Buying a Prepaid SIM Card in Denmark Guide

Denmark is one of the smaller nations in Scandinavia, which makes it also one of the coziest. Denmark has been named the happiest nation for many years (in a row), which makes it an interesting destination to visit – what makes the Danes so happy?

The big Danish cities have a lot to offer. You can find the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen (it is tiny – do not say I did not warn you), Den Gamle By (the old town) museum in Aarhus, the H.C. Andersen Museum in Odense, the Budolfi Church in Aalborg, and, of course, Legoland in Billund.

Do not forget about the smaller towns in Denmark, such as Roskilde, which is known for its annual festival called Roskilde Festival, Helsingør, a port city north of Copenhagen, Møn for its cliffs and fossils, and Bornholm, an island Southwest of Sweden. As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Denmark.

What may not be fun is getting a high bill from your operator because you decided to roam with your provider. Roaming can be expensive in many cases, which is why many travelers prefer to buy a local SIM card in Denmark.

In this article, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Denmark. Let's have a look, shall we?

Telecom Providers in Denmark

Denmark has 4 telecom providers: TDC, Telenor Denmark, Telia Denmark, and 3 (Tre) Denmark. All operators, except for 3 Denmark, have 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE networks. 3 Denmark does not have a 2G network, but it has a national roaming agreement with TDC on its 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE networks where 3 Denmark has no coverage.

Telia Denmark and Telenor Denmark share their networks in a partnership called TT-Netværket (the Telia and Telenor Network). Although the core networks of both operators are separate, you will get close to the same coverage and speeds with both Telia Denmark and Telenor Denmark.

The telecom situation in Denmark is unique. The main operators do not offer prepaid services anymore. As a result, travelers are forced to use a Danish Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO). Denmark has many MVNOs. However, most of them are not available to foreigners.

You need a Danish Personal Number (CPR – Centrale Personsregister) to activate most Danish SIM cards, which you will not get unless you plan on living in Denmark for at least three months. Therefore, the following 3 MVNOs are available to travelers: Lebara Denmark, Lycamobile Denmark, and OiSTER.

Lebara Denmark uses the Telenor network, which is shared with Telia. Lycamobile Denmark uses the Telia network, which is shared with Telenor. OiSTER uses the 3 Denmark network. You can get Lebara Denmark and Lycamobile Denmark SIM cards in various stores, but you can also order them online and get them delivered for free to a Danish address. OiSTER SIM cards are supposedly sold in various stores as well, but it is quite a challenge to find them. You are better off ordering those online too.

It is recommended to ask your ho(s)tel or Airbnb if they can keep your SIM card safe for you in case you wish to order them online. Else, they may be wondering why they received a random SIM card.

What SIM card should you buy when visiting Denmark? If you want to buy a SIM card in Denmark, I would recommend going with either Lebara or Lycamobile because both operators give a lot of data for relatively low prices. Moreover, they have good coverage throughout Denmark too.

Like some countries in Europe, you do not have to register your passport when buying a Danish SIM card.

Denmark is part of the European Union (EU). As of June 2017, a new regulation has been enforced, which is known as roam at like home, meaning that those with a European Union (or EEA) SIM card should be allowed to use (some) of their data allowance in other EU/EEA countries without a surcharge.

All providers offer an EU roaming allowance. OiSTER used not to allow its packages to be used outside of Denmark. However, that seems to have changed recently. With Lebara Denmark, you need to purchase a pack through their website to get an EU allowance. Lycamobile Denmark does not have this requirement, but it can be a challenge for EU roaming to work, based on personal experience.

Lebara Denmark’s offline packs, which are plans purchased in stores or by SMS, also have an EU allowance, but you need to do an online transaction first before you can roam in the EU. An online transaction could be ordering your SIM card online, topping up online, creating a MyLebara profile, or purchasing a pack online.

Remember, do not buy any Danish SIM card other than Lebara Denmark, Lycamobile Denmark, or OiSTER. Although you can buy OK Mobil, Coop Mobil, and Nettalk SIM cards in certain stores (OK gas stations, Coop stores, or Netto stores), you need a CPR-number to activate those SIM cards.

With that out of the way, let’s see what Denmark has to offer to us.

Tip: Looking for cheap flights? Book with AirWander and add stopovers! Not in a hurry yet? Set up flight alerts with Airfarewatchdog and get notified when ticket prices for your preferred route(s) drop!

Lebara Denmark

Lebara Denmark, just Lebara, is one of the MVNOs available to travelers in Denmark. Lebara is active in numerous countries, making them a well-known brand. Lebara uses the Telenor Denmark network (which also allows you to use the Danish Telia network because of the Telia-Telenor partnership). As a result, you can expect good coverage and speeds throughout the country.

Lebara SIM cards are sold in many stores like supermarkets, gas stations, and 7-Elevens for 49 DKK ($7.10) and come with 10 DKK in credit. You can get a Lebara SIM card for free if you order it online and get it delivered to a Danish address or to go a Lebara outlet, although they will most likely force you to top-up on the spot before they give you a SIM card.

Recharge cards are sold in various stores, and you can top-up online with a credit card. You can check your balance by texting Balance to 5010.

Lebara has SIM-only deals, data bundles, and packages that you can activate through SMS or buy in stores (recharge vouchers). SIM-only deals and some “offline” packages come with an EU allowance. The data bundles can only be used in Denmark.

The following online monthly Lebara SIM-only deals are available, which have to be purchased on the Lebara website:

• 49 DKK: 4 GB, 2 GB EU, 4 hours to Danish numbers and to 50 other countries
• 99 DKK: 100 GB, 5 GB EU, 100 hours to Danish numbers and to 50 other countries
• 149 DKK: 200 GB, 7 GB EU, 200 hours to Danish numbers and to 50 other countries
• 199 DKK: 300 GB, 10 GB EU, 300 hours to Danish numbers and to 50 other countries

The offline monthly Lebara SIM-only deals are:

• 99 DKK: 60 GB and 10 hours to Danish numbers and to 50 other countries. Activation: text GETALL to 5010 or with recharge voucher
• 149 DKK: 100 GB and 15 hours to Danish numbers and to 50 other countries. Activation: text GETON to 5010 or with recharge voucher
• 199 DKK: 200 GB and 20 hours to Danish numbers and to 50 other countries. Activation: text GETBIG to 5010 or with recharge voucher

The 50 other countries Lebara customers can call to are:

The following online monthly Lebara data bundles are available. They do not come with minutes for calls or data for EU roaming, and have to be purchased on the Lebara website:

• 49 DKK: 4 GB
• 99 DKK: 100 GB
• 199 DKK: 300 GB
• 299 DKK: 500 GB

The offline monthly Lebara data packages are:

• 49 DKK: 3 GB. Activation: text DATAM to 5010 or with recharge voucher
• 99 DKK: 60 GB. Activation: text DATAXL to 5010 or with recharge voucher
• 199 DKK: 200 GB. Activation: text DATA2XL to 5010 or with recharge voucher
• 299 DKK: 300 GB. Activation: text DATA3XL to 5010 or with recharge voucher

When you order a package online, you get the option to let it either auto-renew or not on the Lebara website. Offline packages will also auto-renew if you have enough credit. To stop auto-recharge, text the activation code with *stop to 5010. For example, if you want to cancel the 199 DKK 200 GB off data package, you would text DATA2XL*stop to 5010.

RELATED: You should check out my Lebara review where I go even more in-depth about Lebara, and tell you whether you should get a Lebara SIM card or not.

Lycamobile Denmark

Lycamobile Denmark, just Lycamobile, is another MVNO accessible to travelers. Just like Lebara, Lycamobile is active in various countries. It uses the Telia network (which allows you to use the Telenor network too because of the Telia-Telenor partnership). Therefore, coverage and speeds will be good with Lycamobile.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uxqsLiWGrM

Lycamobile SIM cards can be ordered online for free to be sent to a Danish address, or you can buy it in several stores like supermarkets or gas stations for 29 DKK, but you will get 10 DKK in credit as well. Recharging can be done online with credit cards.

Lycamobile has All-in-One bundles, data bundles, and national bundles. Data bundles come with only data, while All-in-One and national bundles come with data, SMS, and minutes.

The following monthly Lycamobile All-in-One bundles can be purchased:

• 99 DKK: 60 GB, 6.5 GB EU, 10 hours to Danish numbers and to 50 other countries, unlimited local SMS, and unlimited calls and SMS to Lycamobile numbers. Activation: text 4599 to 3535, dial *139*4599#, or purchase online.
• 149 DKK: 100 GB, 7.25 GB EU, 15 hours to Danish numbers and to 50 other countries, unlimited local SMS, and unlimited calls and SMS to Lycamobile numbers. Activation: text 45129 to 3535, dial *139*45129#, or purchase online
• 199 DKK: 60 GB, 9.75 EU, 10 hours to Danish numbers and to 69 other countries, unlimited local SMS, and unlimited calls and SMS to Lycamobile numbers. Activation: text 4599 to 3535, dial *139*199#, or purchase online
• 199 DKK: 200 GB, 9.75 GB EU, unlimited calls to Danish numbers and to 50 other countries, unlimited local SMS, 300 minutes to Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Turkey, and unlimited calls and SMS to Lycamobile numbers. Activation: text 45199 to 3535, dial *139*45199#, or purchase online

These are the other 50/69 countries Lycamobile customers with an All-in-One plan can call to:

* Only available to the 199 DKK 60 GB plan
1 landline phones only

If you are only interested in data, then the following monthly Lycamobile data plans are available to you:

• 25 DKK: 1 GB and 1 GB EU. Activation: text 4510 to 3535, dial *139*4510#, or purchase online
• 35 DKK: 2 GB and 1.75 GB EU. Activation: text 4520 to 3535, dial *139*4520#, or purchase online
• 49 DKK: 5 GB and 2.5 GB EU. Activation: text 4530 to 3535, dial *139*4530#, or purchase online
• 69 DKK: 7 GB and 3.5 GB EU. Activation: text 4535 to 3535, dial *139*4535#, or purchase online
• 99 DKK: 80 GB and 5 GB EU. Activation: text 4540 to 3535, dial *139*4540#, or purchase online

Lastly, the monthly Lycamobile national plans can only be purchased online on the Lycamobile website:

• 49 DKK: 5 GB, 3.5 GB EU, 500 local minutes and SMS, and 500 minutes and SMS to other Lycamobile numbers.
• 99 DKK: 110 GB, 6.5 GB EU, unlimited local calls and SMS, and unlimited calls and SMS to other Lycamobile numbers.
• 149 DKK: 250 GB, 9.5 GB EU, unlimited local calls and SMS, and unlimited calls and SMS to other Lycamobile numbers.

All plans auto-renew if purchased online or through your phone. You get the option to disable auto-renewal when buying a bundle on the Lycamobile website. Plans bought through USSD code or SMS will only auto-renew when there is enough credit.

RELATED: You should check out my Lycamobile Review where I go even more in-depth about Lycamobile, and tell you whether you should get a Lycamobile SIM card or not.

OiSTER

OiSTER is an MVNO that uses the 3 Denmark network. Because of that, their coverage and speeds will be decent. OiSTER can roam on the TDC network if 3 Denmark has no coverage in that area.

I used to be a 3 Denmark subscriber for 2.5 years when I studied in Denmark. I have to say, unless you are stationary, your coverage will be awful, even in Copenhagen. I expected speeds to be awful when on the train because it was moving so fast, but I barely had any coverage (using the WIFI of the train was better, only if it worked).

Once I moved to TDC (subscription), I realized that coverage and speeds do not have to suck, even in Copenhagen – keep that in mind when getting an OiSTER SIM card.

Do note that my 3 Denmark experience was before 3 Denmark struck a deal with TDC – they may have improved their service by now.

OiSTER Go! SIM cards are sold in various stores, but you may be better off ordering them online because I had no luck finding OiSTER SIM cards. OiSTER Go! SIM cards come in two variants: OiSTER Go! Startpakke (29 DKK) and OiSTER Go! Mobilt Bredbånd startpakke (39 DKK):

• 29 DKK: 50 DKK credit and can be used for calls, SMS, and data
• 39 DKK: 300 MB preloaded and can only be used for data

The following data packs can be purchased, which all come with unlimited local SMS and MMS:

• 49 DKK: 2 GB, 2 GB EU, and 2 hours for calls
• 89 DKK: 25 GB, 6 GB EU, and 5 hours for calls
• 99 DKK: 40 GB, 7 GB EU, and 10 hours for calls
• 109 DKK: 60 GB, 7 GB EU, and unlimited calls
• 149 DKK: unlimited data (unknown Fair-use Policy), 10 GB EU, and unlimited calls

All packages can only be bought online on the OiSTER website. The site is, unfortunately, in Danish only. You can use Google Translate to navigate through the menu, or you can contact me, and I can help you out with activating a package.

You can also get an OiSTER data-only SIM card called OiSTER Mobilt Bredbånd Tank Selv for 99 DKK. You can get the SIM card bundles with a 3G modem for 499 DKK if you are interested. For this data-only SIM card, you can get time-based vouchers that give you 50 GB per day. The following vouchers are available:

• 29 DKK: 1 day
• 79 DKK: 7 days
• 199 DKK: 30 days
• 499 DKK: 90 days

These packages can be bought online through this link. To activate an OiSTER data-only package, you have to follow the following steps:

1. Go to this page
2. On the second column (the one in the middle), select the time-based package you want
3. Enter your phone number next to Mobilnummer (to get the activation code via SMS) and enter your email next to Email (to get your activation code via email)
4. Press Bekræft (confirm)
5. Press on Gå til betaling (proceed to payment)
6. Enter your credit card information
7. Copy your activation code, Aktiveringskode, you received by email or phone
8. Go back to this page (the same site you initiated this process)
9. On the left column, you will see Aktiver OiSTER Mobilt Bredbånd, enter your phone number or customer number next to Mobilnr./Kundenr. Twice (igen means again)
10. Enter your activation code next to Aktiveringskode
11. Wait about 10 minutes, and your package has successfully been activated!

Which Danish SIM Card in the Best?

Now that you know everything you need to know about telecom providers in Denmark, you may be wondering which SIM card is the best for you. I made a Danish SIM Card comparison article where I go through Lycamobile, Lebara, and OiSTER more in-depth, comparing their packages, speeds, and coverage.

It is a good read where I take certain scenarios into account that may apply to you (such as spending a certain amount on data packages like 50 DKK, 100 DKK, and 200 DKK, wanting to roam within the EU, and speeds).

Be sure sure to check out the Best Danish SIM Card comparison post.

Other Ways to Stay Connected When Traveling in Denmark

I have discussed the relevant providers in Denmark in this article because using a Danish SIM card would be much cheaper than roaming with your provider… in most cases. However, buying a local SIM card is not the only way to stay connected in Denmark. You can buy an international SIM card, use a mobile hotspot, or use free WIFI connections. Below, I will discuss the alternative options to use your phone in Denmark.

Roaming in Denmark with Your Provider

Roaming is a term used in wireless telecommunication that indicates a mobile device is outside the range of its home network and has connected to a different, available cell network. Let’s say your provider is CNT from Ecuador, then you would be roaming with CNT in Denmark.

The issue with roaming is that it can be expensive. There have been many horror stories where people had to pay thousands in roaming fees when coming back from their holidays, which is just a shame, in my opinion. However, roaming does not always have to be expensive, especially when visiting a neighboring country.

Many providers offer roaming plans. Some allow you to roam for free in Denmark, while others would offer you a roaming bundle with a set number of minutes, SMS, and data. Finally, several operators let you use your plan’s allowance for a daily fee.

As you can see, there are many options out there, so be sure to explore the roaming options your provider has. Conveniently for you, I have reviewed the roaming options of many providers (and many more to come) and discussed everything you need to know about roaming with your provider. If you are lucky, you may not even have to buy a SIM card in Denmark and can roam for free there.

No idea how roaming works? I made this comprehensive guide about what roaming is and how it works. It is worth the read – promised!

One thing I would not recommend doing is to Roam As You Go. Just like prepaid cards where you can buy bundles or Pay As You Go (as in, charged per minute, SMS, or MB), Roaming As You Go can be insanely expensive (that is how people get expensive roaming bills). So far, there are a handful of providers I have reviewed that offer affordable Roam As You Go rates. But generally, avoid it. Get a roaming plan if you can or buy a SIM in Denmark.

Using an International SIM Card in Denmark

International SIM cards are cards that have been made for travelers so that they do not have to deal with roaming costs.

The number of international SIM card providers is too many to count, but international SIM cards give you the same convenience as roaming with your provider. A few providers I know are OneSimCard, SimOptions, Surfroam, BNESIM, and SimCorner.

They allow people to call you at one number instead of five in case you are exploring multiple countries in one trip. Moreover, you do not have to deal with multiple SIM cards you will never use again. In short, international SIM cards have been made for the international traveler in mind.

Although this sounds fabulous, international SIM cards are much more expensive than local SIM cards in Denmark. Some international SIM card providers charge ridiculous fees (sometimes, even more than roaming with your provider), while others offer awful service. It is, therefore, important to go with a reputable company so that you do not have to deal with surprised when traveling around the world.

On the other hand, international SIM cards are appealing to those who travel frequently or are visiting multiple destinations in one trip. Some countries in Europe require you to register before you can use a SIM card, which can be a hassle for some. Additionally, the language barrier may be off-putting to some travelers, which is why an international SIM card can be handy. You order it before you depart and can use it in various destinations.

My recommendation, however, is to get a local SIM card if you are only visiting one destination. If you are visiting multiple ones, an international SIM card could be handy. If you want to learn more about international SIM cards, check out my international SIM card comparison article, where I analyze 10 international SIM card providers so that you do not have to.

Using Portable Hotspots (Pocket WIFI) in Denmark

Portable hotspots, also referred to mobile hotspots or pocket WIFI, are routers small enough to bring with you everywhere you go. They are portable, battery-powered wireless routers that allow you to connect your phone, laptop, or tablet without needing multiple SIM cards for those devices to be connected to the internet. They are compact and lightweight so that you take them along with you whenever you need internet access on the go.

Just like with the number of international SIM card providers, there are so many mobile hotspots out there that it is challenging to keep track of them all. Skyroam, Vision Global Wireless, and Travelwifi are reputable pocket WIFI providers. You can get a discount if you rent a router through Skyroam by using coupon code PHONETRAVELWIZ. Cellular access with Skyroam starts at $8 a day while using a Vision Global device starts at $2 a day. Travelwifi offers Teppy, the name of the pocket WIFI, starting from $7 per day. All these services cover more than 130 destinations around the world.

The first time I used a portable hotspot was when I was in Bangkok, Thailand, with my dad. He uses the Dutch telecom provider called KPN, which does not let you roam for free in Thailand. I was with 3 Denmark (3 Danmark), which also did not allow me to roam for free. The router was offered for free by our Airbnb host. Let me tell you how convenient that thing was!

I do not remember the exact brand router we used, but we could connect our phones to it, explore Bangkok, and upload highlights of our trip on Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and WhatsApp without the need of connecting to unsecure and slow connections in Thailand.

That is why I often recommend those who are traveling in groups or with families to consider getting a pocket WIFI device so that each individual does not need to buy a local SIM card and data packages. In some countries, the cost of getting a local SIM card or packages is so low that it is not even worth getting a mobile hotspot. In others, it could save you money.

I recently wrote an article analyzing the 7 Best Mobile Hotspots for Travelers like yourself, which should be an interesting read if pocket WIFI is something you are considering. I do reviews of individual devices every now and then, so check out my mobile hotspot category to stay up to date.

Connecting to Free WIFI Networks in Denmark

Finally, we have the most cost-effective way to stay connected in Denmark which is using free WIFI networks.

Using WIFI networks should not cost you any money (unless you are connecting to premium hotspots), which is why it is a popular option for travelers. Go to a local café, buy a coffee, connect to their WIFI, and post your pictures to Facebook or Instagram. Straightforward, right? Well, let’s see if that is indeed the case.

First, you need to find hotspots. In some regions, they are readily available. In others, you cannot find any, require you to give your personal details (for commercial purposes), are restricted for those who are a subscriber of an operator’s, or are so slow that you wished you never connected to them.

In the case of Denmark, you will find many hotspots throughout the country, especially Copenhagen. Speeds are often good, but not always.

Public WIFI hotspots are unsecure. They are a prime target for hackers to steal your data and use it for illicit purposes. That is I use, and would recommend you to start using, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) if you connect to a public hotspot. What a VPN does is creating an encrypted tunnel between your device and the hotspot so that your data will stay private. I use NordVPN, and you can get up to 70% off when you get a NordVPN subscription. Get your subscription now!

The Best Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Denmark

Getting a SIM card from either Lebara or Lycamobile would do you well when considering a Danish SIM card. Be sure to explore the roaming options your provider offers you, as they may offer free or cheap roaming bundles.

You could also consider getting an international SIM card or using a portable hotspot. International SIM cards are attractive for those visiting multiple destinations at once or within a year. Portable hotspots will be useful when traveling with multiple people so that not each individual has to get a SIM card but can use the hotspot.

Visiting other countries in Scandinavia or the Nordic Countries? Check out my Scandinavia and Nordics SIM card buying guide covering the other Scandinavian and Nordic destinations, such as the Denmark, Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.

What about other places in Europe? My Europe SIM card buying guide covers all destinations in Europe, including those not part of the European Union/EEA, such as Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.

Going to other places around the world? Then you should also check out my sim card buying guides for other destinations around the world.

What is next?

Looking for the best companies and gadgets to enhance your travel experience? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! Save money on plane tickets, bus rides, cruises, and accommodation. Besides that, I also list services and items I use to make my life easier – and I believe they will help you too!

Book Your Flight for Denmark

It is time to book your flight. Find cheap flights with AirWander so that you can add free or cheap stopovers in destinations you have not considered yet before going to Denmark. If you are not ready to take off yet, set up flight alerts with Airfarewatchdog, and they will notify you once ticket prices to Denmark drop.

Travel by Train within Europe with InterRail or EURail

Although low-cost carriers are a big thing in Europe, they are not the best way to experience Europe. Everyone knows that the European railway system is awesome. InterRail/EURail makes it much easier to explore Europe by train by having one ticket for participating countries instead of having to buy multiple tickets per country. InterRail is for European citizens and EURail is for non-European citizens.

Book Your Accommodation for Denmark

I am a huge fan of Airbnb because it allows me to live with a local or get a local place for myself. Staying in someone’s house or apartment feels much different than being in a ho(s)tel, especially in Denmark. At least, that is how I see it. Moreover, Airbnb can often be much cheaper than staying in a Danish hotel.

Get Your Travel Insurance for Denmark

You will regret not having travel insurance once you actually need it and “forgot” to get it. Nowadays, travel insurance is cheap and comprehensive unlike back in the days. World Nomads is by far the best travel insurance for adventurous travelers like yourself. You can even get insured WHILE already traveling in Denmark, which is not something many insurance companies allow you to do.

Get a Travel Debit Card

Travel Cheques are outdated. Paying with your credit card or debit card can be expensive because of all the exchange commissions banks charge you. TransferWise allows you to convert your main currency to Danish Kroner for a small fee (up to 8 times less than with your bank!) Getting a Transferwise Borderless account is FREE, so you will get an instant return on your investment.

Enjoy your trip!