- Free delivery - no obligation
- Call 5 hours to +60 countries from Denmark
- Satisfaction guarantee
- No binding
- Cheap telephony
- 4G network
- Can be used in 37 EU countries
- 4G network
- Can be used in 37 EU countries
- Free delivery - no obligation
- Free voice, 40GB in DK, 5 Hours in EU
- Satisfaction guarantee
- No binding
- Cheap telephony
- 4G subscription
- Free creation
- No binding
- Oister+ benefit club
- EU roaming
- 5G network
- The best mobile network in the Nordics
- 4G network
- Subscription available in the EU, Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Islands
- Oister+ benefit club
- EU roaming
- 5G network
- Get your first month FREE
- Call 10 hours to +60 countries from Denmark
- Satisfaction guarantee
- 4G subscription
- Free creation
- No binding
- 4G network
- Can be used in 37 EU countries
- Oister+ benefit club
- EU roaming
- 5G network
- 5G network
- 5G subscription
- Free creation
- No binding
- No binding
- Free creation
- Oister+ benefit club
- EU roaming
- 5G network
- 5G network
- Can be used in 37 EU countries
- Get your first month FREE
- Call 10 hours to +60 countries from Denmark
- Satisfaction guarantee
- No binding
- Cheap telephony
- The best mobile network in the Nordics
- 5G network
- Subscription available in the EU, Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Islands
- 5G subscription
- Free creation
- No binding
- 5G network
- Can be used in 37 EU countries
- The best mobile network in the Nordics
- 5G network
- Subscription available in the EU, Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Islands
- Oister+ benefit club
- EU roaming
- 5G network
- The best mobile network in the Nordics
- 5G network
- Subscription available in the EU, Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Islands
- 4G subscription
- Free creation
- No binding
- Oister+ benefit club
- EU roaming
- 5G network
- Oister+ benefit club
- EU roaming
- 5G network
- No binding
- Cheap telephony
- Call 10 hours to +60 countries from Denmark
- Satisfaction guarantee
- 5G subscription
- Free creation
- No binding
- The best mobile network in the Nordics
- 5G network
- Subscription available in the EU, Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Islands
- The best mobile network in the Nordics
- 5G network
- Subscription available in the EU, Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Islands
- No fees or commitment
- 5G network
- 5G network
- No fees or commitment
- 5G network
- The best mobile network in the Nordics
- 5G network
- Subscription available in the EU, Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Islands
- 5G subscription
- Free creation
- No binding
- Get your first month FREE
- Call 10 hours to +60 countries from Denmark
- Satisfaction guarantee
- Oister+ benefit club
- EU roaming
- 5G network
- 5G network
- The best mobile network in the Nordics
- 5G network
- Subscription available in the EU, Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Islands
- 5G network
- Incl. YouSee music
- Choose multiple subscriptions and save money every month
- The best mobile network in the Nordics
- 5G network
- Subscription available in the EU, Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Islands
- Oister+ benefit club
- EU roaming
- 5G network
- No fees or commitment
- 5G network
- 5G network
- Incl. YouSee music
- Choose multiple subscriptions and save money every month
- 5G network
- 5G network
- Incl. YouSee music
- Choose multiple subscriptions and save money every month
- 5G network
- Incl. YouSee music
- Choose multiple subscriptions and save money every month
- No binding
- Cheap telephony
- 3 optional streaming services
- 5G network
- Incl 4 optional streaming services
- 5G network
- Incl 5 optional streaming services
- 5G network
- Includes 9 streaming services
- 5G network
Telecommunications in Denmark is highly advanced, competitive, and digital-first. For expatriates and international residents, choosing the right provider is an essential step in settling down. “3” (Tre) is one of the three major network operators in the country, distinct from the TDC Group and the Telia/Telenor joint network. It is particularly well-known for its aggressive data packages and extensive roaming benefits.
Finding the right 3 mobile Denmark plan requires understanding how the Danish system works. Unlike many other countries, mobile subscriptions here are tied heavily to your civil registration status. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the 3 network, its specific advantages for foreigners, and the administrative requirements for obtaining a contract.
The 3 Network Infrastructure
Denmark has three main physical mobile networks. These are TDC NET, the TT-Network (a collaboration between Telia and Telenor), and the 3 network. All other mobile companies in Denmark are Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) that rent space on one of these three infrastructures.
3 builds and maintains its own physical towers and 5G infrastructure. Historically, 3 focused heavily on major urban centers like Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, and Aalborg. In the early days of mobile data, this created a reputation for excellent city speeds but weaker rural coverage.
Today, the gap has narrowed significantly. 3 has invested heavily in expanding coverage across Zealand, Funen, and Jutland. However, for expats planning to live in very remote rural areas or deep in the Danish countryside, it is advisable to check coverage maps closely. The network operates on specific frequency bands that prioritize high-capacity data transfer, making it a strong choice for heavy mobile internet users in populated areas.
5G Capabilities and Speeds
Denmark is a leader in mobile connectivity. The rollout of 5G in Denmark has been rapid. 3 has upgraded a vast majority of its mast positions to 5G.
For the end user, this means lower latency and higher download speeds. This is particularly relevant for expats who use their phone as a primary internet source or for video calls home. 3 markets its 5G network not just for mobile phones, but as a replacement for fixed-line home internet, known as “5G Internet for Home.”
3LikeHome: A Key Feature for Expats
The primary differentiator for 3 in the Danish market is the “3LikeHome” concept. This feature is often the deciding factor for foreigners and frequent travelers.
How 3LikeHome Works
Standard EU regulations mandate “Roam Like at Home” within the European Union. This means you can use your Danish data and minutes in Germany, France, or Sweden without extra cost, subject to a fair use limit.
3 takes this further. 3LikeHome includes roaming in over 70 countries, including many outside the EU. Common destinations included are the United States, United Kingdom, Turkey, Thailand, Australia, and Canada.
For an expat with family in the UK or USA, this removes the need to buy local SIM cards when visiting home. You simply keep your Danish SIM in your phone and use data as if you were in Copenhagen.
Data Limits and Fair Use
It is important to read the fine print regarding data limits. While a domestic plan might offer “Unlimited Data” within Denmark, the roaming portion is capped.
Typically, a 3 subscription allows for a specific amount of data (e.g., 25GB or 30GB) to be used while roaming in included countries per billing cycle. Once this limit is reached, the speed is throttled, or you must purchase a data top-up. This limit applies to the combined usage in EU and non-EU 3LikeHome countries.
Mobile Plans and Pricing Overview
Understanding the cost structure of mobile plans in Denmark is vital for budgeting. The market is competitive, which keeps prices relatively low compared to North America or parts of Western Europe.
The following table compares typical plan tiers available in the Danish market. It highlights the difference between prepaid options (accessible without a CPR number) and postpaid subscriptions (requiring a CPR number).
| Plan Type | Target Audience | Data Included (DK) | EU/Roaming Data | Contract Type | Approx. Price (DKK) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid / Pay-as-you-go | New arrivals without CPR, Tourists | 10GB – 200GB | Low (2GB – 10GB) | No contract, upfront payment | 99 – 179 DKK |
| Budget Postpaid (MVNOs) | Residents with CPR seeking value | 20GB – 100GB | Moderate (10GB – 20GB) | Monthly subscription | 89 – 129 DKK |
| Standard 3 Subscription | Expats needing global roaming | 30GB – Unlimited | High (25GB+ incl. non-EU) | Monthly subscription | 140 – 270 DKK |
| Unlimited Data Plan | Heavy users, 5G tethering | Unlimited | High (25GB – 35GB) | Monthly subscription | 230 – 300 DKK |
Mobile plans in Denmark generally offer high value. Most subscriptions include unlimited talk time and SMS as a standard feature. The price differentiator is almost always the data allowance.
For expats, the choice often comes down to administrative access. You cannot access the “Standard 3 Subscription” or “Budget Postpaid” tiers until you have fully registered in the Danish system.
Requirements for a Mobile Subscription
Signing up for a mobile contract with 3, or any major Danish provider, is a credit agreement. Consequently, strict identity and credit checks are enforced.
The CPR Number
The CPR number (Det Centrale Personregister) is your personal identification number in Denmark. You receive this after obtaining your residence permit and registering your address at the local municipality (Kommune).
You cannot sign up for a postpaid monthly subscription with 3 without a valid CPR number. The system uses this number to validate your identity and creditworthiness.
Danish Address
Your CPR number is linked to your Danish address. When you sign up for a plan, the SIM card is almost always sent to the address registered in the CPR system. This prevents fraud. You generally cannot have a subscription SIM card sent to a hotel or temporary Airbnb if you are not officially registered there.
MitID Digital Signature
Denmark utilizes a digital ID system called MitID. This is a secure login app used for banking, taxes, and signing contracts.
To complete a subscription purchase online with 3, you must sign the agreement using MitID. Obtaining MitID can take several weeks after you arrive, as it usually requires a bank account or a visit to Citizen Service (Borgerservice).
Options for Expats Without a CPR Number
Many foreigners arrive in Denmark and need immediate connectivity before they have processed their paperwork. Since 3 requires a CPR number for their main subscriptions, new arrivals must look at alternatives.
Prepaid SIM Cards
If you do not have a CPR number, you must use a prepaid SIM card Denmark. These cards do not require a credit check or a long-term contract.
You can purchase these starter kits at 7-Eleven kiosks, supermarkets, or Copenhagen Airport. The most common providers for this segment are Lebara and Lyca Mobile. These providers operate on the Telia/Telenor network, not the 3 network, but they provide immediate connectivity.
Once you receive your CPR number and MitID, you can switch to a subscription with 3. You can port (transfer) your phone number from the prepaid card to your new 3 subscription during the sign-up process.
Oister: The Budget Alternative
3 owns and operates a low-cost sub-brand called Oister. For expats looking to save money while staying on the 3 network, Oister is a significant option to consider.
Relationship Between 3 and Oister
Oister is an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) that is fully owned by 3. This means Oister Denmark customers use the exact same antennas and infrastructure as premium 3 customers. The coverage and data speeds are identical.
Differences in Service
The difference lies in service and perks. Oister is an online-only provider. They do not have physical stores. Customer support is primarily digital.
Furthermore, Oister plans generally include EU roaming but do not include the extensive “3LikeHome” package that covers non-EU countries like the USA or Thailand. If your travel is mostly within Denmark and the EU, Oister offers the same network performance as 3 but at a significantly lower monthly price.
eSIM vs. Physical SIM
The telecommunications industry is shifting toward embedded SIMs (eSIMs). Denmark is at the forefront of this adoption.
Physical SIM Cards
The traditional plastic SIM card is still widely used. When you order a subscription from 3, they will mail a physical SIM card to your registered address. This usually takes 2-4 working days. The card comes in a “trio” format, meaning you can punch out the size (Standard, Micro, or Nano) that fits your device.
eSIM Technology
3 supports eSIM Denmark for compatible devices. An eSIM is a digital profile downloaded to your phone.
For expats, eSIMs offer distinct advantages. You do not have to wait for postal delivery. If you have a CPR number and MitID, you can sign up online and activate your number immediately via a QR code.
Additionally, using an eSIM for your Danish number frees up the physical SIM slot in your phone. This allows you to keep your home country’s SIM card in the physical slot to receive bank OTPs or emergency calls from home, while using the Danish eSIM for local data and calls.
Mobile Broadband and Internet Solutions
Apart from mobile phone plans, 3 is a major provider of home internet solutions via mobile networks. This is relevant for expats moving into apartments where fiber or coax cable installation might be difficult or slow to activate.
5G Internet for Home
3 offers “Internet to the Home” using a 5G router. This device captures the mobile signal and broadcasts it as a Wi-Fi network in your apartment.
This solution is “plug and play.” You receive the router, plug it into a power outlet, and have immediate internet access. There is no technician visit required. For expats in temporary housing or those moving frequently, this flexibility is valuable.
Data Caps on Mobile Broadband
Unlike mobile phone plans which have roaming caps, 3’s home internet plans usually offer unlimited data usage within Denmark. However, it is crucial to check if the plan includes any roaming capabilities. Typically, home internet routers are geolocked to work only within Denmark or even specifically at your registered address to ensure network stability.
Managing Your Subscription
Once you have successfully subscribed to 3, management is done primarily through their self-service portal “Mit 3” (My 3) or their mobile app.
Language Support
While most Danes speak excellent English, administrative interfaces are often in Danish. The “Mit 3” app and website may require the use of browser translation tools.
Customer service at 3 generally handles English inquiries well. You can contact them via phone or visit one of their physical stores located in major shopping centers and high streets across Denmark. Visiting a store is often the easiest way to resolve complex issues if you struggle with the Danish language on the website.
Payment Methods
Paying your mobile bill in Denmark is almost exclusively done via “Betalingsservice” (automatic direct debit) or payment cards linked to a Danish bank account.
International credit cards are sometimes accepted for the initial payment, but recurring monthly subscriptions usually require a Danish payment source. This reinforces the need to open a Danish bank account as soon as your CPR number is issued.
Switching Providers
The Danish mobile market is dynamic, and customers frequently switch providers to get better deals. The process is highly automated.
Porting Your Number
If you decide to leave 3 for another provider, or switch to 3 from a competitor, you do not need to cancel your old subscription manually. You simply sign up with the new provider and request to keep your current number.
The new provider will contact the old provider and handle the cancellation and transfer. This ensures you are not double-billed and that you do not lose service during the switch.
Binding Periods
Consumer protection laws in Denmark are strong. For mobile subscriptions, the maximum binding period (lock-in period) for a consumer is 6 months. This usually only applies if you have purchased a discounted phone along with the subscription.
If you have a SIM-only subscription, the binding period is typically 0 to 1 month. You can cancel with a notice period of 30 days. This flexibility allows expats to leave the country without being trapped in long-term telecom contracts, provided they pay any remaining installments on purchased hardware.
Coverage Considerations for Expats
While 3 has excellent coverage, it is beneficial to understand the nuances of Danish geography regarding mobile signals.
Urban vs. Rural
In Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, and the “Triangle Region” (Vejle, Kolding, Fredericia), 3’s network is extremely dense. You will likely experience uninterrupted 5G.
In coastal summer house areas (sommerhusområder) or dense forests, signals can degrade. The 3 network operates on higher frequencies which carry more data but penetrate dense obstacles less effectively than the lower frequencies often utilized by TDC in rural zones.
If you plan to live in a very isolated farmhouse, ask neighbors which network performs best in that specific location before committing to a contract.
Indoor Coverage
Modern building insulation in Denmark is very efficient, often involving triple-glazing and metal-lined barriers. This can block mobile signals. 3 utilizes “Wi-Fi Calling” (VoWiFi) to mitigate this.
Wi-Fi Calling allows your phone to route regular calls and SMS through your home Wi-Fi network when the cellular signal is weak. This feature is automatically enabled on most modern smartphones and is included in 3’s subscriptions. It is a critical feature for ensuring connectivity inside modern, energy-efficient Danish apartments.
Buying Hardware from 3
Many residents choose to buy smartphones through their mobile operator. 3 offers “3Afbetaling” (3 Installments), which allows you to spread the cost of a new phone over 10, 20, 30, or 40 months.
Credit Checks
To buy a phone on installment, you undergo a stricter credit check than for a simple SIM card. You must have a valid CPR number and no record in the RKI (the Danish debtors’ register).
SIM Locking
Phones sold by 3 in Denmark are generally not SIM-locked. You can use a SIM card from another provider in a phone bought from 3. However, you are contractually obligated to pay the monthly installments for the device regardless of which carrier you use.
Comparison with Competitors
To make an informed decision, it helps to know who 3 is competing against.
TDC NET (YouSee, Telmore)
TDC is the incumbent state-telecom-turned-private. They have the most extensive coverage in rural Denmark. Their premium brand is YouSee. They are often slightly more expensive than 3 but offer bundled solutions with cable TV and landline internet.
Telia / Telenor (Call me, CBB)
Telia and Telenor share a radio access network. Their coverage is comparable to TDC. Their discount brands, Call me (Telia) and CBB (Telenor), compete directly with 3’s Oister. They are solid middle-ground options but often lack the extensive non-EU roaming included in 3’s standard plans.
Summary of Steps for Expats
To successfully get connected with 3 or a similar provider, follow this logical progression:
- Arrival: Purchase a prepaid SIM (Lebara/Lyca) for immediate data.
- Registration: Apply for your CPR number and residence permit.
- Banking: Open a Danish bank account and obtain MitID.
- Subscription: Use MitID to sign up for a 3 subscription online or visit a 3 store.
- Porting: Request to transfer your prepaid number to your new 3 contract.
- Roaming: Activate 3LikeHome before your first trip outside Denmark.
Navigating the mobile market is one of the first administrative tasks you will face. 3 offers a compelling package for the international resident due to its focus on global connectivity, provided you can meet the documentation requirements of the Danish system.