The “Must-Have” Danish App Survival Kit

Welcome to Denmark, one of the most highly digitized societies on earth. You cannot pay rent, check your payslip, buy a used bike, or split a dinner bill without these 7 essential apps. Download them immediately.

View the 7 Apps FAQ

The 7 Essentials

You will use the first three on this list almost every single day.

1

M
MitID

The Master Key to Denmark. Without this, you practically don’t exist digitally.

Why you need it
  • MitID is your secure national digital signature.
  • You use it to log into your online banking, access SKAT (taxes), view your payslips, read official government mail, and even sign your housing lease.
  • Pro Tip: Never delete this app if you get a new phone without setting up the new phone first! Getting locked out of MitID means a physical trip to Borgerservice to get your life back.
App Store ↗ Google Play ↗
2

MP
MobilePay

The Danish social wallet. The ultimate replacement for cash.

Why you need it
  • It’s like Venmo or CashApp, but universally adopted. You swipe to send money instantly using just a phone number.
  • You need it to split the bill at restaurants, buy a hotdog at a street stand, shop at flea markets, or pay for your coffee at the office canteen.
  • The Catch: To set it up in Denmark, you usually need a Danish CPR number, MitID, and a Danish bank account/card.
3

e
e-Boks (or mit.dk)

Your official Digital Post inbox. Ignoring this app will cost you money.

Why you need it
  • The Danish government and banks do not send physical letters. Everything goes to your Digital Post.
  • This is where you receive hospital appointments, speeding tickets, bank notices, and payslips.
  • Warning: Missing a bill or a fine because you “didn’t check the app” is not a valid legal excuse in Denmark. Turn notifications ON.
4

R
Rejseplanen

The ultimate public transport guru (Much better than Google Maps).

Why you need it
  • Rejseplanen calculates the fastest routes across all Danish transit: S-trains, Metro, regional trains, and buses.
  • It provides live tracking, platform changes, and delay notifications with pinpoint accuracy.
  • Companion App: If you live in Copenhagen, also download DOT Billetter to quickly buy digital tickets on your phone if you don’t have a physical Rejsekort (transit card).
5

S
Sundhedskortet

Your Yellow Health Card, digitized.

Why you need it
  • When you register in Denmark, you get a physical Yellow Card (Sundhedskort) in the mail, which gives you access to free healthcare.
  • This app stores a digital barcode version of that card. You scan it at the doctor’s waiting room, at the pharmacy to pick up prescriptions, or at the library to borrow books.
  • Saves you from carrying the physical card in your wallet.
6

D
DBA (Den Blå Avis)

The Danish Craigslist / eBay. The ultimate expat budget savior.

Why you need it
  • Denmark is expensive, and most rental apartments come completely unfurnished (no lights, no curtains, sometimes no appliances).
  • DBA is where you buy cheap, high-quality second-hand goods: dining tables, winter coats, and most importantly, your first used bicycle.
  • Payments on DBA are almost exclusively handled via MobilePay.
7

TG
Too Good To Go

The grocery bill hacker.

Why you need it
  • Founded in Denmark, this app fights food waste by letting you buy “Magic Bags” of unsold food from bakeries, supermarkets, and restaurants at the end of the day for 70% off.
  • It is a massive lifesaver for students and expats trying to survive the steep Danish grocery prices during their first few months.

FAQ

Navigating the digital walls.

Can I download these apps before I move?

You can download Rejseplanen and Too Good To Go before arriving. However, MitID, MobilePay, e-Boks, and the Sundhedskort app require a valid Danish CPR number and MitID authorization to activate. You will have to wait until your address registration is fully processed.

Do I need a Danish phone number?

For most things, no. Your foreign phone number will usually work to receive SMS codes for MitID setup. However, to use MobilePay smoothly with friends, a Danish phone number (like Lebara, Oister, or LycaMobile) makes the process much easier, as it’s what your friends will type in to pay you.

What is the difference between e-Boks and mit.dk?

They both do the exact same thing: securely deliver your Digital Post from the government and private companies. You only need to choose one. e-Boks is the older, more established app, while mit.dk is a newer alternative.