Travelling through Monaco can sometimes feel like entering a crazy, high class circus, as 30,000 individuals, predominantly wealthy foreigners, are packed into 1.95km2 of the second smallest country in the world. A constitutional monarchy since 1911, it’s foreign policy and many of its economic interests are aligned with France by virtue of treaty; yet it remains an independent city-state famous for its summer street race, Monte Carlo casino and the excesses of its celebrity royal family.
The official language is French but there are over 100 different nationalities among its people and all children are required to learn Monégasque at school. Its economy is based on finance and retail and while it is not a member of the EU much of its monetary policy is in line with European Community Law. In 2003 it was identified as a tax haven and received criticism from the international community over investigations into corporation tax and money laundering; yet since 2009 healthy international relations have been restored after significant efforts to combat any endemic corruption.
Tourism is another major income stream and a number of events attract visitors in droves; the Tennis Masters in April, Non Violent Film Festival in December, Monte Carlo Opera Season during the winter months and the Arts Festival in the Spring– not to mention the Formula 1 Grand Prix. The warm Mediterranean climate, glamorous harbour and hedonistic array of pleasures are yet more of its charms; you can stay entertained here for as long as you still have some reserve of energy and a few coins in your wallet.
Getting there
Monaco has no international air or ferry links. However, there are no border restrictions crossing to France and there are regular train and bus links to most major French cities. Cote d’Azur Airport in Nice is the closest international terminal.
Getting around
Buses and taxies provide local transportation. You can walk across the whole of Monaco in a couple of hours.
Local information
Language: French, Monagesque
Time: UTC+1
Climate: Oceanic Mediterranean. Hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Temperature: Max 26°C (August), Min 7°C (January). Rainfall: Max 125mm (November), Min 15mm (August)
Currency: Euro
Business etiquette: Business suits are the norm. Handshakes are a common form of greeting. Greetings are important, as are goodbyes; be sure to greet everybody in the room. It is considered impolite to start conversing in French before reverting to English. If you require a translator, apologise for your lack of French at the start.
Tipping: Service is included in restaurant bills; porters and valets expect a small tip.
Duty free: As per France. All visitors without private transport enter from France and there are no active border restrictions.
Safety: Incidence of crime is low. Thefts have occurred on trains travelling to and from Monaco.
Laws: It is illegal to walk around in swimsuits, barefoot or stripped to the waist outside of beaches and bathing areas.
Healthcare: Excellent but expensive medical facilities are available. EHIC cards are not valid in Monaco. Health insurance is essential.
Socket type: Type C, Type D
