Fast Facts

American Express -- Amex is represented throughout Denmark by Nyman & Schultz, Nørregade 7A (tel. 33-13-11-81; bus: 34 or 35), with a branch in Terminal 3 of the Copenhagen Airport. Fulfilling all the functions of American Express except for foreign exchange services, the main office is open Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 4:30pm, and Friday 8:30am to 4pm. The airport office remains open until 8:30pm Monday to Friday. On weekends, and overnight on weekdays, a recorded message, in English, will deliver the phone number of a 24-hour AMEX service in Stockholm. This is useful for anyone who has lost a card or traveler's checks.

Bookstores -- One of the best and most centrally located is Politikens Boghallen, Rådhuspladsen 37 (tel. 33-47-25-60; bus: 2, 8, or 30), offering more English titles than its competitors. Hours are Monday to Friday 10am to 7pm, and Saturday 10am to 4pm.

Business Hours -- Most banks are open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm (to 6pm Thurs). Stores are generally open Monday to Thursday 9am to 6pm, Friday 9am to 7 or 8pm, and Saturday 9am to 2pm; most are closed Sunday. Offices are open Monday to Friday 9 or 10am to 4 or 5pm.

Currency Exchange -- Banks give better rates than currency kiosks. The main branch of Den Danske Bank (The Danish Bank), Holmens Kanal, 2-12 (tel. 33-44-00-00), is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm (to 5:30pm Thurs). When banks are closed, you can exchange money at Forex (tel. 33-11-29-05) in the Central Railroad Station, daily 8am to 10pm, or at the Change Group, Østergade 61 (tel. 33-93-04-55; bus: 9 or 10), daily 8:30am to 8:15pm.

Dentists -- During regular business hours, ask your hotel to call the nearest English-speaking dentist. For emergencies, go to Tandlægevagten, Oslo Plads 14 (tel. 35-38-02-51; bus: 6 or 9), near Østerport Station and the U.S. Embassy. It's open Monday to Friday 8am to 9:30pm and Saturday, Sunday, and holidays 10am to noon. Be prepared to pay in cash.

Doctors -- To reach a doctor, dial tel. 38-11-40-00 24 hours a day (www.copenhagendoctors.dk). The doctor's fee is payable in cash and visits cost 120DKK ($21/£11) per visit from Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm and 160DKK ($29/£14) all other times. The doctor will arrive within 45 minutes and provide most medication. Language is hardly a problem in Denmark, where virtually all doctors speak English.

Emergencies -- Dial tel. 112 to report a fire or to call the police or an ambulance. State your phone number and address. Emergency calls from public telephones are free (no coins needed).

Hospitals -- In cases of illness or accident, even foreigners are entitled to free medical treatment in Denmark. One of the most centrally located hospitals is Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9 (tel. 35-45-35-45; bus: 10).

Internet Access -- To check your e-mail or to send messages, go to Copenhagen Hovebibliotek, Krystalgade 15 (tel. 33-73-60-60; bus: 5, 14, or 16), open Monday to Friday 10am to 7pm, Saturday 10am to 2pm.

Lost Property -- The Lost and Found Property office at Slotsherrensvej 113, 2720 Vanløse (tel. 38-74-88-22; bus: 12 or 22), is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 9am to 2pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9am to 5:30pm.

Luggage Storage & Lockers -- Luggage can be stored in lockers at Central Railroad Station. Lockers are accessible Monday to Saturday 5:30am to 1am and Sunday 6am to 1am. The cost is between 25DKK and 35DKK ($4.25-$6.25/£2.25-£3.15) for 24 hours, depending on the size of your luggage.

Newspapers -- Foreign newspapers, particularly the International Herald Tribune and USA Today, are available at the Central Railroad Station in front of the Palladium movie theater on Vesterbrogade, at many newspaper kiosks on Strøget, and at the newsstands of big hotels. Foreign fashion and lifestyle magazines are also widely sold.

Pharmacies -- An apotek (pharmacy) open 24 hours a day is Steno Apotek, Vesterbrogade 6C (tel. 33-14-82-66; bus: 6), lying opposite the Central Railroad Station.

Police -- In an emergency, dial tel. 112. For other matters, go to the police station at Halmtorvet 20 (tel. 33-25-14-48).

Post Office -- For information about the Copenhagen post office, phone tel. 80-20-70-30. The main post office, where your poste restante (general delivery) letters can be picked up, is located at Tietgensgade 37, DK-1704 København (tel. 80-20-70-30; bus: 10 or 46). It's open Monday to Friday 11am to 6pm and Saturday 10am to 1pm. The post office at the Central Railroad Station is open Monday to Friday 8am to 9pm, Saturday 9am to 4pm, and Sunday 10am to 4pm.

Restrooms -- Public toilets are at Rådhuspladsen (Town Hall Square), at the Central Railroad Station, and at all terminals. Look for the signs TOILETTER, WC, DAMER (women), or HERRER (men). There is no charge.

Safety -- Compared with other European capital cities, Copenhagen is relatively safe. However, since the early 1990s, with the increase of homelessness and unemployment, crime has risen. Guard your wallet, purse, and other valuables as you would when traveling in any big city.

Taxes -- Throughout Denmark you'll come across MOMS on your bills, a government-imposed value-added tax of 25%. It's included in hotel and restaurant bills, service charges, entrance fees, and repair of foreign-registered cars. No refunds are given on these items.

Transit Information -- Day or night, phone tel. 70-13-14-15 for bus, Metro, and S-tog information.