Danish Telephone

If you are placing a call to Denmark you will need to use the prefix 0045. When in Denmark you just need to dial the 8-digit number, since Denmark does not have any area codes.

Most people use mobile phones, but you can find public phone booths, especially at the train stations and major attractions.

To use a phone in Denmark, pick up the phone and dial the number you want; do not put money in the phone until you are connected. You can then deposit the coins you need.

Most phones will require a minimum of 2 kroner; you can use 50 ører, 1 krone or 5 kroner coins. Many phones will also accept Euros in the following denominations: € of 10c, 20c, 50c, 1€ & 2€. This is not always the case outside the major cities, so plan carefully. The best option is the telecard. See below.

In Denmark you are charged by the minute. Local cals are NOT FREE! Every call costs money unless they are emergency numbers - see below.

HINT: Use the smallest denomination if your call is going to be short; you can add more coins if needed. Have coins handy or you will be disconnected. If you do not use all your time, you can make another call if there is still time available.

Another option is to buy a Danish telephone card/ telecard from the post office, which will provide you with a discount rate on pay phones.

You can also get a 'pay as you go' SIM card for your mobile phone. Check to make sure your own phone will function in Denmark. The manufacturer should be able to tell you.

HINT: Remember, it is expensive to call from your hotel. Check the rates before you make that call. The exception is that all emergency calls (dial 112) are FREE.

International Calling

Dial 00 + the 2 digit country code and then the number. If the number has an initial "0", omit that when dialing.

If you need assistance, the International Operator can be reached by dialing 113, but it will cost dearly. Only use if really necessary. Costs between 25 - 40 kr. per use.

HINT: Get an international calling card from the post office if you are planning to call home a lot. They are 100Dkr, but you can talk a long time, depending on where you are calling. In my opinion, they are definitely worth it. (They also have lower denominations of 50 kroner.)

You can also get information on international call rates by dialing 141. This is a free call, but don't let them connect you to your number or you will pay dearly for that service. Just thank them, hang up and dial the number directly. Again, rates vary, but are usually about 40 kr.

BEST INTERNATIONAL CALLING ADVICE If you have access to a computer, than getting a SKYPE account is probably the best thing you can have for international calling. I use my account regularly to communicate with friends from around the world - absolutely FREE. I can spend an hour catching up and not have to worry about the phone bill. You can also get SKYPE phones, which can be used out and about if there is internet access, which there is now in many metropolitan spaces. Costs nothing to sign up and use. Just go to Skype or type in www.skype.com. Skype has saved me a small fortune in phone bills and could not live without it! Well I could, but I would really really miss it! Give it a try, you will be glad you did.

Hey, you can even use it within Denmark, so you can talk to friends here without worrying about the telephone rate. My phone bill is pretty low each month, because I try to get everyone to call me on SKYPE and will only call them if they have SKYPE.

Emergency Numbers

When you dial 112, you are usually connected to FALCK, which is the emergency service of Denmark. This has changed in some areas, where there is now competition, especially in the area of ambulance services.

You should check in your local phone directory for a list of various emergency numbers for your area.

You will find numbers for pharmacies, electricians, plumbers, doctors, dentists, vets, etc. It is better to have a list handy than waste time searching for vital numbers when you are in the middle of a crisis.

When you look in your Danish telephone book, search for Nødhjælp / Vigtige vagtnumre on the first couple of pages -- usually on page 2 or 3.

There you will have a list of vital emergency numbers.

Lægevagt is a for a doctor. Local doctors take turns being on 24-hour call, so if there is an emergency they can be reached. Calls to these doctors are usually for advice; if they need to visit it could take 2 - 3 hours before they arrive. If you have an emergency, call 112 and get an ambulance.

Skadestuer is the emergency room at the hospital.

Brandvæsnet is the fire department (dial 112)

An apotek is a pharmacy and they often have a 24-hour number for emergencies.

Tandlægevagt is for the dentist.

Kiropraktorvagt is for the chiropractor.

Electricitet is for an electrician.

Fjernvarme is about heating.

Gas is for gas! (duh!)

Kloakker is for plumbing.

Vand is for water.

Any other major emergency call 112.

If you don't speak Danish, be ready to give them your name (you may need to spell it) and your address (or location if not at home). Most emergency services like 112 have access to your home address when you call from your home phone or landline, so try using that instead of a mobile phone. It can save time in an emergency.

If it is a medical problem try to explain quickly and clearly what is wrong. Stay calm as much as possible.

Most of the emergency services do understand English, so if you do not speak fluent Danish, feel comfortable that you will be able to communicate in English.