Data roaming in Denmark & Alternatives to Get Internet: Which Option to Choose?

Harper Thomas

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Latest update: May 2024

As a tourist visiting Denmark, it is important to consider the most suitable options for staying connected. While roaming can be convenient, it often comes with high charges. This article will show you about roaming in Denmark, its pros and cons, and alternatives so you can enjoy affordable data, call, and text rates while in Denmark, ensuring you stay connected without incurring excessive costs. Let’s dive into!

I. Phone Roaming in Denmark – Quick Facts for Tourists

 Here are some key facts about mobile phone roaming in Denmark:

• Roaming is available across Denmark as it is part of the EU.
• No extra roaming charges when travelling from one EU country to another. Calls, texts and data usage charged at domestic rate.
• Fair use policy applies – data usage limits if the contract has low data price or is pre-paid.
• Can buy SIM card in Denmark for longer stays to avoid roaming entirely.
• Roaming also available in Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway at domestic rates.
• Outside EU, roaming charges apply. Check rates before travel.
• Contact telecoms regulator if issues with roaming provider.
• All major Danish providers offer roaming packages for travel outside the EU. These give discounted rates on calls, texts and data.
• Roaming enabled by default on phones bought in Denmark, but can enable/disable manually.
• Providers must send notification text when entering and exiting EU countries.
• If residing in Denmark, roaming fair use policy based on where majority of time is spent

II. Understand about Roaming in Denmark – How It Works

What is phone roaming in Denmark?

Phone roaming is when you use your mobile phone while traveling outside the area covered by your home network. Phone roaming in Denmark allows you to use your mobile phone in Denmark even though you have a foreign SIM card. However, roaming charges may apply, so it’s important to check with your mobile provider before you travel.

What is data roaming in Denmark?

Data roaming allows you to access data services like web browsing, email, streaming etc when traveling outside the area covered by your home mobile network.

In Denmark, data roaming is available when traveling in the EU thanks to ‘roam like at home’ rules.

Which mobile network carriers offer roaming services for travelers to Denmark?

• There are 04 major network operators in Denmark which offers roaming services for travelers:
  • TDC Group: offer roaming packages for travelers 
  • Telenor: offer roaming for visitors through EU rules.
  • 3 (Hi3G): include roaming for travelers as part of EU regulation.
  • Telia: enable roaming for visitors to Denmark
• These operators all have their own network infrastructure.
• Besides, some Danish mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) which also enable roaming services, such as Lebara and CBB Mobil (all are MVNOs of TDC Group).

How data roaming in Denmark works?

• Data roaming is turned on automatically on mobile phones bought in Denmark, so you can use mobile internet when traveling in the EU. However, you can disable data roaming to avoid unintended international charges if traveling outside the EU.
• In Denmark, data roaming charges are regulated by the European Union. This means that if you’re traveling from another EU country, you will not be charged any extra fees for using data roaming in Denmark. However, if you’re traveling from a non-EU country, you may be charged extra for data roaming.
• You can track your real-time data usage and balance when roaming through your carrier’s mobile app or online account. Any data passes you purchase will expire after a set period of time.

Can your phone roam in Denmark?

• Most likely Yes. Denmark uses GSM, 3G and 4G LTE networks which are compatible with most modern smartphones.
• If you are visiting from an EU country, your phone will work in Denmark due to EU “roam like at home” rules.
• If visiting from outside the EU, check with your provider about roaming rates and enable international roaming.

III. Is the Roaming Rate in Denmark Expensive? Roaming Prices in Denmark

It is worth noting that Denmark is part of the EU, so the EU policy called “roam like at home” applies. 

If you are an EU traveler visiting Denmark, you can roam free. You just need to pay the same rate as your home country, from calls, texts to data usage. 

However, note that if your local data plan has a very low cost, then a fair use policy may apply to data. But no extra fees.

If you are a non-EU traveler, the roaming rates in Denmark is expensive. It is better to check with your local provider.

Below we give you an overview about the rate of roaming services of top 3 mobile network operators in Denmark:

To sum up, roaming within Denmark and the EU is free for those under EU regulations. For travelers from outside the EU, roaming rates will be much higher.

IV. How to Activate Roaming Service for Denmark in Your Cell Phone?

Here is a quick guide on activating roaming for Denmark:

• Contact your carrier to enable international roaming on your account
• On your phone, go to Settings and:
• Turn on Cellular Data Roaming
• Enable International Roaming or Roaming toggle
• Manually select a Danish carrier for optimal coverage
• Turn off cellular data roaming when not using phone to avoid charges
• Enable roaming alerts to monitor usage
• Check roaming rates and policies with your carrier
• Disable roaming when back in home country

V. How to Avoid Roaming Charges When Traveling to Denmark

Here are options travelers can choose to avoid roaming charges in Denmark:

1. Get a Local Danish SIM Card

Purchase a local Danish SIM card with a prepaid plan or data package from local provider. This gives local rates.

Cost is typically 50-100 DKK for the SIM card + a prepaid package

Pros: Provides local Danish number, rates and data package. Wide availability.

Cons: Requires SIM swap and carrier unlock. Doesn’t work for short trips.

2. Use a prepaid eSIM for Denmark or Europe

You can buy a prepaid eSIM plan online and activate it before traveling. Choose eSIM plans for Denmark from prestigious eSIM providers like Gigago. 

An eSIM is a digital SIM card embedded in your phone’s motherboard. 

Cost: around 50-150 DKK depending on data amount

Pros: Easy to activate, no SIM swap needed. Works on eSIM phones.

Cons: Limited availability, must setup in advance.

Note: To use eSIM, your phone must be eSIM-equipped. Check this list of eSIM-supported devices.

3. Connect to Free WiFi whenever possible

You can connect to free public WiFi hotspots around Denmark cities. 

Cost: free!

Pros: Zero roaming charges. Readily available in hotels, cafes etc.

Cons: Spotty connections, less secure, slow speed, unstable coverage.

4. Pocket WiFi rental

Renting a pocket wifi hotspot is ideal for those traveling with multiple devices or in a group from 2 travelers above. You can rent a pocket WiFi device with a Danish SIM card.

Cost is typically 100-200 DKK per week

Pros: Portable wifi for phone, laptop etc. Local Danish connectivity.

Cons: Must rent and carry extra devices. Limited data amounts.

5. Use a roaming pass or package from your local network

You can buy roaming packages or roaming passes to stay connected while traveling Denmark. Roaming passes are time-limited data packages provided by many carriers to reduce the roaming charges.

For example, you can buy a Denmark roaming pass for 24 hours, 72 hours or even one week from your home network operator. Data volume ranges from MBs to 1GB/day.

Just need to choose the amount of data that suits your needs and pay for it at lower than pay-as-you-go

Cost: vary by network operator and package, like $5-10 / 24 hours of roaming access.

Pros: handy for short trips rather than using a local SIM card, convenient because you can continue to use your current phone number and SIM card.

Cons: 

• Still expensive, especially if you plan to use a lot of data or stay in Denmark for an extended period. 
• not all mobile network operators offer roaming packages for Denmark.

6. Turn off Mobile data roaming

This is the fastest and warranted way to avoid roaming charges. 

Just need to disable data roaming on your phone before departure.

Cost: free

Pros: Prevents background app data usage. Effective if staying local.

Cons: No mobile data unless on WiFi. Inconvenient in long-term.

▶ Our recommendation: get a prepaid Danish SIM card if you stay for more than a few days. But if your phone is equipped with eSIM technology, it is best to stay with a Danish eSIM or Europe eSIM that covers Denmark. 

VI. Denmark eSIM – Alternative to Data Roaming in Denmark to Get Internet

For hassle-free connectivity in Denmark, it is highly recommended getting a Denmark eSIM from Gigago. 

Their prepaid plans give you high-speed data, EU-wide coverage and easy online setup – no roaming charges or physical SIM card needed. Just scan a QR code on your phone.

For Denmark, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from a 3-day plan with 300MB of data per day for $5 with $3.00 – $95.90 . They also have 5-day, 7-day, 10-day, 14-day, 15-day, 20-day, 25-day, 28-day, and 30-day plans ranging from 1GB to 50GB of total data, with prices from $5 up to $136.90.

Their website is user-friendly, selection is vast, and 24/7 customer service ensures a smooth experience. With instant email delivery, free roaming and seamless performance, a Gigago eSIM is a smart choice to stay connected in Denmark without paying costly roaming fees.

► See more details on Denmark eSIM from Gigago

VII. How to Turn Off Data Roaming When Traveling in Denmark

1. Turn off international roaming on Android When Traveling in Denmark

Steps on how to turn off data roaming for South Korea:

• Open Settings on your Android phone
• Tap Network or Internet
• Tap Mobile Network or Mobile Data
• Find Data Roaming and turn it Off
• Confirm by tapping OK

2. Turn off international roaming on iPhones

Her is or lost iPhone, take the steps below to switch off roaming functionality:

• Open the Settings app.
• Tap “Cellular” or “Mobile data” depending on your phone model
•  Toggle off International Roaming. This will disable data roaming and international calling when traveling abroad.
• You will see a message asking to confirm turning off international roaming. Tap Turn Off to confirm.
• To turn international roaming back on, just repeat the above steps and toggle International Roaming back to the on position.

VIII. FAQs

IX. Conclusion

To conclude, roaming is a traditional way to stay connected while traveling abroad for many travelers. For tourists roaming in Denmark, it is recommended to consider alternatives to roaming, such as using a local SIM card or eSIM. These options provide cost-effective and convenient ways to stay connected while avoiding high roaming charges. Purchasing a SIM card or activating an eSIM locally allows tourists to enjoy local rates for data, calls, and text messages, ensuring a seamless and affordable experience during their visit to Denmark.