So if I can offer any help to those moving here...I will lay it on a silver platter. I will be touching on the following subjects, please feel free to send me a message if you have any questions. This page will be updated and added to the more I get to know.
- grocery shopping
- weather
- bicycle
- flowers
- Danish language lessons
- Haircut
- a Night out on the town
- Copenhagen shopping
- Tax
-The Summer
GROCERY SHOPPING
Just some quick tips, take your own grocery bags otherwise you will be buying each time you go. You need to pack your own groceries as the teller is ringing them up. At the tellers station there are dividers; you need to place a divider after your items are unpacked onto the counter so that it separates your goods from the next persons. Make sure you look at the price well, often the price will represent you taking two of the same item ( 2 stk 45dkk) this basically means that the price shown is for two of the item. Tak means thank you. Milk and yoghurt appears in the same style carton, I got confused when I got here so shake the milk, if it's very liquid it's milk, if by shaking it feels thicker then you have yoghurt...;) haha
Here is a list of your typical shops in Copenhagen;
NETTO
Definitely the cheapest place to shop, sometimes it feels very uninspiring to shop there like a warehouse of odds and ends and often you won't find that specific item but it's great for a general shop and very affordable in terms of danish grocery shopping. Often in Netto you will find an aisle of marked down odds and ends, books, toys and all kinds.
You get dog netto, which is the quick shop kind of netto, it has fewer items and prices can be higher, but most times you can find what you are looking for at the regular yellow netto prices.dognetto is also got different longer operating times to a regular netto.
Netto times: keep in mind that most stores are closed on Sundays, most stores like IKEA for example will open up on the last Sunday of every month. So dont make the mistake of grabbing an expensive taxi and getting to the shop and its closed (very frustrating).
SUPERBEST
I shop to get the more specific items such as spices and certain herbs and sauces. The meat section is great here as well as the cheese section. Definitely more expensive.
IRMA
I would rate Irma as more expensive than Superbest but one level up in terms of the grocery hierarchy
SEVEN ELEVEN
Try and avoid at all cost otherwise it'll get pricey.
SPAR
Great place to grab the odd item here and there but too pricey to do a full shop
FAKTA
Depends on which one you go too, but the variety you find here is good. I just won't shop here based on the very annoying singing advert they do on television, if you don't know what I'm talking about you will in due time and it will irritate the shit outta you.
WEATHER
I have been living here for a few months now, I arrived at the start of Winter so when Summer arrives I will let you know but so far I can only tell you about the winter...its cold! I am from South Africa so our winters are pretty mild in comparison. Luckily my first winter 2011 going into 2012 has been very mild according to the Danes I have spoken to, the last two winters were vicious but this winter has been a walk in the park. Eventually you climatize and you'll be jogging in three degree weather in the snow. The weather could really halt one's life if you are not used to such coldness but you have to carry on with life as if it were a warm breezy day on the coast.
So like i said, weather has been good so far, we have just entered Feb; supposedly the coldest month of the year. It has started snowing which is such a delight. The snowfall has not been heavy at all. Jan and Feb especially are your expeced months for snowfall.
I bought quite a bit of Winter clothes before I left South Africa which was stupid on my part because we dont even know what a winter is that side. But I must say that my purchases have served me well and had it been a proper Winter I would have needed to do another shop.
BICYCLE
My partners company offered us a company car and we turned it down to rather intergrate ourselves into the Danish way of life and that is cycling...everywhere
I have thoroughly enjoyed the transition, I feel my life has been simplified, i go to the shop and buy for the now because my bike basket cant fit anything more for the future. I cycle in all kinds of weather..no matter.
My bike has become a companion, Wix (my candy pink city style kildermoes bike) has a special place in my heart. Sure she has thrown me off a few times but i take it on the chin (literally). They say if you havent fallen off a horse at least once then you havent ridden, while i take that to heart with Wix.
If you truly want to settle in Copenhagen,..get a bike
The Danes dont really wear helmets, I think because everyone is cautious and respectful; its not dangerous to ride your bike as the bike has more right of way than a car and because there are so many bikers in and about. P.s if you do want a helmet which I recommend, they are easy to come by from the very many cycle shops positioned all over the place, and the styles are very kewl. Many come in the form of normal hats which is awesome because no matter who you are... regular bike helmets always make you look like a doofus.
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| Bike helmet styled as a hat |
I was very nervous the first time i rode on the high street; there are designated lanes for cyclists (your own personal stretch of cement) but there are just certain rules you need to know and etiquette to be abided by. You need to get on the right side of the road in terms of the direction you are going, just like a car. You will never see a cyclist coming form the opposite direction in your lane; that would be absurd. So the flow of bikers remains in one direction, if you choose to change, you need to cross the road and cycle the other way. Hope that makes sense
In terms of bike security; coming from South Africa you can only imagine how security concious we are when it comes to securing what is rightfully yours. So when we first got bikes, we pretty much had bought the locks prior to getting the bike. Most bikes (second hand) come with a built in lock near the rear tire. But we decided to get a bike lock chain too. I used it for the first month and have stopped now. My area is safe and secure and there is no need for two locks. I would recommend that if you are more in town or going to cycle to a foreign area then a chain lock could be a good idea. Bikes do get stolen here... and its better to be safer than sorry
When cycling, always cycle more to the right side so passers can come by, otherwise most people ring their bells if you are blocking their way just like a realy small hooter ( I always smile when i hear that little bell, its definitel not awakening and invasive as a hooter but cute sounding enough for you to move to the side with pleasure)
You need to signal with your hand which direction you are turning should you come to a cross road, in most cases, the car will wait for you to go first but signalling should be done either way.
People cycle in whatever wherever, boots, dresses, shorts, suits....everything. Remember; if you had a car - its now a bike and everything you did with your car, you will now do with your bike.. Simple
FLOWERS
Tulips, roses, orchids...the varities are endless and pristine. Count on having a florist close by and this is where you can get you regular fix of blossoms. Stores such as Netto and Superbest will also have buckets of flowers too. Do a little price check and comparison and you will find a spot where you can get affordable flowers. I bought tulips yesterday for 20dkk from Superbest. Florists often have good two for one specials to take advantage of.
DANISH LANGUAGE LESSONS
For me, a job and language lessons seem to be holding hands quite tightly these days. The only reason I decided to start language lessons was because I am finding difficulty in finding a job whereby I can get by with just english. I think the Danes are very proud people and they should be and so if you live in their little piece of the world well then you should speak like them too.
I really wish that wasn't the case because I not the biggest fan of the language, its very harsh sounding and nothing sounds pronounced and distinct.
Good news is that you can find a language school close (Sporgcenter) by and enrol by going for an interview. Once you have gone for the interview and some details have been taken down in terms of you level of learning, what lanuages you speak as well as the mapping out of your course... you will need to get a referral letter from your local municipality, in my case the Gentofte kommune. When I first arrived in Copenhagen; I had to go to the local kommune (the areas municipality in which you would be living) and register, thats how you receive your two cards (yellow medical card and your Danish residence permit card). I just called the municipality up and explained that I was going for lessonas and needed a referral letter, they then forwarded it on to the language school. This basically means that the local kommune says that you live in their area and they will cover the cost of your lessons. I can receive up to three years of lessons, fully paid for by my comunity.
So in my case, I start lessons very soon. I will be going to the day lessons, but night lessons are also offered for those currently working.
HAIRCUT
There are quite a few salons out there and its hard to pick the right one, it is advised to do your own research but if you are looking for a clean, modern, talented pool of hairdressers at an affordable rate, i recommend Street Cut. There are 4 Street Cut salons, I went to the 148 Norrebrogade salon and walked away satisfied. I knew it would be hard to match the price of 1100DK for a full head of colour, cut and blow-dry with a straighten. They also use an organic colour dye, no ammonia so there isn't a burning sensation on your scalp or damage to your hair. The product is very new and has received grand reviews. It is called Ref and is from Sweden. Seems most salons are picking up on it.
Just back to the topic of salons, it seems you can pay according to the experience of your hairdresser, if you get a trainee to cut your hair it will be cheaper than the highly qualified hairdresser with years of experience.
But always enquire about this and don't assume.
It also seems as though many salons are going the Green route when it comes to colour and hair, some are solely based on being green and using organic non harmful products, a good example of this is the Marie Therese salon. I think its great if you can switch and support salons like this.
There is also the option of going to the Frisorskolen to have your haircut and coloured or shaved and styled by a student who is in hairdressing school, it is far more cheaper. I'm not sure what products are used or knowledgeable on the talent capabilities, but if you are wanting something straightforward and eager to save then this is the bus stop for you to get off at. The reviews have been mixed and that is why i chose a different salon.
Its also advised to invest in a good nourishing hair oil, the water in Copenhagen is very hard and has a high content of lime scale which can make your hair very dry and elastic and static. Ref sells a bottle of Argan hair oil for 200DK at the Street Cut salon. The oil has been extracted from the Argan tree and its qualities are superb without that greasy feeling.
Hope that was helpful, xx
A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN
I can honestly say that when you look at you empty wallet the following morning after a night out, dont expect to find a single krone....that should sober you up quite quickly and let the hangover settle in straight after.
Copenhagen is expensive, especially when you want a night out on the town. Drinks, entrance fee's, a cab and a late night snack can cost a pretty krone.
A lot of Danes, seem to do their drinking at home and then head out very late, we are talking around 12pm. By that stage they are quite sloshed and just buy top ups to keep the buzz going.
If you know where to go and what time, you can have a semi affordable night out by Copenhagen standards. The average beer goes for around 50dk, but if you go to certain places you can grab one for 12dk but that might need to be in the week.
One thing i love about the night scene is the proximity of the places, everything is so close and just a stroll or swagger away. Keep track of the time or bring your bike into town to cycle home because the buses stop running as frequently and a wait can be almost an hour to get back home. Try avoid cabs, they are costly.
I haven't been to many places with a cover charge, if there are try and avoid them and slip in earlier before the rush starts, if there isn't a cover charge there is usually a coat check station that goes for around 20 - 25dk per coat.
Check out my Recommendations list for great affordable places, and if they aren't affordable then its just a must see.
If you are into your hip hop like I am, there is a spot called Rust that was mentioned to me, im very keen to check it out and see what the vibe is.
COPENHAGEN SHOPPING
Okay...so my friend has kindly been showing me around, so far I have been to Fields, a little bit of a train ride outside of Copenhagen (not too far) but really seems like its in the middle of nowhere when you get out of the train and see a vast landscape with no concrete build up all around...refreshing actually. The corridors and shops are very big and it feels great to just have a bit of space as you go about your shopping. There is a wide variety of stores and you are bound to find anything you are looking for.
Then I have been to Fiskorvet Copenhagen Mall, which is pretty much the next stop on the train after Kobenhavn H. I much prefer this spot, its closer, there is a cinema and tons of variety in terms of shops. They have a Fotex which is great. I love the airiness and style of the centre.
Then of course if you want the real Copenhagen shopping experience, go no further than Stroget. Cobble walkways, coffee shop aromas and intricate buildings create a real european shopping experience.
TAX
AAAH...the inevitable Danish Tax.... it sucks!
But it must be paid otherwise a team of squadron will drop down from a helicopter in black suits and goggles and demand the cash sum up front and exterminate you from the country, well at least that's what I think when I don't feel like paying my tax. The great thing is I know I have to because I have work.
Long story short, I wanted to make sure my tax form was filled in correctly and get some advice, so I went to my nearest SKAT office, Sluseholmen 8B. Bit of a trek but once it was done I definitely felt relieved. You will walk in, go to the reception, a number will be handed to you, go to where you see tons and tons of people waiting and join the queue whereby you watch a screen to eventually see you number come up. I had all my questions and queries ready as after a one and a half hour wait I was so afraid the place would close and I would have to return tomororrow once I had just reached the desk. The hours are short, like form ten till 2, so make sure you gt there early because you will wait. A gentleman helped who spoke good english and all I needed was my filled out form that I had downloaded from the SKAT site in english, my CPR card and my residency card, I advise you to bring along your passport in case.
THE SUMMER
sOOOO, the inevitable and highly anticipated Summer has arrived, with mixed reviews. Rainfall just keeps coming, quite a few overcast days and then the odd day of pure sunshine makes an appearance . Not that impressed right now. I want long summer days, with a heat that makes my skin tingle and my eyes squirm at the intensity of the sunlight. Right now, my skin is covered and Im looking at an overcast sky...Fascinating.
The tempreture is a great improvement but thats is about IT, I actually dont want to talk about this subject anymore, just gonna get in a bad mood
