Location:
Monaco (The Principality of Monaco is a sovereign and independent state.)

Capital:
Monaco

Official Language:
French. However, English and Italian are widely spoken and understood.

Population:
32,020

The mere mention of Monaco evokes images of glamorous people and beautiful scenery.  Located in the heart of Mediterranean Europe, the principality of Monaco is comfortably nestled between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, bounded by the French Riviera to the west and the Italian Riviera to the east.  At only three miles long by one-and-a-half miles wide, Monaco is the second smallest country in the world after Vatican City in Rome, but it packs a punch as a must-visit destination for fun and elegance.  Aside from its breathtaking vistas, beaches and casinos, Monaco is known for the speed, excitement and sounds of the Monaco Grand Prix and Ironman racing.  

Passport/Visa Requirements

Currency
The monetary currency is the Euro which is divided as follows: bills of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500; coins of 1, 2, 5, 10 Euros, 20 and 50 cents. Visit www.xe.com current exchange rates.
All major credit cards are accepted in Monaco and can be used for purchases or obtaining cash. If you are unsure about the compatibility of your card, contact your credit card company or local bank.  It is always a good idea to let your credit card company know you will be traveling out of the country to avoid any usage problems. 

Time
In terms of standard time zones, Monaco is six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the USA and Canada. Daylight saving time in Monaco goes into effect each year usually from the end of March to the middle of October.

Electricity
The electrical current in Monaco is AC - the cycle is 50Hz 230 V. A tourist carrying electrical appliances to Monaco should have a transformer. Plugs have round prongs, not flat; therefore an adapter plug is also needed.  Transformers and adapters should be purchased prior to leaving the U.S.

Water
There is plenty of water of excellent drinking standard. 

Climate
Situated in the heart of Mediterranean Europe, Monaco enjoys a particularly mild climate, with more than 300 days of sunshine per year. One of the loveliest times to be in Monaco is fall. With temperatures in the 60s to 70s, the beaches are crowded until mid-October.  The average maximum temperature for September is 82° F, with the minimum being 74° F. 

Communication
The region is very well developed in terms of IT networks and telephone communications. The international access code is 377.  Hotels offer Internet access and there are also Internet cafe’s.

Transportation
Due to its size, getting around Monaco is fairly easy.  Walking is a good way to enjoy the scenery and is made easy thanks to the numerous elevators, which move visitors between the different altitudes.  The Monégasque Bus Company (Companie des Autobus de Monaco) operates six lines with departures approximately every 11 minutes, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. A flat rate is applied whatever the destination. However, cards for 4 to 8 journeys can be purchased at a reduced rate.

Tipping
Service at hotels and restaurants is already included in the bill, while tipping for special services is up to the discretion of the visitor.

Dress Code
Apart from on the beaches and bathing areas, it is forbidden to walk around in swimsuits, without shirts or barefoot. Appropriate clothing must be worn in all public establishments and in particular in religious buildings. If you are planning on visiting the casino, a jacket and tie should be worn.

Shopping
Monaco’s luxury fashion boutiques can be found along the main shopping area near the Place du Casino. On the Boulevard des Moulins, prices are more reasonable. Shopping hours are from 9:00 a.m. to noon and from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00p.m. daily, except Sundays.

Related Links:
Ironman 70.3 Monaco – Official Site
Monaco Tourism