Small towns may only have one or two local taxi operators, but in most cities you will find that many taxis belong to large companies. All taxis in Denmark are licensed by the authorities. They are equipped with meters and fares are regulated. Danish taxis are easily recognised by the green and yellow illuminated on their roof or in the windshield. The light indicates whether or not the taxi is free. If it is on it is available for service the light will be on. If the light is off, the taxi is occupied.

You can get a taxi by hailing one on the street or by requesting one by phone. There are taxi stands at all major transport nodes in Denmark, and you can always ask hotels and restaurants to call a taxi for you.

Many taxi companies operate different types of vehicles to accommodate customers' specific needs. "Ordinary" 4-seater sedans can accommodate four people and four medium-size suitcases. Station-car taxis can accommodate rather more luggage than a sedan. Many companies have larger cars or minibuses, which can carry more than four people, as well as taxis with wheelchair accessibility.

When you call for a taxi remember to inform the service assistant of the number of people travelling, where you want to be picked up, where you are going to, and whether you have a lot of luggage. Remember also to inform the taxi operator if you are travelling with children which require a special child seat. Some taxi operators will allow you travel with your dog in certain taxis, so remember to inform the taxi company if you have a dog with you. You should also inform the company if you need a taxi that you can access with wheelchair, or you are bringing a stroller. 

Many taxi service companies have an MSN service which lets you know when the taxi has arrived.

Some taxi companies enable frequent users to have a taxi turn out at a specific location on demand. If you are frequent user of taxis you should ask the taxi company if it offers such services.

All Danish taxis use meters and charge more or less the same basic fare per kilometre travelled. However, fares are higher in the afternoon, during the evenings and at night, as well as at weekends. Furthermore, if you order a taxi with more seats than an “ordinary” four-seat taxi the fare is likely to be higher. Also, some taxi companies will start on a higher fare if you call after a taxi by phone, instead of hailing one on the street. The taxi fares are non-negotiable.

Note that many companies charge extra for bicycles and prams/large strollers. Many companies also charge extra if the driver carries your luggage to the door.

In addition to cash, most taxis accept credit cards, but check with the driver as you enter the taxi. If you want to pay by credit card, many taxi companies request that you give your credit card to the driver when you enter the taxi. Your card will most likely be swiped two times; the first time to verify the card’s validity, the second time to make a withdrawal from your account.

Note that the taxi driver has the right to ensure that you as a passenger are able to pay the fare. If you request a receipt for the fare, the taxi driver will provide you one.

The fare includes a service charge, so you are not expected to tip. However, many taxi companies charge extra if the driver is asked to carry the luggage to the door.

You may come across so called black-market taxis in Denmark. A black-market taxi is basically a person driving a private car who offers to drive you to your destination for a certain sum of money. The car will not have a taxi light and the person driving the car will not have a licence to offer taxi services. Do not take a black-market taxi. Black-market taxis are illegal, and as a passenger you have no way of knowing who the driver is, or if he or she will drive you to your destination for the price you have agreed.

At www.gulesider.dk, you can search for a taxi services in your area by entering 'taxa' in the “Hvad/What” section, and where you are, or the postal code in the “Hvor/Where” section. 

You can also find a list of some of the taxi companies in Denmark listed on expats in Denmark’s website.

In Aarhus you can book a taxi from:

• Aarhus Taxa, www.aarhus-taxa.dk.  Phone number: (+45) 89 48 48 48.
• DanTaxi, Århus, www.dantaxi.dk. Phone number: (+45) 70 25 25 25.