Denmark – Landlines and Mobile Phones

What are the international dialling codes for Denmark, and what are the area codes for the most popular expat destinations?

Denmark’s assigned country code is +45. When placing a call to Denmark from outside the country, you dial your international exit prefix (typically 00 or +), then 45, followed by the complete eight-digit local number. There is no leading zero to omit, because Denmark uses what is known as a closed numbering plan — Danish telephone numbers do not start with a trunk prefix the way numbers do in many other nations.

This sets Denmark apart from countries like France or Germany, where callers must drop a leading 0 when dialling internationally. With a Danish number, you simply enter +45 and then all eight digits exactly as they appear — nothing needs to be stripped away.

While Denmark does not employ area codes in the conventional sense — every call, whether local or long-distance, is made by dialling the full eight digits — the opening two digits of a fixed-line number have traditionally corresponded to a geographic region. The historic number prefixes for well-known expat locations within Denmark are: Copenhagen: 33, Aarhus: 86, Odense: 66, Aalborg: 98.

It should be noted, however, that number portability means these geographic associations are no longer entirely reliable. Fixed-line numbers can be transferred to any address across the country, so a particular prefix does not necessarily indicate where the subscriber is located. Mobile numbers in Denmark generally begin with 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 9, and are dialled in exactly the same manner as any other Danish number — all eight digits, every time.

The Kingdom of Denmark encompasses two self-governing territories — the Faroe Islands and Greenland — each of which has its own separate country code and numbering system. To reach the Faroe Islands, dial +298; for Greenland, the code is +299.

Who are the major landline providers in Denmark, and how can you contact them?

The underlying fixed-line infrastructure across Denmark is managed by the national operator TDC, though several other companies offer competitive packages that combine telephone service with broadband and cable television. TDC’s consumer-facing residential products — including fixed-line and internet services — are sold primarily under its YouSee brand. YouSee can be contacted at yousee.dk or by phoning their customer service team on 70 70 40 40.

TDC NET is responsible for managing and expanding the physical network infrastructure, including the ongoing rollout of fibre connections and 5G capability. Because this infrastructure is open-access, competing providers are able to offer their own internet, television, and telephone services across TDC’s physical lines — giving consumers a genuine range of choices.

The principal fixed-line and bundled service providers currently operating in Denmark include:

• YouSee (TDC) — the country’s largest fixed-line provider, delivering telephone, broadband, and television in combined packages. Website: yousee.dk. Customer service: 70 70 40 40.
• Telenor Denmark — provides fixed broadband and telephone packages to residential and business customers. Website: telenor.dk. Customer service: 72 30 00 00.
• Telia Denmark — offers fixed-line and fibre-based services, with a particularly strong footprint in urban centres. Website: telia.dk. Customer service: 80 40 40 40.
• Hiper — a fibre-focused provider that operates over open-access networks. Website: hiper.dk.
• Stofa — delivers cable-based broadband and telephone services, with a strong presence in Jutland and Funen. Website: stofa.dk. Customer service: 70 20 93 00.

It is worth knowing that standalone landline subscriptions have become increasingly uncommon in Denmark. Landline ownership declined sharply compared to earlier decades — by some measures, as many as 76 percent of households had a landline telephone in 2008. Today, providers almost universally bundle telephone service together with broadband and television, rather than making it available as a separate product. Always check each provider’s official website for the latest pricing, as tariffs are updated regularly.

If a dispute with a provider cannot be resolved through their own customer service channels, the national telecoms regulator Energistyrelsen (the Danish Energy Agency) is the appropriate body to approach. It has oversight of the entire telecommunications sector, including consumer rights. Further details are available at ens.dk.

Who are the major mobile phone providers in Denmark, and how can you contact them?

At the infrastructure level, Denmark has only three physical mobile network operators — companies that own and operate actual transmission equipment and antenna towers. Every other mobile brand in the country functions as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), meaning it rents capacity from one of these three underlying networks rather than operating its own. Understanding this distinction is genuinely useful when choosing a provider, since the quality of coverage you experience depends primarily on which physical network sits beneath your chosen brand.

The first and largest physical network belongs to TDC Group. Originally the state-owned telecoms monopoly, TDC has built and maintained what is generally considered the broadest and most reliable coverage footprint in Denmark, especially in rural locations, coastal areas, and summerhouse regions. For anyone who spends significant time outside urban centres, a provider running on TDC’s infrastructure offers the greatest peace of mind.

The second network is a collaborative venture between Telia and Telenor, whose physical towers were merged to form the TT-Network. This joint infrastructure represents a formidable nationwide presence, with strong and consistent signal performance across both cities and smaller provincial communities.

The third operator is 3 (Three), which has built a reputation for delivering particularly fast mobile data speeds, especially within major urban areas. 3 has long been at the forefront of competitive data pricing in Denmark, making it an attractive choice for high-volume internet users.

In 2023, TDC held the largest share of the Danish mobile subscriptions market, accounting for over 40 percent of the total. Telenor ranked second, with close to 23 percent market share.

Always verify current plan pricing directly on each provider’s official website, as tariffs are subject to frequent revision. As of 2025, prepaid options can be found starting from around 100 DKK per month, though the exact figure varies by operator and chosen plan. For objective assessments of network performance, Opensignal produces regular reports on Danish operators; Telenor, TDC, and Telia have each been rated in the Excellent category (scoring 85 or above), while 3 falls within the Good category (75–85).

How do I get a landline connected in Denmark?

Establishing a new landline or reactivating an existing connection requires you to hold a CPR number — the Danish personal identification number you receive when you register your residency with your local municipality (borgerservice). If you are still waiting for your CPR number to be issued, it is generally advisable to hold off on arranging fixed-line service until it arrives.

Fixed-line connections cannot be set up from outside Denmark — you will need to be present in the country, or at minimum have a Danish address and CPR number, before any provider will process your application. Most operators allow you to apply through their website, by calling their sales team, or by visiting a physical retail location.

The typical steps involved in getting a landline connected are as follows:

1. Obtain your CPR number. Visit your local borgerservice (citizens’ service centre) after relocating to Denmark. This number is a prerequisite for entering into any fixed-line service agreement.
2. Select a provider. Compare bundled packages — combining telephone with broadband and television — from operators such as YouSee, Telenor, Telia, Stofa, or Hiper. Standalone telephone-only lines are rarely available today; broadband is almost always included.
3. Apply online or by telephone. Use the chosen provider’s website or call their sales line directly. You will need to supply your CPR number, Danish address, and a payment method — typically a Danish bank account configured for direct debit.
4. Arrange an installation visit if needed. Properties without an existing active connection will require a technician to carry out the necessary installation work. This is particularly common with fibre or brand-new fixed-line connections.
5. Allow sufficient lead time. Connections can be arranged by contacting the telephone company at least one week before moving in; however, it is advisable to notify the provider at least one month in advance to avoid delays.
6. Activate and test the line. Once installation is finished, you will receive confirmation of your assigned number and billing start date. Test the connection promptly and note any fault reference numbers if issues occur.

The process is broadly the same regardless of whether you own or rent your property, though landlords or building management may need to approve any physical installation work carried out in a rental property. Standard landline contracts in Denmark do not typically require a deposit, but providers may run a credit check. If you have recently arrived and have no Danish credit history, it is sensible to raise this with the provider beforehand. Always confirm current requirements directly with the provider or check Energistyrelsen for up-to-date consumer guidance.

How do I get a mobile phone SIM card or contract in Denmark?

Getting connected in Denmark is a straightforward process. The most important distinction to understand upfront is the difference between a prepaid SIM and a postpaid contract, as the requirements for each differ considerably.

Prepaid SIM cards involve minimal paperwork. In most cases, your passport is all you need, and prepaid SIMs can in fact be purchased without any formal registration at all. They are widely sold at airport retail outlets in Copenhagen (CPH) and other Danish international airports, as well as at nationwide convenience chains such as 7-Eleven and Kvickly, which stock prepaid SIMs from all the major carriers. This makes Denmark considerably more accessible than countries like Germany, where legal registration of prepaid SIMs with identity documents is compulsory.

Postpaid (contract) plans carry stricter requirements. To sign up for a mobile contract (known in Danish as Mobilpakker), you will need a Danish CPR number and a Danish address. Purchasing a prepaid SIM does not require a CPR number. This means newly arrived expats who are still waiting for their CPR registration to be processed will need to begin with a prepaid option and move across to a contract plan once they are fully registered. Unlike certain other countries where a foreign passport and overseas bank reference may suffice for a contract, Danish postpaid plans are tied directly to the CPR identification system.

The process for obtaining a SIM card or enrolling in a mobile contract is as follows:

1. Decide between prepaid and postpaid. If you have only recently arrived or your stay is short-term, a prepaid SIM is the logical starting point. If you are settling in Denmark for the longer term and have your CPR number in hand, a SIM-only monthly contract will almost always deliver better value for money.
2. Choose your network and provider. Think about signal quality in your specific area, how much data you use, and whether you need affordable international calling. Refer to the provider table in the previous section for a useful overview.
3. Buy your SIM. For prepaid, head to a convenience store, airport kiosk, or operator outlet. TDC, Telenor, Telia, and 3 all operate their own branded stores in major cities where staff can assist with activation. For postpaid, you can apply either online or at a store.
4. Present the necessary documents. A passport is generally sufficient for prepaid. For a postpaid contract, bring a valid passport or national identity card, your CPR number, and proof of your Danish address. A Danish bank account is ordinarily required to arrange payment.
5. Activate the SIM. Follow the activation steps provided by the operator — typically through their mobile app, website, or simply by placing your first call. Activation is usually near-instantaneous.
6. Consider an eSIM as an alternative. If your handset supports it, the entire activation process can be completed digitally. See the practical tips section for further detail on eSIM options.

Keep an eye out for plans advertised as “ingen binding” (no commitment), which allow you to switch to a better deal the following month without any cancellation penalty. This kind of flexibility is particularly valuable for expats whose circumstances may change.

How do I pay my telephone bill in Denmark?

Telephone bills in Denmark are issued on a monthly cycle for both landline and mobile services. The Danish billing environment is tightly integrated with the country’s national digital payment infrastructure, most notably the PBS Betalingsservice direct debit scheme and the MobilePay platform.

The main payment methods available to you are:

• Betalingsservice (direct debit) — this is the most widely used and most convenient payment method in Denmark. By authorising your provider to collect the owed amount directly from your bank account each month, you avoid the need to take any manual action. Many companies that collect regular payments levy a surcharge on customers who do not use the PBS Betalingsservice electronic direct debit system. Setting this up promptly once you have a Danish bank account is therefore financially advantageous.
• Online banking (netbank) — invoices can be paid manually through your bank’s internet portal by entering the payment identification (FI number) printed on the bill.
• Provider app or website — the majority of operators allow customers to make one-off card payments or store a preferred payment method through their own digital platforms.
• MobilePay — Denmark’s ubiquitous mobile payment application is accepted by many telecoms providers and offers a fast, convenient way to settle bills directly from your smartphone.
• In-person payment — telephone bills can be paid at bank branches or post offices, though this typically attracts a handling fee of DKK 10–15 per transaction (as of the time of writing; confirm the current fee with your provider).

It is important to be aware that non-payment of a telephone bill can lead to service disconnection. Providers will generally issue reminder notices before cutting off a line, but the timeframes involved vary between operators. In contrast to some countries where a grace period of 30 days or more before disconnection is standard practice, Danish providers can act fairly swiftly following a missed payment. If you find yourself in financial difficulty, contact your provider without delay — most have arrangements for hardship cases or payment deferrals. Review each provider’s terms and conditions carefully for details of their specific disconnection policy.

Are there any practical tips for using phones in Denmark as a newcomer?

EU roaming: A Danish SIM card functions across all EU member states under the bloc’s roaming regulations. Some operators sell plans with Europe-wide coverage included, though additional charges may apply when travelling beyond EU borders. The EU’s “Roam Like At Home” framework applies uniformly across all member states. If you travel regularly to non-EU destinations, it is worth examining each provider’s out-of-EU roaming tariffs in detail, as these can differ substantially from one operator to the next.

Number porting: Transferring your existing mobile number to a new provider is a simple process in Denmark. You simply need to select your preferred provider and plan, order a new SIM, and the porting process takes care of itself. Number transfers are typically completed within a single working day, which is broadly in line with timescales across most European markets. To initiate a port, you will need your current account details and, for postpaid plans, your CPR number.

eSIM availability: Major operators including TDC, Telenor, and Telia all offer eSIM support in Denmark. An eSIM allows you to activate a mobile plan entirely digitally, without inserting a physical SIM card into your device. Activation is as simple as scanning a QR code provided by the operator or downloading their dedicated app. The great majority of Danish mobile providers now fully support eSIM technology. This is especially useful if you are newly arrived and waiting for a physical SIM to be delivered, or if you wish to keep a home-country number active on the same handset. A dual-SIM-capable phone with an eSIM plan can run two separate numbers simultaneously — for example, retaining a foreign number for SMS verification services while using a Danish eSIM for everyday calls and data.

5G availability: Denmark ranks among Europe’s frontrunners when it comes to 5G deployment, and fast connection speeds are achievable across all major networks. The rollout is most advanced in cities and larger towns, though rural coverage continues to expand at pace. If 5G connectivity is a priority for you, use each provider’s online coverage mapping tool to check availability at your specific address before committing to a plan.

Coverage in rural areas: TDC is generally recognised as having the widest and most dependable signal reach in Denmark’s countryside, coastal areas, and summerhouse regions. If you spend considerable time outside the major cities, choosing a provider running on TDC’s network is a prudent decision. In urban environments, all four major networks perform well, though 3 (Three) is particularly noted for strong data throughput in city settings.

MitID and digital services: It quickly becomes apparent to newcomers just how central a functioning mobile connection is to daily life in Denmark. Access to MitID (the national digital identity system), payments via MobilePay, public transport apps, workplace communication, and registration for services ranging from banking to leisure all require a working smartphone and mobile data connection. Securing a Danish SIM card early in your relocation is therefore a practical necessity rather than simply a convenience.

Language: The majority of provider websites are presented primarily in Danish. That said, some operators maintain English-language customer support and account management options — Lebara in particular runs a fully English-language site. For other providers, browser-based translation tools generally produce accurate enough results to navigate the essential pages. When you need more detailed assistance, visiting a provider’s retail store in person is a reliable option; staff in major urban areas can typically serve customers in English without difficulty.

Phone compatibility: Danish mobile networks operate on 4G and 5G using standard international frequency bands. The vast majority of modern handsets from any part of the world will function without issue on Danish networks. If you are using an older device that was originally purchased outside Europe, it is worth verifying that it supports the relevant frequency bands before depending on it for local service.

Frequently asked questions about telephone services in Denmark

Can I keep my foreign number when I move to Denmark?

It is not possible to port a foreign phone number to a Danish SIM — number porting within Denmark operates only between Danish network operators. You can, however, retain your overseas number in active use by running it as an eSIM on a dual-SIM-capable smartphone, alongside your new Danish number on a separate SIM or eSIM. This arrangement is widely used among expats who need to remain reachable on their original number while also having a local Danish number for everyday calls and data.

Do I need a local address to get a SIM card in Denmark?

Prepaid SIM cards can be bought anonymously at convenience stores without any registration or address requirement. Contract plans are a different matter — they require proof of residency. In short, a Danish address is not needed to obtain a basic prepaid SIM, but it is required — alongside a CPR number — when signing up for a postpaid contract.

How long does it take to get a mobile contract set up?

Once you have both a CPR number and a Danish bank account, applying for a postpaid mobile contract can be completed almost instantly, either online or in a store. Physical SIM cards are usually dispatched and arrive within a few working days, while eSIM activation can be completed within minutes of finishing the sign-up process online. Prepaid SIMs purchased directly from a shop are ready to use as soon as you leave the counter.

Is there good mobile coverage outside Copenhagen and other major cities?

Mobile coverage across Denmark as a whole is excellent, and signal quality outside the major cities is generally strong. TDC provides the most comprehensive rural network, while the TT-Network (formed by the combined towers of Telia and Telenor) offers comparable dependability. 3 delivers its best performance in urban environments. Before committing to any provider, it is worth running a check on their coverage map online, using your specific address as the reference point.

What is the Danish telecoms regulator, and what can it help with?

Telecommunications in Denmark are regulated by Energistyrelsen (the Danish Energy Agency), which is responsible for spectrum management, market competition, and consumer protection across the sector. For disputes with a provider that cannot be settled through the provider’s own complaint process, both Energistyrelsen and the Telecommunications Complaints Board (Teleklagenævnet) can offer guidance and formal resolution pathways. Further information is available at ens.dk.

Can I get a mobile phone contract in Denmark without a CPR number?

A Danish CPR number and a registered Danish address are both required to take out a mobile contract. For short-term visitors or those still awaiting CPR registration, prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs are the most practical and hassle-free alternatives. Once you have completed your residency registration and received your CPR number, transitioning from a prepaid to a postpaid contract is a simple process — and you can ordinarily retain your existing mobile number when making the switch.

Are bills and provider websites available in languages other than Danish?

The majority of mobile and fixed-line providers in Denmark operate their websites and communications primarily in Danish. Lebara stands out as a notable exception, offering a complete English-language website. For other operators, browser-based translation tools are reasonably effective for navigating the key pages. Most providers make billing available through online account portals or smartphone apps. For any queries requiring detailed explanations, a visit to a physical store in one of Denmark’s larger cities is recommended, as customer-facing staff generally have the ability to assist in English and sometimes other languages.

What payment method is best for paying phone bills in Denmark?

Configuring Betalingsservice (direct debit) is strongly advisable. It is the default payment method for recurring bills across Danish utility and subscription services, and certain providers apply an additional charge when customers opt to pay through alternative means. To use Betalingsservice, you will need a Danish bank account. While your account is being set up, most operators will accept debit or credit card payments, or payments via MobilePay, through their app or website portal.