Lebara Mobile Denmark: SIM Plans and Prices

Finding the right mobile connection is one of the first tasks for any newcomer in Denmark. Whether you choose a provider like Lebara for its flexibility or a larger subscription service, understanding the market is essential. The Danish telecommunications market is competitive, offering high-quality coverage and relatively low prices compared to many other European countries.

For expats, the process of getting a mobile plan in Denmark differs significantly depending on your residency status. The primary barrier to entry for standard monthly subscriptions is the requirement of a CPR number (civil registration number). Without this number, your options are generally limited to prepaid services.

The Three Main Networks

Denmark has excellent mobile infrastructure. The country is small and flat, which makes it easier to provide consistent signal coverage. There are three main physical network owners in Denmark. Every mobile provider you encounter operates on one of these three networks.

TDC NET: This is the largest network in Denmark. It is often cited as having the best coverage in rural areas and the highest 5G availability. Providers that use the TDC network include YouSee, Telmore, and Eesy.

TT-Network (Telenor and Telia): Telenor and Telia merged their radio access networks in Denmark to form the TT-Network. This collaboration allows them to offer coverage that rivals TDC. Providers using this network include Telenor, Telia, Call me, and CBB Mobil.

3 (Tre): The 3 network covers the vast majority of the population but has historically had slightly less geographical coverage in very remote areas compared to TDC. However, they are aggressive with pricing and data packages. Oister operates on the 3 network.

Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs)

Most consumers in Denmark do not buy directly from the main network operators. Instead, they purchase plans from Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). These are smaller companies that rent network space from the big three.

MVNOs typically offer lower prices and more flexible terms. For example, Lebara Denmark operates on the Telenor/Telia network. This ensures that even budget providers offer the same signal quality and data speeds as the premium brands.

The Expat Challenge: CPR Numbers and MitID

The most confusing aspect for foreigners is the documentation required to sign a mobile contract. In Denmark, a standard postpaid mobile subscription is considered a credit agreement. Therefore, providers require a credit check.

To pass this check and sign a contract, you must have a Danish CPR number. Furthermore, signing the contract digitally usually requires MitID (the Danish digital ID system). New arrivals often wait weeks or months to receive their CPR number and activate MitID.

If you do not have a CPR number yet, you cannot sign up for a subscription with providers like Telmore, CBB, or Eesy. You must look for prepaid options or “Pay As You Go” services that do not require a credit check.

Prepaid Options for New Arrivals

For those waiting for their residency documents, a prepaid SIM card in Denmark is the standard solution. These cards can be purchased at convenience stores like 7-Eleven, kiosks, and supermarkets across the country.

Prepaid cards in Denmark function differently than in some other countries. While you can pay per minute or per megabyte, it is more common to purchase a 30-day bundle. You pay upfront for a set amount of data and voice minutes. This mimics a subscription but without the binding contract or credit check.

Lebara Denmark

Lebara is the most popular choice for expats and international students who do not yet have a CPR number. You can buy a Lebara SIM card at almost any kiosk or supermarket. Registration is simple and does not require a Danish digital ID.

Lebara is favored because its packages often include international calling minutes to over 50 countries. This is a distinct advantage for foreigners who need to call home. The service runs on the Telenor/Telia network, ensuring high-speed 4G and 5G connections.

Lyca Mobile

Lyca Mobile is the direct competitor to Lebara in the prepaid segment. Like Lebara, Lyca Mobile caters to the international community. Their SIM cards are widely available in ethnic grocery stores and kiosks. They also offer bundles with international minutes.

Lyca Mobile operates on the TDC network. This can be an advantage if you are living in a specific area where TDC has superior coverage, though the difference in urban areas is negligible.

Mobile Plans and Pricing Overview

Mobile data is generally affordable in Denmark. Competition is fierce, which keeps prices down and data allowances high. Most plans include unlimited SMS and a generous amount of voice minutes.

The following table compares the typical features and price points of different plan types available to expats.

Plan Type	Target Audience	Typical Data (Denmark)	EU Roaming Data	Contract / Requirements	Monthly Price (DKK)
Prepaid Bundle (e.g., Lebara, Lyca)	New arrivals, Tourists, Non-CPR holders	100 GB – 200 GB	5 GB – 10 GB	No contract. No CPR required.	99 – 129 DKK
Budget Postpaid (e.g., Oister, CBB, Eesy)	Residents with CPR & MitID	30 GB – 200 GB	10 GB – 25 GB	Monthly subscription. Requires CPR & MitID.	89 – 149 DKK
Unlimited Postpaid (e.g., Telmore, 3)	Heavy users, Families	Unlimited	25 GB – 40 GB	Monthly subscription. Requires CPR & MitID.	179 – 299 DKK
Pay As You Go (Balance only)	Very low usage	Pay per MB	Pay per MB	No contract. Expensive for data.	Variable

The value for money in Denmark is high. For approximately 100 DKK (roughly 13-14 EUR), you can typically secure a plan with at least 100 GB of data. This is significantly cheaper than in markets like Germany or North America. Consequently, many expats rely solely on mobile data for their internet needs during their first few weeks.

It is important to note that while “Unlimited Data” plans exist, they often have a “fair use” cap for roaming within the EU. The domestic data is truly unlimited or capped at a very high limit (e.g., 1000 GB), but usage outside Denmark is restricted.

Physical SIM vs. eSIM

The adoption of eSIM technology is growing rapidly in Denmark. An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital version of a physical SIM card. It allows you to activate a mobile plan without inserting a plastic card into your phone.

Advantages for Travelers

For short-term visitors or those preparing to move, getting an eSIM for Denmark is highly convenient. You can purchase and install the eSIM profile while you are still in your home country. Upon landing at Copenhagen or Billund airport, your phone will connect immediately.

Provider Support for eSIM

Most major Danish providers now support eSIM. This includes the budget-friendly MVNOs. If you sign up for a subscription online with a provider like Eesy or Call me, you can often choose to receive an eSIM QR code via email immediately instead of waiting for a physical card by post.

Prepaid providers are also transitioning. Lebara Denmark, for example, allows customers to switch to an eSIM. However, the initial purchase at a physical kiosk is usually still a plastic card. You may need to register online to swap to an eSIM format.

Registration Requirements for Prepaid SIMs

While you do not need a CPR number for prepaid cards, Denmark has anti-terrorism laws that require SIM card registration. You cannot use an anonymous SIM card indefinitely.

When you buy a starter pack from a kiosk, it is often active immediately or requires a simple activation via SMS. However, you will eventually be prompted to register your identity. For providers like Lebara, this can be done on their website using a passport or foreign driving license. This verification step ensures you keep your number active.

EU Roaming: “Roam Like at Home”

Denmark is part of the European Union’s “Roam Like at Home” initiative. This means that, in principle, you can use your Danish mobile plan in other EU/EEA countries without extra surcharges.

However, there are limitations. Operators are allowed to apply a “Fair Use Policy” to data usage. If you have a plan with 200 GB of data in Denmark, you will not get 200 GB of data while traveling in Spain or Germany. The limit is calculated based on the price of your plan.

Typically, a 100 DKK plan will offer between 5 GB and 10 GB of data for EU roaming. If you exceed this limit, you will be charged a regulated surcharge per gigabyte. Providers must send you an SMS warning when you reach 80% and 100% of your roaming limit.

It is crucial to check if your specific plan includes roaming. Some ultra-low-cost plans are “Denmark Only.” These plans will not work once you cross the border. If you travel frequently, ensure your package explicitly states “EU Data Included.”

5G Availability and Speeds

Denmark is a leader in 5G deployment. The rollout has been rapid, and 5G coverage in Denmark is available in most cities and many rural towns. All three major networks (TDC, TT-Network, and 3) have substantial 5G infrastructure.

Most mobile plans now include 5G access at no additional cost. Even budget providers like Lebara and CBB Mobil offer 5G access on their standard plans. To utilize this, you must have a 5G-compatible smartphone.

Speeds on 5G in Denmark can range from 100 Mbps to over 1 Gbps, depending on your proximity to a mast and network congestion. For general browsing and streaming, 4G LTE remains more than sufficient and covers 99.9% of the country.

Porting Your Number

Once you have settled in Denmark and obtained your CPR number, you might want to switch from a prepaid Lebara card to a monthly subscription with a different provider. You can keep your Danish phone number during this process.

Number porting in Denmark is automated and handled by the new provider. You do not need to contact your current provider to cancel. When you sign up for a new subscription, you simply select “Keep my current number” (Behold mit nuværende nummer).

You will need to provide your current SIM card number (ICCID) or account number. The new provider will then contact your old provider and arrange the transfer. The process usually takes 30 days, which is the standard notice period for most Danish telecom contracts, though prepaid switches can happen faster.

Mobile Broadband as Home Internet

Because mobile data is cheap and fast, many expats use mobile broadband as a substitute for fiber or COAX internet, especially in short-term rentals.

Dedicated mobile broadband plans come with a data-only SIM card and a 4G or 5G router. These plans often offer higher data caps (e.g., 1000 GB or truly unlimited) compared to voice plans. This is a viable solution if you move frequently or if your apartment building does not have a fiber connection installed.

Providers like Oister and CBB offer “Internet to go” solutions that require no installation. You simply plug the router into a power socket, and you have Wi-Fi. This is distinct from using a mobile hotspot on your phone, as the router provides a stronger signal and better stability for multiple devices.

Top-Up and Account Management

Managing a prepaid account in Denmark is done primarily online. Providers like Lebara and Lyca have English-language websites and apps. This allows you to check your balance, top up credit, and change packages.

There is a distinction between “Credit” (Saldo) and “Packages” (Pakker).

Credit: This is a cash balance on your account. It is used for services not included in your bundle, such as calling premium numbers, donating to charity via SMS, or calling countries not covered by your plan.
Packages: This is your monthly bundle of data and minutes. Most users set up “Automatic Renewal” (Automatisk Betaling). You link a credit card (Visa or Mastercard), and the provider automatically charges the monthly fee and renews your data allowance every 30 days.

Automatic renewal is highly recommended. If your package expires and you revert to pay-as-you-go rates, your balance will drain very quickly due to higher per-minute and per-MB costs.

Network Frequency Bands

If you are bringing a phone from outside Europe, particularly from the US or Asia, you should verify that it supports Danish frequency bands. Denmark uses the standard European GSM bands.

4G LTE Bands: Band 3 (1800 MHz), Band 7 (2600 MHz), and Band 20 (800 MHz) are the most common. Band 20 is critical for rural coverage and indoor signal penetration.

5G Bands: Denmark utilizes the 3.5 GHz band (n78) for high-speed urban 5G and the 700 MHz band (n28) for wide-area coverage.

Most modern iPhones and high-end Android devices are “global” models and will work without issues. However, older devices or budget phones locked to US carriers may experience limited connectivity.

Customer Service and Language Support

Language barriers can be a significant issue when dealing with utility companies. The major network operators (TDC, Telenor, Telia, 3) generally have customer support agents who speak excellent English. However, their websites and self-service portals are often primarily in Danish.

Budget providers vary. Lebara is notable for having full English language support on their website and in their automated voice menus, catering specifically to their international user base. Other low-cost MVNOs may only offer Danish interfaces, requiring you to use browser translation tools to manage your account.

When choosing a provider, consider how comfortable you are navigating a Danish interface. If you prefer English support, verify the provider’s language options before signing up.