What currency do I pay with in Greenland? How much do goods cost in a regular supermarket and how much in a restaurant?

Show cheap hotels in Greenland

Danish Krone (DKK)

The local currency is the Danish krone.

One krone is equivalent to 100 øre, but these units are practically non-existent in everyday circulation.

Coins are worth 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 kroner. Banknotes carry values of 50, 100, 200 and 500 kroner.

• International currency code: DKK (numeric code 208)
• Currency symbol: kr.

Can I pay with foreign currency in Greenland?

Usually no. The only official currency is the Danish krone.

Some hotels or tourist agencies organising organised tours may accept euros and occasionally US dollars, but card payments are more common.

Exchange offices and card payments

What is the most efficient way to get Danish kroner?

ATMs

ATMs can be found in all major cities. There are only three banks in Greenland:

• GrønlandsBANKEN
• Bank Nordik
• Tusass

None of the banks have a fee for foreign credit card withdrawals.

Attention! You won't find any ATMs at any of Greenland's airports, not even at the newest airport, Nuuk Airport, opening in 2025. If you want to have Danish kroner before you arrive in Greenland, choose an ATM ideally at Copenhagen Airport if you are flying from Denmark.

However, taxis from airports can always be paid for with a card.

Currency exchange

You will only find official exchange offices in banks in city centres, but it is usually more convenient to withdraw money from an ATM as withdrawals are free of charge.

Payment by card

Card payments are widespread in Greenland, but not as much as in other Nordic countries, where cash is often not used at all.

This is not the case in Greenland, and it's definitely always a good idea to have a little cash on you.

For example, tickets for public buses can only be paid for in cash, and in small villages outside civilisation there may not be any signal or internet connection at all, which is necessary for card payments.

So if you're heading out of the bigger cities like Nuuk, Ilulissat, Sisimiut, Tasiilaq, Kangerlussuaq or Narsarsuaq into the wilderness and exploring small villages, always carry plenty of cash (ideally at least 200 DKK).

However, in towns with fare-paying buses, you can pay by card everywhere.

How much does what cost - how expensive is Greenland?

Greenland is a very expensive destination and in fact one of the most expensive in the world.

Example of prices in Greenland

How much does basic food, tourist attractions or transport cost in Greenland? Take a look at the indicative price table.

Accommodation in a double room (prices per night)

• Cheap hostel with shared bathroom - from 450 dkk
• Local 3* hotel - from 1 050 dkk
• International 4* hotel - from 1 500 dkk
• Search for accommodation in Greenland

Tourist attractions

We list prices in euros because most agencies list the price in this currency in the first place.

• Boat trips (2 hours) - from 90 eur
• Longer half-day cruises - from 200 eur
• Dog sledding (2 hours) - from 200 eur
• Snowmobiling (2 hours) - from 100 eur
• Whale watching boat trip - from 150 eur
• Kayaking (2 hours) - from 150 eur
• Sightseeing helicopter flight with glacier landing (1.5 hours) - 540 eur (read our Kangia Classic flight review)

Food at the restaurant

• Hot main meal in a regular restaurant for tourists - 180 dkk
• Hot main meal in a local restaurant or canteen - 140 dkk
• Espresso or Cappuccino in a café - 45 dkk
• Water 0.33 l - 20 dkk
• Fanta/Coca Cola/Sprite 0.5 l - 60 dkk
• Draft beer - 70 dkk

Food in a supermarket

• Water 1.5l - 20 dkk
• Packed sandwich - 35 dkk
• Hot food in a box - 60 dkk to 130 dkk
• Coca Cola (and other sodas) 2l - 45 dkk
• Milk 1l - 18 dkk
• Canned tuna - 25 dkk
• Apples 1 kg - 35 dkk
• Tomatoes 1 kg - 30 dkk
• Bananas 1 kg - 30 dkk
• Rice 1 kg - 35 dkk
• Eggs (12 pieces) - 35 dkk

Shipping

• Bus ticket in the city - 20 dkk
• Taxi - boarding rate around 30 dkk + 1 km ride around 25 dkk
• Return flight from Nuuk to Ilulissat - 5 300 dkk
• One way boat ticket from Nuuk to Ilulissat - 1 990 dkk
• Compare flight prices in Greenland

Alcohol and cigarettes

• Bottle of wine in the shop - 150 dkk
• A can of local beer - 40 dkk
• A packet of cigarettes - 90 dkk

Prices are approximate and vary depending on the city and type of shop.

Show cheap hotels in Greenland

Tipping and haggling

Tipping is not common in Greenland. Restaurant prices include the price of service and it is perfectly fine not to leave a tip even if you are very happy with the food or service.

You won't see haggling anywhere in Greenland and don't use it anywhere.

Daily budget - How much money to bring

Greenland is the kind of destination where you can't save too much.

If you don't indulge in activities like boating on the fjord, helicopter rides or dog sledding, you'll be missing out on a lot of unique experiences.

You can save the most on your choice of accommodation, preferring hostels or private accommodation. These can be up to half the price of traditional hotels.

Find the cheapest accommodation in Greenland

If you're travelling as a couple, you'll also save on food if you cook your own meals from supermarket food.

We've listed prices for a week's stay in season for 2 people. The cost is based on a per day per person.

• Accommodation 55 eur
• Domestic flights, ferry 55 eur
• Food 22 eur
• Activities 29 eur (in case you go hiking on some days free on your own)
• Total - approx. 165 eur per day