Monaco
Travel tips for Monaco: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.
Cash and cards
Cards work almost everywhere. Recent reports confirm Monaco is virtually cashless, with contactless cards and mobile wallets accepted everywhere—including small cafes, taxis, and public transit—making it entirely possible to visit without carrying any euros.
Try the food
- Barbagiuan: A crisp, deep-fried pastry filled with Swiss chard, ricotta, and fresh herbs.
- Fougasse Monégasque: A sweet, flat bread traditionally decorated with nuts, raisins, and aniseed.
- Socca: A thin, unleavened pancake made from chickpea flour and olive oil, baked in a wood oven until crispy.
Say it in French
- Hello: Bonjour
- Thank you: Merci
- Please: S'il vous plaît
- Excuse me: Excusez-moi
- How much is this?: Combien ça coûte ?
- The bill please: L'addition, s'il vous plaît
- Yes / No: Oui / Non
- Goodbye: Au revoir
Essentials
- Plugs
- Type C / Type E / Type F
- Voltage
- 230V, 50Hz
- Driving
- Right side
- Tap water
- Safe to drink
- Emergency
- 112 (general), 17 (police), 18 (fire/medical)
- SIM tip
- Purchase a regional European eSIM before arrival or a Monaco Telecom SIM at local kiosks, as Monaco is not part of the EU and may not be covered by standard EU roaming plans.
Etiquette
Service is typically included in restaurant bills by law, but leaving a small extra tip of 5 to 10 percent for exceptional service is customary and appreciated.