When I moved to Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2022, I already had fond memories of visiting the country back in 2012—those cobblestone streets, bikes everywhere, and cozy cafés left a mark. But settling here full-time felt like a new adventure where everything works like clockwork… until you realize you don’t know how to buy a train ticket or pay for your coffee without fumbling for cash.
Denmark’s known for its efficiency, sustainability, and community spirit, but it can feel overwhelming if you’re new—especially with the language, public transport, and bureaucracy. Luckily, Denmark is tech-savvy nation, and your smartphone is about to become your best friend. After two and a half years, I’ve discovered a handful of apps that have made life in Denmark not just manageable, but actually enjoyable. If you’re an expat, traveler, or just curious about the tools that help you thrive here, these are the downloads you need.
1. Rejseplanen- Your Public Transport Lifeline
Denmark’s public transport is a dream—clean, punctual, and everywhere—except when you don’t know where you’re going. Enter Rejseplanen, the app that plans your journey from A to B with buses, trains, and the metro. Just type in your starting point and destination, and it’ll give you real-time options, including walking times to the nearest stop. Rejseplanen is my go-to for planning train, bus, and metro trips. It’s free, user-friendly, and shows real-time updates, which helped me avoid missed connections during my daily commutes.
Pro tip: set it to English if your Danish isn’t up to speed yet (mine still isn’t). It’s a must for navigating Copenhagen or venturing out to the countryside without accidentally ending up in Sweden—unless that’s the goal!
2. MobilePay – Cash? What’s That?
MobilePay has been a game-changer for me in Copenhagen. This app lets you send, receive, and pay for almost anything—groceries, coffee, even splitting bills with friends—using just a phone number. I linked it to my Danish bank account, and now I rarely carry cash in the city. It’s wildly popular here, and I’ve seen how much people value it. Even in smaller shops and flea market, it’s accepted, making life seamless and cash-free, whether I’m in Copenhagen or nearby.Cash feels like a relic here, so get on board or prepare for some confused looks.
3. DSB – Train Tickets, Sorted
While Rejseplanen helps you plan, DSB is where you’ll buy your train tickets. It’s the official app for Denmark’s national rail service, and it’s a lifesaver for booking on the go. Check schedules, grab a ticket, and flash your phone at the conductor—no paper needed. It’s especially handy if you’re hopping between cities like Copenhagen, Aarhus, or Odense. Alternatively, you can also use DOT Tickets app.
Bonus: it’ll warn you about delays, so you’re not left standing in the rain wondering where your train went.
4. Too Good To Go – Cheap Eats, Good Vibes
Denmark loves sustainability, and Too Good To Go is proof. This app lets you snag unsold food from bakeries, cafes, and restaurants at a fraction of the price—think fresh pastries or last night’s sushi for a few kroner. It’s a win-win: you save money, and you help cut food waste. I’ve scored some amazing deals in Copenhagen, though you’ve got to be quick—the good stuff goes fast!
5. MinSundhed – Healthcare at Your Fingertips
Once you’ve got your CPR number (Denmark’s magic key to everything official), download MinSundhed. It’s the official app for the Danish healthcare system, letting you book doctor appointments, renew prescriptions, and peek at your medical records. The interface isn’t the slickest, but it’s practical—and when you’re feeling under the weather, knowing your next appointment is confirmed beats waiting on hold.
Alternatively, you can also use Min Læge app which has similar function
6. MitID – Your Digital ID
You’ll need MitID to prove who you are online. It’s Denmark’s digital ID system, and it’s essential for logging into everything from your bank to government websites including e-Boks (more on that below), healthcare, and more Think of it as your virtual passport—without it, you’re locked out of a lot of services. Set it up as soon as you can, and keep it handy. It’s not exciting, but it’s non-negotiable.
7. e-Boks – Where Your Mail Lives Now
Forget the mailbox—Denmark delivers most official letters digitally via e-Boks. Tax notices, bank statements, even reminders from the municipality all land here. It’s a bit daunting at first (especially if your Danish is shaky), but it’s super convenient once you get the hang of it. Pair it with MitID to log in, and you’ll feel like a proper local in no time.
8. Google Translate – Language Backup
Most Danes speak amazing English, but menus, signs, and random bureaucracy can still throw you for a loop. Google Translate is your safety net—snap a photo of that mysterious label at the supermarket or type in a phrase to double-check. Danish can be tricky (even after three years, I’m still learning! , so this app helps you fake it ‘til you make it.
9. Donkey Republic – Bike Like a Dane
Copenhagen is the biking capital of the world, and Donkey Republic lets you join the two-wheeled masses. Rent one of their bright orange bikes through the app, unlock it with your phone, and pedal away. It’s cheap, eco-friendly, and a great way to explore—though watch out for the pros zooming past you on the bike lanes. You’ll need some confidence to keep up, but it’s worth it.
10. Yr – Weather You Can Trust
Danish weather is… unpredictable. Sunny one minute, pouring the next. Yr, a Norwegian weather app, is a favorite here because it’s scarily accurate. Check the hourly forecast before you leave the house—shorts might work at 10 a.m., but you’ll want that umbrella by noon. Locals swear by it over the Danish DMI app, and after a few soggy surprises, I get why.
Living in Denmark feels like a masterclass in efficiency, and these apps are your cheat sheet. They’ll help you pay, travel, eat, and stay dry without missing a beat. Sure, you could survive without them, but why make life harder than it needs to be? Download these, and you’ll be blending in with the hygge-loving, bike-riding Danes faster than you can say “tak!” Got any app recommendations of your own? Drop them in the comments—I’m always up for a new shortcut!
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