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Monaco

French

• 230 volts

• A travel plug adapter for Type E and F sockets is required.

Banks

9.00 a.m.–12.00/12.30 p.m. and 2.00–4.00/4.30 p.m. (Mon–Fri)

Shops

9.00 a.m.–12.30 p.m. and 3.00–6.30 p.m. (Mon–Sat)

• 1 January:  New Year’s Day (Nouvel An)
• 6 January: Epiphany (Épiphanie)
• 27 January: Saint Devota’s Day (Fête de Sainte-Dévote)
• Easter Sunday (Pâques) - date varies according to the Christian calendar
• Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques) - date varies according to the Christian calendar
• 1 May: Labour Day (Fête du Travail)
• Ascension Day (Ascension) - date varies according to the Christian calendar
• Whit Monday (Lundi de Pentecôte) - date varies according to the Christian calendar
• Corpus Christi (Fête-Dieu) - date varies according to the Christian calendar
• 15 August: Assumption Day (Assomption)
• 1 November: All Saints’ Day (Toussaint)
• 19 November: National Day (Fête Nationale)
• 8 December: Immaculate Conception (Immaculée Conception)
• 25 December: Christmas Day (Noël)

The following documents are required to enter Monaco:

• A valid Swiss identity card or a valid Swiss passport

• No visa is required.

• Minors: a travel consent form is recommended for minors travelling alone, with only one parent or without their parents.

As of: July 2024

Monaco enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterised by mild winters and warm summers.

Average temperatures range from 8°C to 14°C in winter and from 20°C to 27°C in summer.

Thanks to its location on the French Riviera, Monaco enjoys plenty of sunshine throughout the year, with more than 300 sunny days annually. Rainfall is moderate, with most precipitation occurring in autumn and winter. The pleasant climate makes Monaco an attractive destination at any time of year.

• Using a mobile phone in Monaco may incur roaming charges. Travellers are advised to check the applicable roaming fees before departure and, where necessary, purchase a suitable roaming package to reduce costs.

• Free Wi-Fi is available in many cafés, hotels, public spaces and on public transport.

• Prince’s Palace (Palais Princier): majestic residence of the Princely Family, with a daily changing of the guard and guided tours.

• Monaco-Ville (Le Rocher): picturesque old town perched on a rocky promontory, filled with historic buildings and charming narrow streets.

• Oceanographic Museum (Musée Océanographique): world-famous museum and aquarium featuring fascinating marine exhibits and spectacular views.

• Monte-Carlo Casino: legendary casino with luxurious architecture and a glamorous atmosphere.

• Jardin Exotique: exotic garden featuring a wide variety of cacti and succulents, with magnificent views over Monaco and the Mediterranean.

• Monaco Cathedral (Cathédrale de Monaco): imposing Romanesque-Byzantine cathedral housing the tombs of members of the Princely Family.

• Monaco Grand Prix Circuit: world-famous Formula 1 circuit running through the streets of Monte-Carlo.

• Larvotto Beach: popular beach with clear water and excellent facilities for swimming and relaxing.

• Japanese Garden (Jardin Japonais): peaceful garden designed in a traditional Japanese style.

• Port Hercule: luxurious harbour filled with impressive yachts.

• New National Museum of Monaco (Nouveau Musée National de Monaco): modern museum showcasing contemporary art.

• Collection of Cars of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco (Collection de Voitures Anciennes de S.A.S. le Prince de Monaco): fascinating collection of classic and historic vehicles belonging to the Prince of Monaco.

For even more inspiration about Monaco, take a look at our blog article featuring additional highlights, tips and impressions from the Principality.

Monaco is a paradise for food lovers and is known for its exclusive Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Fresh ingredients from the Mediterranean region, refined cooking techniques and international influences make its culinary scene particularly distinctive.

• Mediterranean cuisine: Monegasque cuisine makes full use of the abundance of fresh ingredients available from the Mediterranean. Fish and seafood play a central role, complemented by fresh vegetables, olive oil and aromatic herbs. Classics such as bouillabaisse and ratatouille are frequently found on menus.

• Monaco specialities: local specialities include “barbagiuan”, a filled pastry made with rice, pumpkin and cheese, and “socca”, a chickpea-flour pancake often served as a snack.

• Fine dining: Monaco is home to some of the world’s most renowned restaurants, including several Michelin-starred establishments.

• Bistros and brasseries: alongside haute cuisine, Monaco also offers numerous bistros and brasseries serving hearty, traditional dishes.

• Patisserie and desserts: the art of patisserie is held in just as high regard in Monaco as it is in France. Enjoy delicious croissants, tarte Tatin, crème brûlée and other sweet delicacies prepared with great attention to detail.

• Wine and champagne: Monaco offers an excellent selection of wines and champagne. Restaurant wine lists feature prestigious bottles from some of the world’s finest wine-producing regions, particularly France, Italy and Spain.

• Greetings: a firm handshake and a friendly “Bonjour” or “Bonsoir” are customary. Among friends and family, two kisses on the cheeks are also common.

• Saying please and thank you: use “S’il vous plaît” (please) and “Merci” (thank you) to show politeness.

• Clothing: a neat appearance is important. Smart attire is expected in upscale restaurants and casinos – men should wear a jacket and tie, while women may opt for an elegant dress.

• Dining etiquette: wait until the host says “Bon appétit” before beginning to eat. Bread is placed beside the plate rather than on it. A glass of wine or champagne is common.

• Smoking: smoking is prohibited in enclosed public spaces. Use designated outdoor smoking areas.

• Tipping: a tip of around 10-15% is customary, even though service is often included in restaurant bills. A small gratuity is also appreciated by taxi drivers and hotel staff.

• Tap water in Monaco is treated with chlorine. Although it is safe to drink, it may cause stomach discomfort in some people. Bottled water is therefore recommended.

• No mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Monaco.

• Ensure that your standard vaccinations and those of your children are up to date in accordance with the Swiss vaccination schedule issued by the Federal Office of Public Health.

Medical care in Monaco is of a high standard. The Principality has modern healthcare facilities and well-trained medical staff.

• Swiss compulsory health insurance is not valid in Monaco. Travellers are therefore strongly advised to take out travel health insurance that covers medical treatment and repatriation.

• If you take medication regularly, make sure you bring an adequate supply for the entire duration of your stay.

• Pharmacies are widely available and well stocked in Monaco. They offer a broad range of prescription and over-the-counter medicines.

Before and during your trip, keep informed about the current situation through the media and remain in contact with your tour operator.

• Monaco is considered one of the safest countries in the world. The crime rate is very low, and the Principality has a well-trained and highly visible police force.

• The risk of terrorist attacks cannot be completely ruled out.

• In busy areas and tourist hotspots, travellers should be alert to pickpockets and scammers.

• Further information on the current security situation is available on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

As of: July 2024

• A Swiss driving licence is recognised for car rentals, provided that it was obtained at least one year previously, depending on the rental company.

• The minimum age for renting a car ranges from 21 to 25, depending on the company. Drivers under 25 should generally expect to pay a young-driver surcharge.

• A speed limit of 50 km/h applies throughout the Principality of Monaco.

• Monaco’s road network extends for approximately 80 kilometres.

• Blood alcohol limit: 0.5‰.

• Long-distance trains: Monaco is connected to the European long-distance rail network, with services to major cities such as Nice, Marseille and Paris. The main railway station, Monaco-Monte-Carlo, offers regular high-speed (TGV), Intercity and regional services.

• Regional trains: regional rail services are ideal for exploring the surrounding area. TER (Transport Express Régional) trains connect Monaco with destinations along the French Riviera, such as Menton and Cannes. Services are frequent and reliable.

• Buses: Monaco has a well-developed bus network covering the entire Principality. Buses operated by the Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco (CAM) run regularly and connect all major parts of the city.

• Tickets: bus and train tickets can be purchased from ticket machines, kiosks and online.

• Apps: several apps are available for using public transport in Monaco:

  • Monaco Bus: this app provides real-time information on bus timetables, stops and routes.

  • SNCF: for train journeys, the SNCF app provides information on timetables, delays and ticket bookings.

  • Moovit: a comprehensive public transport app offering route planning and real-time information for buses and trains in Monaco and the surrounding area.

  • PBSC: the PBSC app provides information on the availability and locations of rental bicycles in Monaco. It allows users to find, book and pay for bicycles easily.

Monaco does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE), approximately 30 km away.

00 41 (omit the initial zero of the Swiss area code)

• Single emergency number: 112

• Fire brigade: 18

• Police: 17

• Ambulance: 15

Monaco does not have its own Embassy of Switzerland. The Swiss representation responsible for Monaco is located in France.

Embassy of Switzerland
142 Rue de Grenelle
Paris
Tel. +33 1 49 55 67 00
Email: paris@eda.admin.ch

• To avoid legal issues, travellers are advised not to bring back souvenirs of animal or plant origin.

• Monaco is not a member of the European Union. However, as the Principality has a customs union with France, EU regulations apply to goods intended for personal use.