Extra CC fee in Denmark
#46
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Interesting discussion.
I recently purchased a ticket from Billetnet.dk. The ticket price was DKK 850,- and the Gebyr (ticket fee) was DKK 15,- for a total of DKK 865,-.
However, the total amount charged to my credit card (before currency conversion) was DKK 875,81.
Was the extra DKK 10,81 the credit card fee?
I recently purchased a ticket from Billetnet.dk. The ticket price was DKK 850,- and the Gebyr (ticket fee) was DKK 15,- for a total of DKK 865,-.
However, the total amount charged to my credit card (before currency conversion) was DKK 875,81.
Was the extra DKK 10,81 the credit card fee?
#47
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Actually, Denmark is not at all special in this regard nor is it the only civilized country in the world with this kind of arrangement. In Germany many stores only accept payment in either cash or an electronic bank card (Eurocheck) issued by a German bank. In Italy you will see that same thing: either cash or "Banco" (a domestic debit card).
1, Wow, are we having different shopping patterns. Travelling frequently in both Germany and Italy, the only stores with cash/local cards only were kiosks and convenient stores, where few, if any, of us would use a card anyway.
2. From other's experience I've learned that there are ultra-low-budget-outlet chains in Italy with the same practice. It's doubtful whether travellers carrying competent debit/credit cards would even consider entering such establishments.
So there is really nothing special with Denmark in this regard, save that some Danish stores do accept international credit cards. The surcharge is for the cards issued non-nationally and as the signs clearly say: "the entire surcharge is passed on to the banks". In other words, if you are a non-loyal customer only visiting the store rarely, then the store wants you to pay the expense of the credit card surcharge yourself, since otherwise the loyal local customers would have to pay your surcharge through higher prices. This seems entirely reasonable.
3. Au contraire, this something very special with Denmark, where tourists are charged for lowering the risk of Shop/Restaurant owner beeing robbed of cash, using a card.
4.Your statement regarding everything passed on to the banks has been labeled incorrect by American Express.
5. By what means can a shop owner determine any customer with a non-Danish CC as "non-loyal", compared to the occasional Danish visitor?
6. Why is this "reasonable" in Denmark, when Danes never pay extra due to their Danish cards, when going abroad?
8. Of course we all stand corrected to the local expertise declaring stores and restaurants in the absolute center of CPH (Read Stroeget) as "non-tourist"
Also, you write "I don't know what makes the Danish retailers think they are entitled ..." They are entitled through what is called: the forces of the free market. They make a profit doing this, and that is the way that works. I know that the free market is very popular in America, so I would think that on further consideration perhaps you would support this surcharge.
9. Interesting, but logically incorrect point. Had this been a really free market, I would cross the street to find a shop/restaurant not discriminating tourists. Not much time to cross the bridge to Malmoe fo dinner when the time is past 9.30 pm.
10. Need to compliment you for the single correct statement in your post, namely about the shop/restaurant owners doing this to make a profit ^
Denmark is one of the most consumer friendly countries in the world (and apparently also the happiest country, as several studies have shown). Most stores have excellent customer protection and will give you the money back if you are unhappy. If not, you can complain to the Consumer Complaints Board (for a small fee of US $30) and they will rule in the matter. If the ruling is in your favour then the store must follow the ruling. Otherwise, in most cases, the Consumer Complaints Board will take the store to court on your behalf for free. (More information in English.) Please name some other countries, which have better consumer protection!
11. Sure, consumer-friendly for the Danes, not for tourists. But that's what this post is all about.
12. Won't dispute statement of Denmark as a happy country. Sure the Danes are happy, squeezing extra fees out of tourists in their own country, knowing that the nice surrounding world will treat them better, when travelling.
13. Naming other countries: What about The Rest of The World, where this overcharge on CC doesn't take place?
However, Denmark is also very pricey. If you travel a lot, there are certainly cheaper options around, and that is why I would agree with your decision not to do big shopping in Denmark.
At present, Sweden is the nearest cheaper option but the UK is also cheaper. I am naming these two countries because they also have reasonable consumer protection AFAIK.
At present, Sweden is the nearest cheaper option but the UK is also cheaper. I am naming these two countries because they also have reasonable consumer protection AFAIK.
14. Irrelevant statement. This thread is not about the prices in Denmark, but aimed at the Danish mischief of overcharging visitors, paying with debit/credit cards. The two named countries, as many (all?) others, don't.
#48
What he said ^^
1, Wow, are we having different shopping patterns. Travelling frequently in both Germany and Italy, the only stores with cash/local cards only were kiosks and convenient stores, where few, if any, of us would use a card anyway.
2. From other's experience I've learned that there are ultra-low-budget-outlet chains in Italy with the same practice. It's doubtful whether travellers carrying competent debit/credit cards would even consider entering such establishments.
3. Au contraire, this something very special with Denmark, where tourists are charged for lowering the risk of Shop/Restaurant owner beeing robbed of cash, using a card.
4.Your statement regarding everything passed on to the banks has been labeled incorrect by American Express.
5. By what means can a shop owner determine any customer with a non-Danish CC as "non-loyal", compared to the occasional Danish visitor?
6. Why is this "reasonable" in Denmark, when Danes never pay extra due to their Danish cards, when going abroad?
7. Many of us left cash-only routine way back in previous century. Bringing lots of cash sounds like a safe way to travel
8. Of course we all stand corrected to the local expertise declaring stores and restaurants in the absolute center of CPH (Read Stroeget) as "non-tourist"
9. Interesting, but logically incorrect point. Had this been a really free market, I would cross the street to find a shop/restaurant not discriminating tourists. Not much time to cross the bridge to Malmoe fo dinner when the time is past 9.30 pm.
10. Need to compliment you for the single correct statement in your post, namely about the shop/restaurant owners doing this to make a profit ^
11. Sure, consumer-friendly for the Danes, not for tourists. But that's what this post is all about.
12. Won't dispute statement of Denmark as a happy country. Sure the Danes are happy, squeezing extra fees out of tourists in their own country, knowing that the nice surrounding world will treat them better, when travelling.
13. Naming other countries: What about The Rest of The World, where this overcharge on CC doesn't take place?
14. Irrelevant statement. This thread is not about the prices in Denmark, but aimed at the Danish mischief of overcharging visitors, paying with debit/credit cards. The two named countries, as many (all?) others, don't.
2. From other's experience I've learned that there are ultra-low-budget-outlet chains in Italy with the same practice. It's doubtful whether travellers carrying competent debit/credit cards would even consider entering such establishments.
3. Au contraire, this something very special with Denmark, where tourists are charged for lowering the risk of Shop/Restaurant owner beeing robbed of cash, using a card.
4.Your statement regarding everything passed on to the banks has been labeled incorrect by American Express.
5. By what means can a shop owner determine any customer with a non-Danish CC as "non-loyal", compared to the occasional Danish visitor?
6. Why is this "reasonable" in Denmark, when Danes never pay extra due to their Danish cards, when going abroad?
7. Many of us left cash-only routine way back in previous century. Bringing lots of cash sounds like a safe way to travel
8. Of course we all stand corrected to the local expertise declaring stores and restaurants in the absolute center of CPH (Read Stroeget) as "non-tourist"
9. Interesting, but logically incorrect point. Had this been a really free market, I would cross the street to find a shop/restaurant not discriminating tourists. Not much time to cross the bridge to Malmoe fo dinner when the time is past 9.30 pm.
10. Need to compliment you for the single correct statement in your post, namely about the shop/restaurant owners doing this to make a profit ^
11. Sure, consumer-friendly for the Danes, not for tourists. But that's what this post is all about.
12. Won't dispute statement of Denmark as a happy country. Sure the Danes are happy, squeezing extra fees out of tourists in their own country, knowing that the nice surrounding world will treat them better, when travelling.
13. Naming other countries: What about The Rest of The World, where this overcharge on CC doesn't take place?
14. Irrelevant statement. This thread is not about the prices in Denmark, but aimed at the Danish mischief of overcharging visitors, paying with debit/credit cards. The two named countries, as many (all?) others, don't.
#49
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You should also be aware that using a credit card is also saving the customer from being robbed.
Besides, I think other posters have already made it clear to you that this is not discrimination towards tourists. If anything, it is discrimination towards people with foreign issued credit cards. Those people can be Danes and live in Denmark, such as I, who also have such a card.
Tommy mentioned that he would shop elsewhere, so I think it is reasonable to respond to that. (Reference to tommy777.)
Last edited by Goldlust; Jul 25, 2009 at 2:21 pm Reason: Clarified who "Tommy" is
#50
Well, with your type of logic, Denmark is a communist country because they are passing laws that are discriminating against foreign credit card companies, or? So free competition does not apply in that country?
Besides, I think other posters have already made it clear to you that this is not discrimination towards tourists. If anything, it is discrimination towards people with foreign issued credit cards. Those people can be Danes and live in Denmark, such as I, who also have such a card.
I chose to let Denmark pay with my wallet. I was planning on doing my last minute Christmas shopping in Copenhagen, but ended up doing it in Oslo instead. A place that's even more expensive than Denmark. I bet I'm not the only one. If your perception of capitalism is making money off fees like this or not accept credit cards all together, I think your business will be in trouble because I'm quite sure that many many other visitors will do what I did and scrap shopping in Denmark all together. And that for being so cheap that you can't do what all other countries on this planet does: bake this in to the price and get business.
So you are asking all visitors to move to Denmark so we can get the Dankort. Get real!
Last edited by tommy777; Jul 25, 2009 at 11:20 am
#51
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Onobond is spot on with his statements.
Correction. Denmark is cheaper than Sweden. Norway is higher. Based on last visit in June.
I did not get charged any extra fee on my visit, but I was only there a few days. If someone wants to surcharge, I walk on down the street.
Some people need to quit being nationalistic I think.
Correction. Denmark is cheaper than Sweden. Norway is higher. Based on last visit in June.
I did not get charged any extra fee on my visit, but I was only there a few days. If someone wants to surcharge, I walk on down the street.
Some people need to quit being nationalistic I think.
#52
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Am I the only one to think that this thread has completely lost its focus? Almost seems like trolling to me. I just can't understand what all these nationalistic / political / anti-american (tourist) sentiments have to do with credit card fees?
A much more topical discussion would be the core issue: do retailers have the right or the guts to charge the credit card fees transparently or should they accept any kind of fees and even these costs between their clients? Obviously legislation provides for both approaches in Denmark.
Another interesting question is: will charging the credit card fees from the end client spread to other countries in Europe when the common payment area SEPA really kicks in?
Again, obviously this might have a profound impact to the way many here (including yours truly) is able to collect miles and points from their purchases and indeed it may even raise the question if this collection is feasible at all...
I don't see what good avoiding this discussion (and instead focusing on pointless prejudiced arguing) would do to the points earning public.
A much more topical discussion would be the core issue: do retailers have the right or the guts to charge the credit card fees transparently or should they accept any kind of fees and even these costs between their clients? Obviously legislation provides for both approaches in Denmark.
Another interesting question is: will charging the credit card fees from the end client spread to other countries in Europe when the common payment area SEPA really kicks in?
Again, obviously this might have a profound impact to the way many here (including yours truly) is able to collect miles and points from their purchases and indeed it may even raise the question if this collection is feasible at all...
I don't see what good avoiding this discussion (and instead focusing on pointless prejudiced arguing) would do to the points earning public.
#53
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Not sure if I dare to post here, especially since I'm en route to CPH.
I was actually warned about this ridiculous fee on foreign credit cards in Denmark by a fellow traveller this afternoon, so I'm surely watching out not to be ripped off.
Had I been a Dane, I would be excusing my country for treating tourists this way. But I sense that talking about this subject can be offensive for some locals, so I'll seal my lips, just looking out for the signs to avoid certain shops and restaurants.
I was actually warned about this ridiculous fee on foreign credit cards in Denmark by a fellow traveller this afternoon, so I'm surely watching out not to be ripped off.
Had I been a Dane, I would be excusing my country for treating tourists this way. But I sense that talking about this subject can be offensive for some locals, so I'll seal my lips, just looking out for the signs to avoid certain shops and restaurants.
#54
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That is to be seen. However, at least in Finland the new SEPA rules allow retailers/restaurants/etc. to charge potential fees from customer. Until today the fees have been baked in to the prices. I would though suspect that we Finns are that much cost sensitive that in case there will be additional fees, consumers will react. Mainly the impact will be a high increase in paying with cash. It will be amusing to see the impact in say your local Alepa when the amount of cash used in transaction increases sky high. This will probably increase the need for additional security in stores with additional cost which will be paid by the consumers...
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#56
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OK, just left Denmark. Really surprised to see how this scheme of adding 3.75% is done, without notifying customers/guests. I met with some friends, took a walk in the otherwise nice, clean and friendly city. We decided to have lunch in a chinese restaurant on Stroget, who advertised with a priceworthy buffet. I warned all others, so we were really looking for signs of extra charges, which could not be seen. I even asked if there was any problem using foreign CC. Everybody were fluent in English, denying ANY probs with a non-Dane CC. When the bill arrived we were stunned to see 94 DKK ( roughly 20 USD) added as Gebyr (Fee) Questioned about this extra, now nobody knew English, they even threatened us with police etc. My friends decided we paid "learning money" and left. I'll think twice before returning to Denmark.
Last edited by Lady in the skies; Aug 13, 2009 at 9:26 am Reason: Clarifying last sentence
#57
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The law in Denmarks is so that in the physical transaction no fees are allowed to be added to the customer ! However in the non physical trade (internet - mailorder) the vendor can add his actual costs to the creditcard clearing company (actually 1,25%).
If the card is issued outside Denmark any vendor can add his actual costs which are 3,75-5% for most CC issued outside Denmark. By law no one is allowed to make fixed fees or this like - Only fees that covers his costs !
--
If you ride a taxi you will always see this signposted duly !
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The reason for this legilation is that cash payers should not "pay" for the rebates offered to whose with postponed payment, which is the case of creditcard payers (Danes and foreigners).
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Most retailers appriciates that CC holders generally spend more, which often results in that they do not charge extra for foreign cardholders.
--
This is only explanation and doses not represent my personal view(s) since I do understand the frustration that those met by the requirement of a fee to pay.
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I do think that over time these fees will go away !
If the card is issued outside Denmark any vendor can add his actual costs which are 3,75-5% for most CC issued outside Denmark. By law no one is allowed to make fixed fees or this like - Only fees that covers his costs !
--
If you ride a taxi you will always see this signposted duly !
--
The reason for this legilation is that cash payers should not "pay" for the rebates offered to whose with postponed payment, which is the case of creditcard payers (Danes and foreigners).
--
Most retailers appriciates that CC holders generally spend more, which often results in that they do not charge extra for foreign cardholders.
--
This is only explanation and doses not represent my personal view(s) since I do understand the frustration that those met by the requirement of a fee to pay.
--
I do think that over time these fees will go away !
Last edited by munnifar; Oct 3, 2009 at 6:24 am Reason: misspelling
#58
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To Lady in the skies: The law clearly says that if a merchant is takes a credit card fee, it should be diplayed in the shop. There have been some trials on this issues and the customers got their fees back. You could try to contact your credit card company on this issue, stating that the restaurant did not diplay the fee according to Danish law.
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#60
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To me it looks scary when they openly say they don't care about EU regulations:
From 1st Oct, (2011, my insertion) a new Danish fee payment policy will come into force. The new fees policy is prompted by an EU directive and is expected to reduce the bill on foreign tourists. Despite that, according to Jyllands-Posten, Nets which manages the Danish card payment insist that the fees will remain above 2 percent.