Shopping in Denmark can feel both familiar and surprisingly different for foreigners. The country has a strong retail culture that balances convenience with quality, and many Danes prefer fewer but better purchases rather than impulsive buying. You’ll find everything from high-end department stores and trendy fashion boutiques to affordable supermarkets and local markets selling fresh produce.
For newcomers, the key differences often lie in payment habits, opening hours, and the emphasis on sustainability—plastic bags cost extra, second-hand shopping is popular, and organic goods are widely available. This guide walks you through the essentials of shopping in Denmark, so you can navigate everything from your weekly groceries to finding the perfect winter coat.
Here are the key points in this article:
- Diverse Retail Landscape in Denmark: Denmark features a mix of high streets, shopping centers, and a growing online market, with supermarkets, department stores, specialty shops, and local markets catering to various shopping needs.
- Grocery Shopping Varieties and Options: Supermarkets like Føtex, Netto, and Rema 1000 dominate, offering a range from budget basics to organic goods, alongside local markets and online options for fresh produce and artisan products.
- Shopping in Denmark’s Fashion and Department Stores: Denmark is known for minimalist fashion; popular shopping areas include Strøget and Bruuns Galleri, with department stores like Magasin du Nord and Illum providing a one-stop shopping experience.
- Electronic and Tech Shopping Choices: Consumers can choose from large chains such as Elgiganten and Power or smaller shops, with many purchases available online for quick delivery, catering to tech needs and household appliances.
- Payment Methods and Shopping Tips: Denmark’s payment system is largely cashless, with popular methods including Dankort, Visa/Mastercard, and MobilePay; opening a Danish bank account simplifies long-term expenses and digital payments.
If you are looking for a more detailed guides on shopping options in Denmark, you may want to check out our other guides, where we cover these topics in detail:
- Best Grocery stores in Denmark
- Best Clothing stores in Denmark
- Best Department stores in Denmark
- Best Electronics stores in Denmark
Understanding the Retail Landscape and Shopping in Denmark
Denmark’s retail scene is a mix of traditional high streets, modern shopping centres, and an increasingly strong online market.
Supermarkets dominate grocery shopping, with chains like Føtex, Netto, and Rema 1000 catering to different price ranges. For more curated shopping, department stores such as Magasin du Nord and Illum bring together fashion, home goods, and gourmet food under one roof. Specialty shops—from independent bakeries to design stores—are highly valued, and many neighbourhoods still have local butchers, fishmongers, and greengrocers.
Online shopping has grown rapidly, with fast delivery options and generous return policies, but many Danes still enjoy visiting physical shops for the experience. Opening hours can be shorter than in some other countries, with most stores closing by 8 or 9 PM on weekdays and even earlier on weekends, so planning your shopping trips is important.
Grocery Shopping in Denmark
For your everyday food needs, supermarkets are the most convenient option, but they vary widely in price, quality, and selection. Discount chains like Netto and Rema 1000 offer affordable basics, while stores such as Føtex and Irma provide a wider range of organic and specialty products. Local markets and farm shops are also popular for fresh produce and artisan goods.
If you want a full comparison of the best supermarket chains, local markets, and online grocery options for foreigners, you can explore our Best Grocery Stores in Denmark for Foreigners guide.
Clothing and Fashion Stores
Denmark is known for its minimalist and high-quality fashion, and you’ll find both international brands and local designers on the high street. Shopping areas such as Strøget in Copenhagen or Bruuns Galleri in Aarhus offer plenty of choice, while outlet villages and second-hand shops cater to bargain hunters.
We’ve put together a detailed overview of popular clothing chains, designer boutiques, and second-hand gems in our Best Clothing Stores in Denmark for Foreigners guide.
Department Stores and Shopping Centres
If you prefer everything under one roof, department stores like Magasin du Nord and Illum are go-to destinations for clothing, beauty products, homeware, and gourmet food. Across Denmark, you’ll also find shopping centres such as Fields in Copenhagen or Bruun’s Galleri in Aarhus, which combine retail with dining and entertainment.
You can discover the most popular and foreigner-friendly options in our Best Department Stores in Denmark for Foreigners guide.
Electronics and Tech
Whether you’re buying a new phone, setting up your home office, or looking for household appliances, Denmark offers a mix of large electronics chains like Elgiganten and Power, as well as smaller independent shops. Many purchases can also be made online, often with same-day or next-day delivery.
For a breakdown of the best tech and electronics shopping options, check out our Best Electronics Stores in Denmark for Foreigners guide.
Payment Methods When Shopping in Denmark
Paying for goods in Denmark is generally straightforward, but knowing which methods are most commonly used can save you time and avoid surprises at the checkout. While Denmark is increasingly cashless, some shops still accept cash, and most accept international cards — though transaction fees may apply.
| Payment Method | Common Usage in Denmark | Key Notes for Foreigners |
|---|---|---|
| Dankort | Standard in all shops, restaurants, and public services | Denmark’s national debit card, requires a Danish bank account |
| Visa / Mastercard | Accepted almost everywhere | Foreign cards may incur fees; some smaller shops may only accept Danish-issued cards |
| MobilePay | Popular for shops, cafés, markets, and peer-to-peer payments | Requires a Danish bank account, CPR number, and linked phone number |
| Contactless Payments | Common in supermarkets, cafés, and public transport | Works with most international cards if contactless is enabled |
| Cash | Less common, but accepted in many places | ATMs are widely available; some businesses are fully cash-free |
| Online Banking Transfers | Used for large purchases, rentals, or online shopping | Often requires NemID or MitID for secure verification |
Tip: If you’re planning to stay in Denmark long-term, opening a Danish bank account will make paying for everyday expenses far easier — especially for services like MobilePay.
Tips for Shopping Smart in Denmark
Shopping in Denmark can be expensive compared to other countries, but there are ways to stretch your budget. Sign up for store loyalty programs, which often provide member-only discounts and points you can redeem later. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales in January and July, as well as Black Friday deals in November. Many Danes also use price-comparison websites and apps like Pricerunner to ensure they’re getting the best deal, especially for electronics. For groceries, checking weekly flyers and shopping at discount stores can significantly reduce costs without compromising quality.
Research and Statistics on Shopping in Denmark
According to Statistics Denmark, Danish households spent on average DKK 4,325 per month on food and non-alcoholic beverages in 2023, representing about 12% of total household consumption. Clothing and footwear accounted for around DKK 1,150 per month, while electronics and household appliances made up about 5% of total spending.
A 2024 report by Dansk Erhverv (The Danish Chamber of Commerce) highlighted that 38% of Danish consumers shop online at least once a week, with electronics, clothing, and beauty products being the most common online purchases. Physical retail is still strong, particularly for groceries, but hybrid shopping habits—researching online and buying in-store—are increasingly common.
Foreigners may notice that while prices are higher than in many other countries, Danish consumers prioritize quality, sustainability, and design, which influences both product offerings and shopping habits.
FAQ About Shopping in Denmark as a Foreigner
Can I use my foreign credit or debit card in Denmark?
Yes, most shops, supermarkets, and restaurants accept Visa and Mastercard. Some smaller stores may only accept Danish-issued cards, and foreign cards may have transaction fees.
Is cash commonly used in Denmark?
Cash is less common as Denmark is largely cashless. Most shops prefer card or mobile payments, but cash is still accepted in many places.
What is MobilePay and how does it work?
MobilePay is a Danish mobile payment app widely used for both shopping and peer-to-peer payments. To use it, you need a Danish bank account, a CPR number, and a Danish phone number.
Do I need a Danish bank account to shop in Denmark?
Not necessarily for basic shopping, as international cards are accepted, but a Danish bank account makes daily payments easier, especially for MobilePay or recurring payments.
Are there any taxes I should be aware of when shopping?
Prices in stores typically include VAT (25%). Tourists from non-EU countries may be eligible for VAT refunds on certain purchases.
Can I shop online in Denmark with a foreign card?
Yes, most Danish online shops accept international cards. Some may require NemID or MitID for authentication, especially for services like subscriptions or rentals.
Are there differences in shopping for groceries, clothing, and electronics?
Yes. Grocery stores often accept cards and cash alike, clothing stores may prefer cards, and electronics stores sometimes require online payments or reservations. For detailed guides, check our sub-pages on grocery, clothing, department, and electronics stores in Denmark.
