Andorra travel information
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Directory
Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).
Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round pin attachment plugs and Shuko plugs and receptacles with side grounding contacts are in use.
Language: The official language of Andorra is Catalan (used in administration and business). More than half the population speaks Spanish, and French and Portuguese are also spoken.
Getting around: There are no airports in Andorra, but the nearest airport is Spain's El Prat Barcelona Airport (BCN), located 140 miles (225km) from the Principality. The roads in Andorra are in good condition and as it is a small country, it is relatively easy to negotiate by car. The principal road runs through Andorra from the Spanish to the French borders. Roads are, however, fairly windy and are subject to closure in winter. Buses and minibuses link the various towns and villages, and there are daily buses from Barcelona and Toulouse, France. Roads can get crowded and traffic is usually somewhat chaotic, especially during peak holiday season.
Health: There are no health risks associated with travel to Andorra, but it is recommended that travellers are up to date with routine immunisations. Medical care in Andorra and neighbouring Spain and France is excellent, but can be expensive and medical insurance is advised.
Tipping: A 10% service charge is usually included on restaurant bills and anything extra is for exceptional service.
Safety: There are no risks associated with travel to Andorra, but travellers should always be vigilant and not display valuables.
Customs: Andorrans tend to be friendly and courteous. Smoking is common, although restrictions have been placed in neighbouring Spain.
Business: Catalan is the official language of Andorra, although Spanish is widely spoken. A small minority speak French and English is minimal. It is best to ascertain before meetings which language will be used. Punctuality is important, handshakes are the norm on greeting, and business attire should be smart and formal.
Communications: The international access code for Andorra is +376. The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are not in use. Andorra is well covered by a GSM 900 network and most international mobile companies offer roaming agreements. Internet cafes are widely available.
Duty Free: Andorra is a duty free zone and therefore there are no restrictions. However, regulations of either France or Spain must be adhered to when leaving from either of those countries.
