Monaco

An independent city-state west of the French Côte d'Azur, the Principality of Monaco is the playground of Europe's celebrities and idle rich. They are drawn by the sun, glamorous lifestyle and, most importantly, tax-free income, not to mention being in close proximity to one of the world's most publicised and famous Royal families. There are more millionaires per capita in this, the world's most densely populated country, than anywhere else, but true 'Monagasques' make up only about 15 percent of the population in a country that is jam-packed with opulence, wealth and the world's most expensive real estate.

As anyone who has seen the legendary Grand Prix will know, Monaco and its unofficial capital Monte-Carlo (the country doesn't actually have a capital) aren't as good looking as its sleek residents and visitors; most of the buildings are unattractive monstrosities, and the tiered urban jungle is cut off from the shoreline by sweeping roads: the roads on which Formula 1 racing cars screech during the annual Grand Prix in the second week of May each year.

Monaco does, however, have a suitably glamorous history: disguised as a Franciscan monk, Francois Grimaldi reclaimed a fortress on the Rock of Monaco from a rival Italian bloc in 1297, giving the country its name, which is derived from the word monk. The country soon became a major port and prospered, and when Lord Honore II took power in 1604, he declared himself a Prince - a tradition that remains today. Later, Monaco was annexed by France, but the Grimaldis soon regained their power and in the late 1800s, in order to restore wealth to the country, Prince Charles III created the Societe des Bains de Mer, consisting of a casino, some hotels and a theatre, from which sprung today's glittering Monte-Carlo area.

If it's open spaces you are seeking, go elsewhere (apart from a few ornate parks there is little to enjoy); likewise, if your wallet is light, stay away, unless you want to try your luck at filling it in Monaco's landmark Roccoco Casino. However, if you want see and be seen, and rub cloaks with royalty, then Monaco is the place to be.

Climate

Monaco enjoys a mild, pleasant Mediterranean climate, averaging about 300 days of sunshine a year. Summer temperatures are usually in the 80-84º F (26-29ºC) range, while winter temperatures range between 48ºF and 58ºF (8-14ºC). July and August are the hottest months, while spring and autumn are perfect times to travel to Monaco as temperatures are at their mildest. The winter months of January and February tend to be the coldest and also receive the most rainfall.

Money

The unit of currency is the Euro (EUR), divided into 100 cents. Money can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change or hotels. Bank hours are usually 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm Monday to Friday and are closed on weekends. The Credit Foncier de Monacois open daily. Travellers cheques (US$ are the preferred currency) are not widely accepted and should be exchanged at banks or a bureaux de change. All major credit cards are widely accepted.

Passport Visa

The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. Additionally, non-EEA passengers to Monaco must hold proof of repatriation - such as return/onward tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their arrival in Monaco. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months. Note that passport exemptions apply to holders of an Identity Card issued to nationals of the USA, but ONLY when they are travelling to St. Pierre and Miquelon Islands, and for a maximum stay of 15 days.
• British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three month beyond their arrival in Monaco. Passport exemptions apply to holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authories, and endorsed 'Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom'. A visa is not required for passports endorsed British Citizen; nor for holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authories, and endorsed 'Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom'. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months, for holders of passports endorsed British National (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and British Subject (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom).
• Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their arrival in Monaco. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months. Note that passport exemptions apply to holders of an Identity Card issued to nationals of Canada, but ONLY when they are travelling to St. Pierre and Miquelon Islands, and for a maximum stay of 15 days.
• Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their arrival in Monaco. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.
• South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their arrival in Monaco. A visa is required. Note that entry will be refused to holders of temporary South African passports.
• Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Monaco. No visa is required.
• New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond their arrival in Monaco. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.

Health

In general, no immunizations are necessary for travel to Monaco and there are no major health risks. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) does not provide health cover in Monaco. It is advised to carry enough personal medication with accompanying doctor's letter. Medical insurance is recommended.

Embassy Consulates

• French Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Monaco): +1 202 944 6000.
• French Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Monaco): +44 (0)20 7073 1000.
• Monaco Consulate, Montreal, Canada: +1 514 878 5878.
• French Embassy, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for Monaco): +61 (0)2 6216 0100.
• Honorary Consul of Monaco, Cape Town, South Africa: +27 (0)21 702 0991.
• French Embassy, Dublin, Ireland (also responsible for Monaco): +353 (0)1 277 5000.
• Consulate of Monaco, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 (0)9 523 3313.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Monaco): +33 (0)1 4312 2222.
• British Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Monaco): +33 (0)1 4451 3100.
• Canadian Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Monaco): +33 (0)1 4443 2900.
• Australian Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Monaco): +33 (0)1 4059 3300.
• South African Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Monaco): +33 (0)1 5359 2323.
• Irish Honorary Consulate, Monaco: +377 93 157 045.
• New Zealand Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Monaco): +33 (0)1 4501 4343.