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- Calls: 5 hours
- Data: 5 GB
- SMS: Unlimited
- Setup fee: 0 DKK
- Contract: None
- Calls: 0.20 DKK / min
- Data: 1.4 DKK / MB
- SMS: 0.60 DKK
- Subscription: 19 DKK
- Setup fee: 0 DKK • Contract: None
- Calls: 5 hours
- Data: 3 GB
- SMS: Unlimited
- Setup fee: 0 DKK
- Contract: None
For any tourist or expat, securing a prepaid SIM card in Denmark is a simple and effective way to stay connected. These SIM cards offer great value, extensive data packages, and the flexibility of no long-term contracts, making them the ideal choice for short-term visitors and new residents alike. The Danish mobile market is competitive, providing excellent coverage and fast mobile internet across the country.
Why Choose a Prepaid SIM Card in Denmark?
Opting for a prepaid solution comes with several key advantages, especially for those unfamiliar with the Danish telecommunications landscape. It removes the complexity of contracts and credit checks, offering immediate connectivity.
Complete Cost Control
With a prepaid SIM, you pay upfront for a bundle of services (data, talk, and text). This means there are no surprise bills at the end of the month. When your credit or data runs out, you can simply top up online or in a store. This model is perfect for managing your budget while traveling.
No Binding Contracts
The biggest appeal for non-residents is the absence of a binding contract (binding). Danish mobile subscriptions often have a six-month commitment period. A prepaid SIM card bypasses this entirely, giving you the freedom to use it for a week, a month, or as long as you need without any long-term obligations.
Easy and Fast Acquisition
You can purchase a prepaid SIM card starter pack within minutes of arriving in Denmark. They are widely available in airports, supermarkets, kiosks, and electronics stores. The activation process is typically quick, getting you online shortly after purchase.
EU Roaming Included
Under EU regulations, all SIM cards purchased in Denmark include “Roam Like at Home.” This means you can use your data, call, and text allowance in any other EU/EEA country without extra charges. This is a significant benefit if your trip includes travel to other European nations.
Where to Buy a Prepaid SIM Card in Denmark
Finding a place to buy a prepaid SIM card is very easy. They are sold in numerous retail locations across the country, catering to both locals and visitors. Prices for starter packs can vary slightly depending on the retailer, so it can be worth checking a couple of places.
Copenhagen Airport (CPH)
Upon arrival at Copenhagen Airport, you can find prepaid SIM cards at the 7-Eleven or WHSmith stores located in the arrivals hall. While convenient, be aware that prices here might be slightly higher than in the city. This is, however, the fastest way to get connected right after you land.
Supermarkets and Kiosks
Major supermarket chains like Netto, Føtex, Bilka, and Rema 1000 all stock prepaid starter packs, usually from providers like Lebara and Lycamobile. Kiosks such as 7-Eleven are also a primary sales point. This is often the cheapest way to acquire a SIM card.
Tip: While 7-Eleven is incredibly convenient due to its long opening hours and numerous locations, supermarkets like Netto or Føtex often sell the exact same prepaid starter packs for a lower price. If you can wait until you see a supermarket, you might save 10-20 DKK on the initial purchase.
Electronics Stores
Large electronics retailers like Elgiganten and Power have a wide selection of mobile solutions. Staff here are generally knowledgeable and can help you choose the right package. They may also assist with the mandatory ID registration process on the spot.
Mobile Operator Stores
The major mobile network operators—YouSee, Telenor, Telia, and 3 (Three)—have their own physical stores in most city centers and shopping malls. While they primarily focus on monthly subscriptions, they also offer prepaid solutions and can provide expert advice and assistance with setup.
Understanding the Danish Mobile Networks
Denmark has a world-class mobile infrastructure built upon three separate physical networks. Most prepaid providers are Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), which means they rent access to one of these main networks. The quality of your service is therefore determined by the underlying network.
The Three Physical Networks
TDC Net: Widely regarded as the best network in Denmark, offering the most comprehensive coverage, highest speeds, and greatest reliability, especially in rural areas and inside buildings. YouSee is the primary operator on this network.
TT-Netværket (Telia & Telenor): A network-sharing joint venture between Telia and Telenor. It provides very strong competition to TDC Net, with excellent coverage and high speeds, particularly in urban and suburban areas. Many popular prepaid MVNOs use the TT-Network.
3 (Hi3G): The third network operator, known for its strong data network and competitive pricing, especially in cities. While its 4G and 5G coverage is excellent in populated areas, it can be less reliable in more remote parts of Denmark compared to TDC Net and the TT-Network.
MVNOs: The Key to a Cheap Prepaid SIM
Most of the brands you will encounter for prepaid SIM cards are MVNOs. These companies do not own their own network infrastructure. Instead, they buy wholesale access from one of the three main networks and resell it to consumers, often at a lower price. Lebara, Lycamobile, and Greentel are all examples of popular MVNOs in Denmark.
Leading Prepaid SIM Card Providers in Denmark
Several providers specialize in offering flexible, no-contract prepaid plans that are perfect for tourists and expats. The most prominent are Lebara and Lycamobile, as their products are designed for international users and are sold widely.
Lebara Mobile: The Popular Choice for Internationals
Lebara is one of the most visible and popular prepaid providers in Denmark. It operates as an MVNO on the Telenor/Telia (TT-Netværket) network, ensuring broad and reliable coverage.
- Network: Telenor/Telia (TT-Netværket)
- Key Feature: Lebara’s plans often include a significant amount of international call minutes to many countries, in addition to generous data allowances. This makes it a top choice for expats and tourists needing to call home.
- Where to Buy: Widely available in supermarkets (Netto, Føtex), kiosks (7-Eleven), and many independent small shops.
- Activation & Top-up: Activation is simple. After inserting the SIM, you typically need to register your ID online or via their app. Top-ups can be purchased online with a credit card or by buying vouchers from the same stores that sell the starter packs.
Lycamobile: A Strong Competitor
Lycamobile is another major MVNO targeting the international community in Denmark. Similar to Lebara, it also uses the robust Telenor/Telia network and focuses on providing affordable plans with data and international calls.
- Network: Telenor/Telia (TT-Netværket)
- Key Feature: Lycamobile competes directly with Lebara, often offering similar data packages and international call bundles. It’s always worth comparing their current offers, as promotions can change.
- Where to Buy: Found in the same retail channels as Lebara, including supermarkets, 7-Eleven stores, and electronics retailers.
- Activation & Top-up: The process is nearly identical to Lebara. You must register with a valid ID (like a passport) after purchase. Topping up is easy via their website or with physical vouchers.
Comparison of Typical Starter Packages
While specific offers change, here is a general comparison of what you might expect from Lebara and Lycamobile’s entry-level packages.
| Feature | Lebara Mobile (Example) | Lycamobile (Example) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Price | 49 DKK | 29 DKK |
| Included Data | 100 GB (often with a fair-use cap in EU) | 100 GB (often with a fair-use cap in EU) |
| Included Talk | 100 hours (Denmark) | Unlimited (Denmark) |
| International Calls | Often includes hours to EU, USA, Canada, etc. | Often includes minutes to a list of countries. |
| Validity | 30 days | 30 days |
Note: Prices and allowances are illustrative and subject to change. Always check the provider’s website for the most current offers.
A Note on “Prepaid” in the Danish Context
It is important to understand that the traditional “pay-as-you-go” model, where you add credit and pay per minute/MB, is becoming rare in Denmark. Most plans marketed as “prepaid” are actually no-contract, 30-day recurring bundles. You pay a fixed price for a package of data, talk, and text that lasts for 30 days. You can choose to renew it each month or simply stop without penalty.
The eSIM Alternative: A Digital SIM Card for Denmark
For those with modern smartphones, an eSIM (embedded SIM) is an increasingly popular alternative to a physical SIM card. An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan from a provider without having to use a physical nano-SIM.
Advantages of Using an eSIM in Denmark
The primary benefit for a traveler is convenience. You can often purchase and set up a Danish eSIM online before you even leave home. This means you can be connected the moment you land in Denmark. It also leaves your physical SIM slot free, for example, to keep your home number active for receiving calls or texts.
Danish Providers Offering Prepaid eSIMs
While the tourist-focused brands like Lebara have been slower to adopt eSIM for their prepaid offers, several Danish low-cost providers do offer eSIMs. These are often targeted more towards residents but can be acquired by expats.
- CBB Mobil: An MVNO on the Telenor/Telia network, known for competitive pricing. They offer eSIM as an option for their monthly no-contract plans.
- Oister: An MVNO on the 3 network, famous for its data-heavy, low-cost plans. Oister also provides eSIMs to its customers.
- eesy: A newer, fully digital provider on the TDC Net network. They are built around a simple app-based experience and support eSIM.
Acquiring an eSIM from these providers as a non-resident can sometimes be challenging. The online sign-up process may be designed around the Danish MitID digital identity system, which tourists do not have. Expats who have obtained a CPR number (Civil Registration Number) will find it much easier to sign up for these services online.
SIM Card Registration in Denmark
Due to national security legislation, all prepaid SIM cards in Denmark must be registered with a valid photo ID. This is a mandatory step, and your SIM card will not work until the registration is complete. This applies to both physical SIM cards and eSIMs.
Legal Requirements and ID
When you purchase a SIM card, you will be required to provide personal information and proof of identity. For foreigners (tourists or expats), a valid passport is the standard and universally accepted form of identification. A national ID card from an EU country is also generally accepted.
The Registration Process
The method of registration depends on where and how you buy the SIM card.
In-person: If you buy the SIM at an operator’s store or an electronics store like Elgiganten, the staff will usually handle the registration for you. You just need to present your passport.
Online/App: If you buy a starter pack from a supermarket, you will need to complete the registration yourself. This is typically done by visiting the provider’s website or downloading their app, where you will be prompted to enter your details and upload a photo of your passport.
The CPR Number and Prepaid SIMs
A common concern for newcomers is the need for a Danish CPR number. For the vast majority of prepaid SIM cards aimed at tourists (like those from Lebara and Lycamobile), a CPR number is not required. Registration with a passport is sufficient. However, if you are an expat planning to sign up for a monthly no-contract plan from a mainstream provider (like YouSee, Telia, or even some eSIM providers), a CPR number is often required for billing and credit purposes.