Denmark - TV, Radio, Phone, Cable, Internet
TV and media licence
If you have appliances such as TV sets, radios, video or DVD recorders, computers with internet access, and mobile phones and similar electronic devices, that also work as a television or radio receiver, you must pay a Media Licence, which was taken into effect 1st January 2007.
The media licence is a fee paid to the state, in theory to access state channels but since you cannot opt out of those channels, it should really just be called a "Watch TV" license.
The Radio Licence covers radios only.
Note: Remember if you bring your television, radio or computer to Denmark, check if you need to adapt voltage and plugs. Please note that the TV system in Denmark is PAL.
The bi-annual collection of the licence fee is handled by DR Licens, part of DR's administration (Danish Broadcasting Corporation), Denmark’s oldest and largest electronic media enterprise.
In Denmark you have a legal obligation to register with DR Licens when you are of legal age. You need to register, within 14 days of procurement, whether you own, lease, or borrow your appliances; and regardless of whether you make use of DR's services or not.
To register your television at the DR website click here , it is in English, fill in the form and submit.
For other languages click here
To read the license contract in English, click here
The fee is around 150 Euro every 6 month for a 'media license' which also includes radio.
A licence covers all appliances in the household, including the ones in his/her car, boat, and summer residence.
A household refers to the licence payer, and every one registered with the National Register of Persons (CPR) at the same address.
Telephone
Once you arrive in Denmark you are confronted with the need to set up your phone line and subscription, until then you might have to rely to public phone booths or your mobile phone.
Public phones
In Denmark there are two different kinds of public phones: coins booths (2, 5 and 10 DKK) and prepaid phone-cards booths. Most phones are for prepaid phone-cards sold at drugstores, some kiosks and at train stations for DKK 30, 50 and 100. Global Prepaid Cards can be bought at the post offices and allow you to make international calls from public phones at a cheaper rate. Note that the charge at public booths is twice the price you pay from a private phone.
To call from a public booth insert any Danish coin (DKK 1 or more), beware that your coin will not be returned even if the number is engaged, so use the smallest coin.
Emergency calls from public booths are free, no coins are needed.
Land line (Fastnet)
Telephone companies offer packages including phone, cable and internet connection, so prior committing make sure you shop around, as new offers crop up regularly, with a variety of combinations, mobile, internet according to your specific consumption.
When registering for a land line (fastnet telefon) you need to have your new home address and must be registered at that address. Registering on-line can be an advantage so ask the help from a danish speaking person, or your relocation company.
When renting your flat or house, you can, in agreement with the landlord, transfer the existing land line subscription to your name.
The major 'Fastnet' providers are Telia, TDC, Cybercity
Mobile phone
In Denmark a mobile phone is a must and until you are waiting for your CPR number these are the options available for getting a subscription while in Denmark:
- use your own phone (sim unlocked) from your home country and shop for a subscription online from the various Danish companies available and pay with a credit card.
- buy a phone (sim unlocked) in Denmark and then shop online for the subscription.
Once you have your CPR number you can buy phone and subscription together. The minimum subscription is for a 6 months, and there is no early termination option. These subscriptions usually cost around 100-300 DKK per month.
Useful numbers
Domestic number inquiries: 118
International number inquiries: 113
SOS – Emergencies: Dial 1 1 2 – to indicate fire, police or ambulance as required, sea or air accident. Speak slowly and distinctly, stating phone number and address.
