|
|
|
City Guide
- Overview
- The Basics
- Contacts
- Attractions
- Events
- Restaurants
- Nightlife
- Shopping
- Airports
- Transport
- Climate
- Photos
- Hotels in Monte-Carlo
- Flights to Monte-Carlo
Directory
The Basics
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50 Hz. European round 2-pin plugs are used.
Money: The unit of currency is the Euro (EUR), divided into 100 cents. Money can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change or hotels. Bank hours are usually 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm Monday to Friday and are closed on weekends. The Credit Foncier de Monaco is open daily. Travellers cheques (US$ are the preferred currency) are not widely accepted and should be exchanged at banks or a bureaux de change. All major credit cards are widely accepted.
Currency Exchange Rates
| € 1.00 = | A$ 1.23 | C$ 1.29 | € 1.00 | NZ$ 1.60 | £ 0.83 | US$ 1.27 | R 10.70 |
Language: The official language of Monaco is French, but English and Italian, as well as Mongasque and Occitan (local languages) are also spoken.
Entry requirements:
Entry requirements for Americans: US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their arrival in Monaco. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months. Note that passport exemptions apply to holders of an Identity Card issued to nationals of the USA, but ONLY when they are travelling to St. Pierre and Miquelon Islands, and for a maximum stay of 15 days. Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three month beyond their arrival in Monaco. Passport exemptions apply to holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authories, and endorsed 'Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom'. A visa is not required for passports endorsed British Citizen; nor for holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authories, and endorsed 'Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom'. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months, for holders of passports endorsed British National (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and British Subject (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom). Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their arrival in Monaco. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months. Note that passport exemptions apply to holders of an Identity Card issued to nationals of Canada, but ONLY when they are travelling to St. Pierre and Miquelon Islands, and for a maximum stay of 15 days. Entry requirements for Australians: Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their arrival in Monaco. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months. Entry requirements for South Africans: South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their arrival in Monaco. A visa is required. Note that entry will be refused to holders of temporary South African passports. Entry requirements for New Zealand nationals: New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their arrival in Monaco. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.Passport/Visa Note: The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. Additionally, non-EEA passengers to Monaco must hold proof of repatriation - such as return/onward tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Travel Health: In general, no immunizations are necessary for travel to Monaco and there are no major health risks. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) does not provide health cover in Monaco. It is advised to carry enough personal medication with accompanying doctor's letter. Medical insurance is recommended.
Tipping: Most hotels and restaurants add a service charge in Monaco, but tipping extra for excellent service is appreciated. Porters/valets usually expect a tip. It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers, as they are self-employed.
Safety Information: Trips to Monaco are usually trouble-free, but the usual, sensible precautions such as being vigilant after dark and taking care of valuables apply.
Local Customs: Swimsuits, bare chests and bare feet are restricted to beaches and swimming areas only in Monaco. Appropriate dress is required for visits to religious buildings (Monaco is largely Roman Catholic). Jacket and tie are required at the Casino.
Business: Business in Monaco is usually conducted formally and suits and ties are the norm. Greetings are made with a handshake and business cards can be exchanged. French is the official language of Monaco, though some English is spoken; it is best to ascertain beforehand which language will be used. Business hours are usually 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Communications: The international access code for Monaco is +377. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Mobile phone coverage is excellent and roaming agreements exist with most international mobile companies (it is best to check with phone providers). Internet cafes are common.
Duty free: Currency must be declared on arrival and passengers are allowed 400 cigarettes, one litre of liquor and a reasonable amount of perfume for personal use.