Moving to Denmark

"Denmark is a great place to live, but there are a few things expats should be aware of before moving. It is important to research the cost of living in Denmark, as it is one of the most expensive countries in Europe. Expats should also be aware of the language barrier, as Danish is the official language of the country. It is also important to research the job market in Denmark, as the unemployment rate is relatively low. Additionally, expats should be aware of the weather in Denmark, as it can be quite cold and wet during the winter months. Finally, expats should be aware of the cultural norms in Denmark, as there are certain expectations of behavior and etiquette that should be followed," said one expat in Denmark.

"No matter how much people told us that we didn't need to know Danish, we did. Everyone speaks English, but without knowing the native language, we have felt on the outside of many social occasions," remarked one expat who made the move to Copenhagen.

"We needed to rent a furnished apartment or home. That narrowed down our search to only one decently sized townhouse (rakehaus). In hindsight I wished that we had just sucked it up and purchased Ikea furniture to open up our choices. The townhouse was ok but I kicked myself for not listening to my gut instinct that one main bathroom for a family of four just wouldn't work for us. It didn't. And it was a supreme source of frustration because that one bathroom had a shower leak that the owner refused to fix until we moved out and charged us for the repair and cleaning of all the lime buildup. That's common in Denmark -- the owners of rentals will charge you for fixing things they should have fixed while you lived there," remarked one expat who made the move to Copenhagen.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Denmark is to use online resources such as BoligPortal, which is a Danish website that allows you to search for rental properties in Denmark. Additionally, you can also use websites such as Lejebolig, which is a Danish rental property website, or Danskeboliger, which is a Danish real estate website. You can also use social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to search for rental properties in Denmark. Additionally, you can also contact local real estate agents or property management companies to help you find a place to live in Denmark," explained one expat living in Denmark.

"Expat homes and apartments in Denmark tend to be modern and well-equipped, with plenty of natural light and a comfortable, cozy atmosphere. Many expat homes feature open-plan living areas, with large windows and balconies that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Expat apartments often come with modern amenities such as high-speed internet, cable TV, and air conditioning. Many expat homes and apartments also come with access to shared facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, and saunas," commented one expat who made the move to Denmark.

"My boyfriend who i stay with lives in a share-housing building. Seems it is very rare these days in Denmark/Copenhagen. I guess in the states it would be cooperative living as best translated. People in the building own the building and put in for the up keep of the building. They have a committee that meets about building issues and also meetings where all people of the building come. Here they pay for their shard in the building and from that have a right to live in the building. But they have the flexiblity to change their own living space as if they owned their apartment solely but at a lesser cost as if renting. I dont know why its rare but i would guess it has something to do with the ability to cooperate with others. I think for a lot of people it would just be easier to own it alone and deal with all the issues solely or rent and let someone else deal with the issues," remarked one expat in Copenhagen , Denmark.

"The average cost of housing in Denmark is generally quite high, with the average price of a home in the country being among the highest in Europe. Renting is also expensive, with the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Copenhagen being around €1,000," said one expat who made the move to Denmark.

"It's really hard to say. I honestly find it hard to compare prices here and back in the states because you have the exchange rate which makes things seem a lot more here then there when at times its not. But I have heard people say 5k-6k for a rented apartment is on average in Copenhagen. Back home in DC depending where you live that could be cheap or expensive. My area in DC is poorer so we might pay 600 for an apartment. At times we have rented for as little as 475 so Copenhagen is expensive but on averaged compared to Washington, DC its probably cheaper," explained one expat living in Copenhagen , Denmark.

"Buying a home in Denmark can be a great investment, as the country has a strong economy and a stable housing market. However, it is important to consider the cost of living in Denmark, as it is one of the most expensive countries in Europe. Renting a home in Denmark can be a more affordable option, as it allows you to enjoy the benefits of living in Denmark without the long-term commitment of buying a home. Additionally, renting a home in Denmark can provide more flexibility, as you can move to a different area or even a different country if your circumstances change. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in Denmark should be based on your individual needs and financial situation," replied a member in Denmark.

"When moving to Denmark, it is important to pack warm clothing, as the climate is generally cool. It is also a good idea to bring a raincoat and umbrella, as the weather can be unpredictable. Additionally, it is recommended to bring a few items of comfortable, casual clothing, as this is the most common style of dress in Denmark. It is also important to bring any necessary documents, such as a passport, visa, and any other paperwork required for the move. Finally, it is a good idea to bring a few items to make the new home feel more comfortable, such as pictures, books, and other personal items," remarked one expat in Denmark.

"Should have left behind my food Processor (We found out that with the electrical conversion from the U.S., some appliances like food processors need more than just a standard converter. We would need to get a converter that is about $100 to use this appliance) Should have brought Cold/flu medicines, cough drops and cough syrup -- these are not available except by prescription in Denmark. (Editor's Note: Always make sure you research the legal implications of bringing ANY medications into a foreign country)," said one expat in Copenhagen.

"It is important to be aware of cultural differences when visiting Denmark. It is considered rude to be late for appointments, so it is important to arrive on time. It is also important to be aware of personal space and not to stand too close to someone when speaking. It is also important to be aware of the Danish concept of 'Janteloven', which is a set of unwritten rules that promote humility and discourage individualism. It is also important to be aware of the Danish concept of 'Hygge', which is a feeling of comfort and contentment. Finally, it is important to be aware of the Danish language and to try to use it when possible," said one expat in Denmark.

"Yes. I kept telling my mother-in-law for probably 4 years that I was going to the "støvsuger" (vacuum cleaner) to watch television instead of "stuen" (living room)! Of course they knew what I meant (they don't speak English) but were too polite to ever correct me!!!," said one expat who made the move to Aarhus.

"Denmark is an attractive destination for expats due to its high quality of life, excellent healthcare system, and strong economy. The country is known for its progressive social policies, including generous parental leave and free education. Denmark also offers a safe and secure environment, with low crime rates and a high standard of living. Additionally, the country is renowned for its vibrant culture, with a wide range of cultural activities and attractions. Finally, Denmark is a great place to live for its stunning natural beauty, with miles of coastline, forests, and lakes," remarked one expat in Denmark.

"Denmark offers a comprehensive healthcare system that is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and foreign residents. The public healthcare system in Denmark is of high quality and provides a wide range of services, including preventive care, primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and mental health services. All Danish citizens and foreign residents are eligible to receive healthcare services through the public system, and expats in Denmark can use the public healthcare system by registering with a local doctor and paying a small fee. Expats can also purchase private health insurance to cover additional services not provided by the public system," commented one expat who moved to Denmark.

"Denmark has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides high-quality medical services to its citizens. The country has a universal healthcare system that is funded by taxes and provides free access to medical care for all citizens. The healthcare system is managed by the Ministry of Health and is divided into three levels: primary care, secondary care, and tertiary care. Primary care is provided by general practitioners and is the first point of contact for most medical issues. Secondary care is provided by specialists and hospitals, while tertiary care is provided by highly specialized medical centers. Denmark also has a well-developed network of pharmacies and laboratories that provide access to medications and diagnostic tests," commented one expat who moved to Denmark.