How to send money to Denmark
Compare fees and exchange rates to get the best deal on your next money transfer to Denmark.
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With a booming tourism industry and high rates of immigration between Canada and Denmark, there is a need for affordable ways to transfer money between the two nations, whether its sending it to friends and family, taking care of business expenses or paying your mortgage back home.
While almost all Canadian banks will allow intentional wire transfers to Denmark, the banks tend to offer poor exchange rates and charge high fees. Furthermore, it generally takes three to five business days to send a bank transfer. In recent years, specialist money transfer services have emerged onto the market. These companies specialize in sending large sums of money around the world, which allows them to keep their fees low and their exchange rates competitive. Not to mention, some of these companies can transfer your money overseas in a matter of minutes, while others may take one to three business days.
If you’re looking to send money overseas to Denmark, read our guide and compare different money transfer methods.
Compare money transfer services in the table below
The “Rate” and “Amount Received” displayed are indicative rates that have been supplied by each brand or gathered by Finder.
Exchange rates are volatile and change often. As a result, the exchange rate listed on Finder may vary to the actual exchange rate quoted for the brand. Please confirm the actual exchange rate and mention “Finder” before you commit to a brand.
Case study: Niels and Tania send money to Denmark
Niels and his wife Tania were both Danish exchange students when they met in Montreal. They now run a travel agency for Danish tourists based in Montreal, and every month they send money home to their parents. When comparing ways to send money to Denmark, they’re most concerned about the transfer fees and the exchange rate offered by their bank or the service they’re interested in using. They decide to compare the costs of sending money via a Canadian bank and a specialist money transfer service. You can see the results of their comparison below, including the rates of exchange between Canadian dollars and Danish krone at time of writing. Check current rates as part of your research.
| Bank | Money transfer service | |
| Exchange rate | CAD$1 = DKK4.31 | CAD$1 = DKK4.64 |
| Transfer fees | CAD$25 | CAD$3.99 |
| Amount received for CAD$1,000 | DKK4,310.20 | DKK4,644.45 |
| Transfer time | Three to five days | One day |
| Transfer options | Online, in person, on the phone | Online only |
| Difference of | DKK334.25 |
As seen in the table above, Niels and Tania’s best option would be to use the money transfer service since their money would arrive in just one business day and, thanks to a better exchange rate, their parents would receive slightly more money in their own currency. Furthermore, the fees are much cheaper, saving them over $20 dollars each month in transfer fees alone.
Factors to consider when comparing money transfer services to Denmark
When considering options to transfer money to Denmark, there are a few factors to take into account to get the best value for your money. These factors include:
- Exchange rates. Different companies offer different exchange rates, so look for one that offers you the best deal for the amount you’re sending. Sometimes a competitive exchange rate comes with a higher transfer fee, so be sure to do a full check. The best way to understand how much your transfer will cost is to calculate how much your recipient will receive once the fees have been paid.
- Fees. Depending on the amount of money you send, most online transfer services charge some type of fee. While banks generally charge around $25 Canadian dollars per transfer, a bank might also charge a receiving fee. As mentioned above, compare the transfer fees to the exchange rate. Some companies will completely waive the transfer fee if you send over a certain amount of money. This is usually over the $10,000 mark.
- Pick-up methods. Money transfer services like MoneyGram and Western Union have designated pick-up points where your recipient can collect their funds. Money can also be deposited directly into a bank account or can sometimes be received via a mobile app. Check with your recipient to see their preferred pick-up method. Cash deposits generally cost more to send, especially if they are speedy transfers.
- Transfer methods. Online transfers are often the cheapest and the quickest, but before sending an international money transfer through your bank, ask about their transfer and receiving fees (which are usually high). You may also be able to make a transfer in person at a money transfer agency or on the phone. Sometimes companies have mobile apps which you can use to send and receive money. Your choice of transfer method will depend on which option you prefer to use.
- Minimum transfer amounts. Depending on the service, you can send as little as $1, while other companies may have a minimum transfer amount as high as $200 or sometimes even $1,000. This is an important factor to consider if you’re sending small amounts at a time. In contrast, some companies have maximum transfer limits.
- Transfer times. Depending on how quickly you need the money to reach its destination, you can choose between services that deliver within one business day or five business days. Cash transfer companies like Western Union and MoneyGram can send the funds within just minutes. Keep in mind that faster transfers generally incur higher transfer fees.
- Customer service. The service you choose should have a responsive, available customer service department to answer any questions you may have about your transfer. Also, remember to check their refund policy should anything go wrong with your transfer. Some companies will offer a variety of contact methods including online chat, email, phone and in person assistance.
How to send money from Canada to Denmark
Generally, transferring money between Canada and Denmark is easy and hassle-free. While Denmark will accept the euro and convert it to the krone, there are many online companies that will transfer Canadian dollars directly into the local currency. Consider these options when sending money to Denmark:
- Money transfer services. Most of these services charge either a very small transfer fee, or none at all (depending on how much money you send). Money is generally delivered within one to three business days, and your recipient can collect the money at a pick-up location or have it deposited directly into their bank account. You can use companies like WorldRemit, TransferWise, FairFX, OFX and others.
- Banks. Most Canadian banks will allow transfers to Denmark, however they will likely charge high transfer fees and give you poor exchange rates.
- Cash pick-up services. With locations all over Denmark, companies like MoneyGram and Western Union allow online transfers that occur within minutes, so that your recipient can collect the funds at a pick-up point as soon as possible. These transfers incur a larger fee since the money is transferred so quickly.
- PayPal. As long as both you and your recipient have PayPal accounts, you can send money online using the service. Accounts are free and quick to set up online.
Getting cash in an emergency when in Denmark
If you’ve lost your wallet or had your cash stolen and need a quick cash injection while in Denmark, there are a few options to help you out of a difficult situation. If you have been robbed, cancel your credit and debit cards immediately and notify the police in order to obtain an official report for your insurance company.
- Instant cash transfer. Services like MoneyGram and Western Union can have money available for pick-up within minutes of the transfer being sent. You’ll likely pay a much higher fee, but if you’re desperate, you might be willing to overlook it. Have friends or family send you money from Canada.
- Credit cards. If you’re an existing American Express, Visa or MasterCard member, you will be able to get emergency funds from a local participating bank or institute. Contact your bank or credit card provider for more information. Keep in mind the balance you take out will be added to your credit card bill.
- Travel insurance. If you’ve been hurt or robbed while overseas, your travel insurance should cover your expenses. However, claiming can take a while since you need the paperwork necessary to create a report. Although this might not be the best solution if you’re in a hurry, it’s a good long term solution.
Cash pick-up locations in Denmark: Western Union and MoneyGram branches
When transferring money to a Western Union or MoneyGram branch in Denmark, it’s a good idea to double check their business hours and address.
Western Union
Copenhagen
Telestation
Banegardspladsen 1
Copenhagen 1570
+45 339 30002
Open Monday to Friday 10am to 7:30pm
New Cash Company
Vester Farimagsgade 6 St Tv
Copenhagen 1606
+45 331 60089
Open Monday to Sunday 10am to 9pm
Odense
Amanda Kiosk
Overgade 44
Odense 5000
+45-802-00040
Open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, Saturday from 10am to 3pm
Forex Bank
Banegardscentret
Odense
+45-80200040
Open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:30pm, Saturday 10am to 3pm
MoneyGram
Copenhagen
SANSFER Company APS – #LDK0103
Vester Farimagsgade 6 ST
Copenhagen 1606
+ 45 331 39080
Open Monday to Sunday 9am to 10:30pm
Dancash
Norrebrogade 218
Copenhagen 2200
+45 358 56331
Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm
Odense
Hjornets Kiosken
Kochsgade 35 LOC
Odense C 5000
+45 318 77250
Open Monday to Sunday 9am to 10:30pm
Basi Butik
Thriges Plads 3-7
Odense 5000
+45 504 12718
Open Monday to Sunday 10am to 7pm
Top tips when picking up cash in Denmark
Despite the shootings in Copenhagen in February 2015, the travel advice from the Government of Canada hasn’t changed: you should still exercise “normal safety precautions” when visiting Denmark. No matter which country you’re in, it’s important to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
When picking up your money, be sure to get there during business hours. If possible, take along a travel partner. If you’re collecting a large sum of money, arrange to be dropped off and picked up by a reliable taxi service, instead of walking or using public transportation. Avoid taking money out at night and never flash cash around.
Key things when sending money to Denmark
If you choose to use a money transfer service, they will require that you create an account before you can make a transfer. They’ll ask for the following:
- Your name, address and contact details
- Your recipient’s name, address and contact details
- Your recipient’s bank details
- The amount you’d like to send and the destination and/or type of currency
Once the transaction is complete, you’ll receive a reference and/or tracking number. Recipients collecting money at a pick-up location will be required to present the reference number and a valid piece of ID.