ABOUT MONACO

Monaco, officially known as the Principality of Monaco, is a sovereign city-state located on the French Riviera in Western Europe. Covering just 2.1 square kilometres, it is the second smallest country in the world, after the Vatican. 

Despite its small size, Monaco boasts a population of around 39,000 people, making it one of the most densely populated countries globally. The official language is French, and the currency used is the Euro. Monaco is famous for its mild Mediterranean climate, with over 300 days of sunshine per year.

The principality is divided into several districts, including the famous Monte Carlo, known for its luxurious casinos and high-end lifestyle. Monaco's economy is driven by tourism, banking, and its status as a tax haven, with no income tax for residents. 

The Port of Monaco, Port Hercule, is often filled with luxury yachts, showcasing the wealth and affluence of its residents and visitors. Monaco is also renowned for its commitment to environmental sustainability, with initiatives to become carbon-neutral by 2050.

Entry into Monaco

Entering Monaco involves a few considerations, especially depending on your nationality and the type of travel documents you possess. Here are the key points for entry into Monaco:

Visa Requirements

Schengen Area
Monaco is not a member of the European Union but has an open border with France and is considered part of the Schengen Area. If you have a valid Schengen visa, you can enter Monaco.

EU/EEA/Swiss Citizen
Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland do not need a visa to enter Monaco.

Visa-Exempt Countries
Citizens of certain countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia, and Japan, can enter Monaco visa-free for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period). Check the Schengen visa policy to confirm if your country is on this list.

Other Nationalities
Travellers from countries not exempt from Schengen visa requirements must obtain a visa before entering Monaco. This is usually done through French consulates.

Travel Documents

Passport
Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area. It's advisable to have at least six months of validity remaining.

Visa
If required, obtain a Schengen visa prior to travel. This visa will allow you entry into Monaco via France.

Money and currency

The official currency of Monaco is the Euro (EUR, €), which is also used in many other European countries. The Euro is divided into 100 cents. Currency exchange services are available at banks, exchange bureaus, hotels, and the Monaco train station. 

ATMs are widely accessible throughout Monaco, accepting international credit and debit cards for cash withdrawals in Euros. Major credit and debit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, are commonly accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. 

Monaco has several banks, including both international and local institutions, such as BNP Paribas, Société Générale, and CFM Indosuez Wealth Management. Banks in Monaco typically operate from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, with some closing for a lunch break. It's advisable to have some Euros in cash, especially for smaller establishments that might not accept cards. 

Tipping is generally included in the bill, but it is customary to round up or leave a small additional amount for exceptional service.

Electricity

In Monaco, the electricity operates at a standard voltage of 230 volts with a frequency of 50 Hz. The principality utilises Type C and Type E electrical sockets, similar to those found in many other European nations. Type C sockets feature two round prongs, whereas Type E sockets also have two round prongs along with an additional hole for the male grounding pin.

Mobile services

Mobile services in Monaco are modern and efficient, providing good coverage and high-speed internet throughout the principality. Monaco Telecom is the primary mobile service provider, offering a range of prepaid and postpaid plans to suit various needs. The network supports 4G and 5G services, ensuring fast and reliable connectivity.

Note to EU number holders: some operators charge extra roaming charges within Monaco, and some charge the same for services in Monaco as in EU countries. 

However, if you're not local and need mobile data, we recommend apps like Airalo (more details here).

Important telephone numbers

There are several important phone numbers in Monaco that residents and visitors should know for emergencies and basic services. Here are some of the most important ones:

• Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 112
• Police: 17
• Fire Department: 18
• Medical Emergencies: 15
• Monaco Hospital (Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace): +377 97 98 99 00
• Monaco Telecom Customer Service: +377 99 66 33 00
• Tourist Information: +377 92 16 61 16

Interesting facts about Monaco

There are several interesting facts about Monaco, here are some of them:

Second Smallest Country
Monaco is the second smallest country in the world, after the Vatican, with an area of just 2.1 square kilometres.

Highest Population Density
Despite its small size, Monaco has the highest population density of any country, with approximately 39,000 residents.

No Income Tax
Monaco is renowned for its tax policies, including the absence of personal income tax, which attracts many wealthy residents.

Casino de Monte-Carlo
The iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo opened in 1863, is a major tourist attraction and has featured in several James Bond films.

Principality
Monaco is a principality, meaning it is a sovereign city-state ruled by a prince. The current ruler is Prince Albert II.

Oceanographic Museum
Founded by Prince Albert I in 1910, the Oceanographic Museum is renowned for its marine science exhibits and its stunning location on a cliffside.

Monte Carlo Ballet
Monaco is home to the world-famous Monte Carlo Ballet, established by Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III in 1985.

Environmental Initiatives
Monaco is committed to environmental sustainability, with initiatives aimed at becoming carbon-neutral by 2050.

High Life Expectancy
Monaco boasts one of the highest life expectancies in the world, with an average lifespan of over 85 years, partly due to its high standard of living and excellent healthcare system.