmacy (opposite the Central Train Station)
6c, Vesterbrogade
1620 Copenhagen V
Tel: +45 3314 8266

The official language of Denmark is Danish although the majority of Danes do speak some English. The Danish people have long been used to learning and speaking other languages and are usually happy to do so. The Danes who are involved in the travel industry are likely to speak impeccable English and in many cases German too.

Citizens of most western countries do not require a visa to enter Denmark for stays of up to three months; those exempt countries include all members of the European Union, the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Visitors from these exempt countries wishing to stay for more than three months, as well as citizens from non- exempt countries, must apply for a visa in person at the Danish embassy in their own country. There are many types of visas available, with a flat rate fee for all of around $50 US dollars.

Copenhagen's main tourist information centre known as "Copenhagen right now" can be found directly opposite the main entrance of Tivoli Park in the city centre. The information centre offers the visitor much more than just advice and attraction leaflets, with free online computers, an onsite café and even the occasional performance by local musicians and artists. The information centre also offers visitors the chance to purchase a CPHCARD, which offers free entry into 60 of the city's attractions and free public transport within the main city area.

During the summer months the office is open from 09:00 to 20:00 Monday to Saturday and from 10:00 to 18:00 on Sundays. The winter opening times are 09:00 to 16:00 Monday to Saturday.
For more information regarding the centre, visit www.visitcopenhagen.com