• Population: 5.8 million
• Capital: Copenhagen
• Demographics: Ethnically, 90% of Danish descent, 10% immigrant descent (Turkey, Iraq, Somalia, South Asia, Middle East, etc.).
• Type of government: The politics of Denmark take place within the framework of a parliamentary representative democracy, a constitutional monarchy and a decentralized unitary state in which the monarch of Denmark, Queen Margrethe II, is head of state.
• Regional Membership: Denmark is part of the European Union and the Schengen region
• Currency: Denmark Kroner (DKK)
• Common food: smorrebrod, flaeskesteg, frikadeller, Danish pastry, stegt flaesk, and more.

Danish is the official language of Denmark. Other minority languages spoken include Faroese, German, and Greenlandic.

It is common for locals to know English! More than 90% of the Danish population speaks English, making it one of the highest English-proficient countries where the official language is not English.

As a University of Illinois student, you have access to library resources (such as Rosetta Stone and Libguides). You may also want to consider free sources to learn basic phrases, or to refresh your language skills prior to departure.

It is each students responsibility to independently verify the visa information below and ensure they apply and secure the appropriate documentation to travel and stay in their host country for the duration of their program.

Students studying in Denmark for a period longer than 90 days will have to apply for a student residence permit for the duration of their stay.

You will need to prove your acceptance to an accredited Danish university, and gather all required student residence permit materials before departing. Read more about residence permit requirements to Denmark.

To read more on passport and visa terminology see the Passports & Visas page of this website.

Phones

• There are a few main cell data providers in Denmark: YouSee, 3, Telia, and Telenor. You can either consult these providers, or purchase a "Lebara Denmark" SIM card at a Danish supermarket, with prepaid calling and data limits at reasonable prices.
• A local SIM card is recommended for longer stays in Denmark.
• Make sure you have the Duo Mobile app set up on your phone. If you get a new SIM card, use the passcode options instead of PUSH, or go to UI Verify website to enter your new phone information.

Internet

• Internet infrastructure in Denmark is developed, and if you do not have a roaming data plan, there are various places where foreigners can access free public WiFi in major cities and towns, including libraries, hotels, restaurants and cafes, and some trains and buses.

Electricity

• Danish power plugs are of Type E and K (pictured below). Type E plugs have two round prongs for insertion into the wall, and one round hole for connection of a prong from the electrical socket. Type K plugs two round prongs and one angled prong, arranged in a triangle. Type E plugs work with plug C and F electronics as well, and Type K works with plug C, E, and F.
• You will need to purchase a plug adapter in order to use any electronic devices or appliances brought from the US.
• While an adapter makes your device fit into the local outlet, a converter converts the voltage. The voltage will not be the same as in the U.S. For that reason, it is recommended that you do NOT bring appliances such as hair dryers or hair straighteners with you unless you also purchase a voltage converter.

Banking Tips

• Credit and debit card usage is widely accepted in Denmark, although you may be asked to show a photo ID when using your card.
• Denmark has special laws about credit card spending, meaning you may be charged up to 3% in international transaction fees when using a US card.
• There are a few major local banks in Denmark, including Danske Bank, Jyske Bank, Nordea Bank, Agri Bank, and more. All of these have ATMs available at their branches for convenient currency exchange once you arrive.
• It is a good idea, however, to always have a small amount of local currency available in cash for daily purchases and in case of emergencies.
• Consult your local bank before departing for Denmark in regards to international transaction fees, ATM usage, exchange rates, and to notify your bank of your travels so your accounts do not get blocked.

Geography

• Denmark is an archipelago made up of more than 100 islands.
• Greenland is officially part of the Kingdom of Denmark, but Greenland is currently considered an autonomous constituent state. The Faroe Islands, located between Iceland and Norway, are also part of the Kingdom.

Climate

• Denmark, like much of northern Europe, is a very rainy country. On average, Denmark sees about 170 days of rain per year. Impressively, that also makes the Copenhagen harbor clean enough to swim in!
• Denmark is characterized by a temperate climate with mild winters and cool summers. Temperatures in the summer average about 17 degrees Celcius, and in the winter average around 2 degrees Celcius.
• Because Denmark is located in northern Europe, temperatures vary greatly depending on sunlight and cloud coverage.

Packing

• It is recommended to pack clothing in layers to prepare for milder and constantly changing weather.
• A few sweaters and light jackets during the summer, in addition to long pants and short-sleeved shirts, are a good idea, as well as a winter coat and hat in the winter.
• For more packing considerations, view the Packing List (PDF).

Traveling Locally

• Denmark is very highly interconnected with a developed and efficient public transportation system that will take you anywhere within the capital city of Copenhagen and throughout the country to other major cities and even smaller towns. Public transportation options include bus, train, metro, ferry, tram, and even public bicycle.
• Buses are the most efficient and cheapest option to travel within larger cities, as they are scheduled to run frequently and have make countless stops in convenient locations. In Copenhagen, you can even purchase a CityPass for unlimited use for 24 to 72 hours on any form of public transport.
• DSB is the official national train operator of Denmark, and travelling by train is relatively easy across the country. Coach bus companies such as Flixbus, Eurolines Germany, and Swebus are also good cross-country options.

Flights

• Cities with airports: Kastrup Airport in Copenhagen, Billund Airport, Aalborg Airport, Aarhus Airport
• Common airlines: Scandinavian Airlines, Norwegian Air, Thomas Cook Airlines Scandinavia, Jettime

Each student faces different barriers and unique challenges based on their identity. For example, how you identify in the United States may not be how you choose to identify abroad because of the local social culture. We encourage all students to reflect on the different aspects of their identity and consider how they may play a role in their study abroad experience. To help with this thought process: visit the State Department website and look into the Identity & Inclusion resources available on this website.

International Safety and Security provides important wellness tips, along with using your insurance and the emergency phone number. Be sure to become familiar with this website and the resources available to you. Review the U.S. Embassy page and the Department of State website for additional safety resources.

Enroll yourself in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Department of State. Registration in STEP will allow you to get alerts on the latest safety and security information. In addition, the information you provide enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.