Organize your stay Andorra
Money Andorra
The euro is of course in force! Since Andorra does not mint its own euro coins, the currency that circulates in the country comes from other countries in the euro zone.
Cost of living. The cost of living is about the same as in France, with one major difference: there are no taxes! Everything will therefore seem affordable, and even, for some common products (food as well as household appliances), very cheap. So take advantage of this opportunity to do some shopping!
Banks. Banks are open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 1pm. Closed on Sundays. You will find cash dispensers everywhere.
Budget & Tips Andorra
The budget starts with the trip. It all depends on where you are coming from (Paris, Toulouse, Bordeaux...), and by what means of transportation you are traveling (car, train, plane...). Hotel prices vary according to the number of stars, the city and the time of the year. Let's say that the first price for a hotel room is around 30 €, and can reach 300 € a night in a luxury hotel in high season. Prices increase in high season, between December and March, and then secondarily from June to September.
Small budget. Prices start at around 30 € per night per person in Andorra, in modest hotels. There is a wide range of accommodation in the major cities. In the smaller cities, prices can be more attractive, but it is better to book in advance. As for restaurants, you can eat in snack bars and other small cafés for less than 10 €, especially at lunchtime. If your budget is limited, it will be more difficult to taste good traditional cuisine, unless you find a borda that offers menus for less than 20 €. As far as activities are concerned, small budgets will be confronted with a much more affordable offer than in France, despite the increase in prices during the winter period. Hiking, in particular, is free if it is not guided. Horseback riding, for example, can be done for 20/25 €. On the other hand, you can fill up on culture, museums cost only 3 €. Many sites can also be visited for free, such as the Romanesque churches.
Average budget. A night in a 3 or 4 star hotel varies between 50 and 100 € per night and per person, including breakfast. The menu in these hotels will cost between 15 and 20 €. If you want to eat out, don't worry, Andorra is full of excellent restaurants that cost between 25 and 50 €. In terms of leisure and relaxation, horseback riding, climbing, swimming, quad biking are all activities that fit into an average budget. If you find that you don't have enough, the sports centers in the cities offer access to all their equipment. If you like comfort, don't hesitate to look for a 4-star hotel, the prices can be quite reasonable, especially if you look at the offers available on the hotels' websites.
Big budget. A night in a 4-star or 5-star hotel ranges from 100 to 300 € per person with half board. While seasonal offers can be interesting, you can indulge yourself in the higher-end hotels. A 5-star hotel can be ideal for a relaxing and spa-like stay. As far as food is concerned, you rarely leave a restaurant with a bill of more than 60 € per head, unless you eat like an ogre and take three menus. For activities, nothing will seem expensive, but if you want to treat yourself, take a helicopter or hot air balloon ride.
Passport and visas Andorra
Adults over the age of majority will need to present a valid ID card or passport. Minors accompanied by parents or guardians must present an identity card or be registered on the passport of one of the parents. Unaccompanied minors must have an authorization to leave the country (obtainable from your local town hall) and a valid identity card or passport.
Please note the entry conditions for your pets. Find out before your departure how they can accompany you. Carry their health and vaccination records with you.
Driver's license Andorra
Whether you want to drive on the Andorran road network or rent a car, you will not be asked for an international driving license. Your French license will do.
Health Andorra
In case of a minor health problem or injury, there are medical centers in each parish. You should know that Andorra has an agreement with Spain, France and Portugal for medical coverage. In the event of an accident, all tourists arriving from these countries must send the Andorran Social Security Fund their medical bills and the form for reimbursement of these expenses. For more information, contact the Caixa Andorrana de Seguretat Social (www.cass.ad).
Mandatory vaccination Andorra
There are no vaccinations or special health recommendations for a trip to Andorra. Just bring a small first aid kit.
Security Andorra
No special precautions are necessary if you come to Andorra. The location of this Pyrenean country and the professionalism of the police maintain a high level of security. Insecurity is really non-existent and many people even leave their cars open. However, the influx of tourists makes it necessary to be more cautious, especially in Andorra la Vella and Pas de la Casa. If you are going to the mountains, make sure you are well-equipped, whether you are skiing in winter or hiking in summer. Everything you need and want is readily available in the many sportswear stores in Andorra's towns.
For the latest information on safety in Andorra, you can consult the "Advice to travelers" section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs. Be aware, however, that the site provides an exhaustive list of potential dangers and that it sometimes gives a somewhat alarmist picture of the real situation in the country.
Time difference Andorra
There is no time difference between France and Andorra. The country is 1 hour ahead of the Greenwich meridian (GMT +1). Summer and winter time are applied.
Spoken languages Andorra
With a little bit of "frangnol" (a mixture of Spanish and French), you should be fine in Andorra. Moreover, French is spoken fluently by many locals, and you should also come across a few French expatriates. In Pas-de-la-Case, no problem, only French is spoken. Nevertheless, if you ever decide to put down your bags in the principality and learn Catalan, the Ministry of Education has set up a system of courses for foreigners in some parishes.
Communication Andorra
The internet network as well as the phone coverage are perfect in the principality... but not affordable for those who don't have an Andorran sim card! Unless you have subscribed to an international package, we advise you against using your French mobile phone in Andorra: the rates are prohibitive! Instead, use the hotel phone where you are staying and connect to the wifi network of the establishments you come across.
Electricity and measurements Andorra
The double plugs operate at 220 volts and 50 Hz, as in France. As in France, the metric system is used as a reference.
Luggage Andorra
There's no need to pack your entire wardrobe, especially as you may be tempted by Andorran prices.
In winter, take all your skiing gear with you. For reasons of economy, it is always a good idea to have your equipment with you, if you have been able to transport it. That said, the rental of equipment and ski boots will be less expensive than in the French Pyrenees. As far as classic clothes are concerned, come covered, as temperatures can go down to -20°C in altitude. So down jackets, warm sweaters, hats, scarves and gloves will be your best friends.
In summer, a good pair of hiking boots is essential as there are so many sites to visit and excursions to make in the mountains. Don't forget your swimsuit, because you will not miss any opportunity to swim, especially if your hotel has a swimming pool.
Essential equipment: a first aid kit (always a plus for adventures in nature), sun cream (summer and winter), sunglasses.
