Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Copenhagen, Denmark

1. Street Art Scam

Artists offer to paint souvenirs on your shirt or shoes. The quality is poor, and they demand high prices.

Unwanted Artwork: You may end up with unwanted artwork that you'll have to live with
High Price: The prices they demand are significantly higher than the actual value of the service
Poor Quality: The quality of the artwork is often poor and does not reflect the price being asked

Some taxis in Copenhagen may overcharge tourists. Always use official taxis or apps like Danish Taxa.

Overcharging: Taxis may charge more than the actual fare, especially for tourists
Unsafe Taxis: Using unofficial taxis can be unsafe and unreliable
Official Taxi Apps: Apps like Danish Taxa provide a safe, reliable, and transparent service

Markets selling counterfeit goods are common in Copenhagen. Be wary of cheap items offering popular brands.

Counterfeit Items: Items may be fake, which means they're illegal and could be poor quality
Health and Safety Risks: Counterfeit goods can pose health and safety risks due to substandard materials used
Supporting Criminal Activity: By buying counterfeit goods, you may be supporting criminal activity

Pickpocketing is common on crowded metros. Keep your belongings close and be aware of your surroundings.

Crowded Conditions: Pickpockets often target crowded areas, such as the metro
Quick Theft: Thefts are usually quick and unnoticed
Safe Storage: Keep your belongings in a safe place, such as a zippered pocket or bag

Some guides may offer unofficial tours. Always check for official tourist board accreditation.

Unofficial Tours: Tours offered by fake guides are often of low quality or may not cover the sites you want to see
Risk of Theft: Fake guides may steal from tourists during the tour
Official Accreditation: Guides with official tourist board accreditation are reliable and trustworthy

Card skimming devices can be found on ATMs in Copenhagen. Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers whenever possible.

Skimming Devices: Card skimming devices can capture your card and PIN details
Limited Damage: Using ATMs inside banks or shopping centers reduces the risk of damage to your card
Secure Transactions: ATMs inside banks or shopping centers provide a more secure transaction environment

Some restaurants in tourist areas overcharge for food. Look for local eateries or restaurants with good reviews.

High Prices: Prices in tourist restaurants are often much higher than in local eateries
Local Eateries: Local eateries offer authentic food at more reasonable prices
Good Reviews: Restaurants with good reviews are likely to offer quality food at fair prices

Some individuals may pose as charity collectors but keep the donations for themselves. Always give to official charities.

Fraudulent Collectors: Individuals posing as charity collectors may keep your donations for themselves
Official Charities: Giving to official charities ensures that your donation goes to the intended cause
Supporting a Cause: Donating to a cause you believe in can be a rewarding experience

Unsecured Wi-Fi hotspots can be used to steal your personal information. Only use secure Wi-Fi networks or a VPN.

Identity Theft: Your personal information can be stolen when using unsecured Wi-Fi
Secure Networks: Secure networks and VPNs encrypt your data, protecting it from theft
Data Privacy: Using a secure network or VPN helps maintain your privacy online

Some accommodation providers may overcharge for their rooms. Compare prices and read reviews before booking.

High Prices: Accommodation providers in tourist areas may charge more than they should
Comparing Prices: Comparing prices can help you find a good deal on accommodation
Read Reviews: Reading reviews can help you find reliable and affordable accommodation options

Some bike rentals may not have the necessary licenses. Always check for a license before renting a bike.

License Check: Ensure that the rental company has the required licenses
Insurance Coverage: Licensed rentals often provide insurance coverage in case of accidents or theft
Safe Ride: Riding a bike without a license can lead to fines or legal issues

Some bars and clubs may overcharge for drinks or use underhand tactics. Stick to well-known establishments.

High Prices: Prices in some bars and clubs can be significantly higher than elsewhere
Underhand Tactics: Some establishments may use underhand tactics, such as over-serving alcohol or adding unnecessary charges
Well-Known Establishments: Well-known establishments are less likely to engage in these practices

Buying tickets from unofficial sellers can result in fake or overpriced tickets. Only buy tickets from official outlets.

Fake Tickets: Tickets purchased from unofficial sellers may be fake
Overpriced Tickets: Unofficial sellers may charge significantly more than the actual price
Official Outlets: Buying tickets from official outlets guarantees authenticity and fair prices

Some buses in Copenhagen require coins to operate. Always have change ready or use public transport cards.

Lack of Change: If you don't have change, you may be unable to use the bus
Public Transport Cards: Public transport cards provide a more convenient and reliable way to travel
Change Availability: Having change ensures that you can use coin-operated buses when necessary

Some car parks in Copenhagen may overcharge or use deceptive practices. Always compare prices and read reviews.

High Prices: Prices in some car parks can be significantly higher than elsewhere
Deceptive Practices: Some car parks may use deceptive practices, such as charging for longer periods than indicated
Comparing Prices: Comparing prices can help you find a good deal on parking