Danger! Old Danish crowns will soon be invalid – this is how you act cleverly!

Danger! Old Danish crowns will soon be invalid – this is how you act cleverly!

Important changes to banknotes are coming in Denmark. From May 31, 2025, old krona banknotes will become invalid, which could have a significant impact on many citizens and tourists. Print series from 1997 and the 1,000 krone notes that have been in circulation since 2009 are particularly affected. Converted, 1,000 crowns correspond to around 135 euros, which is important for travelers to the country.

According to information from NDR There are still old banknotes with a total value of around 350 million euros in circulation, which can be exchanged until the end of May 2026. However, the exchange is only possible at special stations in Copenhagen, Aarhus and Odense. German banks generally no longer offer the exchange of these old banknotes, which could become a challenge for many travelers.

Digital payment methods dominate

Danes' payment habits have changed significantly. Nine out of ten payments are now made by card or via digital payment methods such as Apple Pay. The consumer advice center in Denmark also advises paying in the local currency, i.e. the Danish kroner, in order to avoid unpleasant exchange rate surcharges during dynamic currency conversion (DCC). These exchange rate surcharges can easily be up to ten percent, which can represent an unexpected additional burden for travelers.

However, there are also limitations to digital payment methods: the Danish online payment service Mobile Pay is not accessible to foreign tourists as it requires a Danish bank account and a CPR number. However, in many tourist areas, classic card payments are also widespread and accepted.

Trust in the currency

Dealing with money in Denmark is not only a question of convenience, but also of trust. Cash and money in bank accounts are based on the trust of citizens and businesses in the value of the currency. Historically, Denmark went through an inflationary phase with the printing of banknotes during the Napoleonic Wars in 1813, which significantly undermined citizens' trust in the currency. These events led to the creation of the Danmarks Nationalbank to create a stable monetary system and restore citizens' trust in money, such as National banks reported.

The bank continues to ensure trust is maintained today by regularly updating its banknotes and adding modern security features to make counterfeiting more difficult.