Monaco

Electricity

The electrical current is 230 volts, 50 Hz. European round 2-pin plugs are used.

Language

The official language of Monaco is French, but English and Italian, as well as Monegasque and Occitan (local languages) are also spoken.

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.

Tipping

Most hotels and restaurants add a service charge in Monaco, but tipping extra for excellent service is appreciated. Porters and valets usually expect a tip. It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers, as they are self-employed.

Health

In general, no immunisations 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's advisable to carry enough personal medication with accompanying doctor's letter; medical insurance is recommended.

Safety

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 in Monaco. Appropriate dress is required for visits to religious buildings, as Monaco is largely Roman Catholic. Jacket and tie are required at the Casino.

Doing business

Business in Monaco is usually conducted formally, so suits and ties are the norm. Greetings include a handshake and business cards are exchanged. French is the official language, though some English is spoken; it's best to ascertain beforehand which language will be used. Business hours are usually 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Duty free

Passengers are allowed to bring in 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, one litre of spirits, medicines sufficient for personal requirements and other goods (for air travellers) up to a total value of EUR 430 per adult.

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). Visitors can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones; hotels, cafes and restaurants provide WiFi.

Passport & Visa

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. Monaco is considered a de-facto member of the Schengen zone because a traveller will need to pass through a Schengen zone country to enter Monaco. Although Monaco does not have its own visa policies, it closely follows the Schengen visa rules.

Additionally, non-EEA passengers to Monaco must hold proof of repatriation, such as return or onward tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay in Monaco. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.

UK citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay in Monaco. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.

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.

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.

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their arrival in Monaco. A visa is required.

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Monaco. No visa is required.

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.

Useful contacts

Monaco Tourism Office, Monaco: +377 9216 6116 or www.visitmonaco.com

17 (police); 18 (ambulance and fire); 112 (emergencies)

Embassies / consulates in other countries

French Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Monaco): +1 202 944 6000.

French Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Monaco): +44 (0)20 7073 1000.

Monaco Consulate, Montreal, Canada: +1 514 878 5878.

French Embassy, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for Monaco): +61 (0)2 6216 0100.

Honorary Consul of Monaco, Cape Town, South Africa: +27 (0)21 702 0991.

French Embassy, Dublin, Ireland (also responsible for Monaco): +353 (0)1 277 5000.

Consulate of Monaco, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 (0)9 523 3313.

Embassies / consulates in Monaco

United States Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Monaco): +33 (0)1 4312 2222.

British Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Monaco): +33 (0)1 4451 3100.

Canadian Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Monaco): +33 (0)1 4443 2900.

Australian Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Monaco): +33 (0)1 4059 3300.

South African Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Monaco): +33 (0)1 5359 2323.

Irish Honorary Consulate, Monaco: +377 93 157 045.

New Zealand Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Monaco): +33 (0)1 4501 4343.