Andorra Travel Guide

Andorra is a tiny dot on the map; an independent Principality dwarfed by France and Spain, most famous for being a tax haven and a popular tourist destination peppered with summer and winter resorts.Following centuries of struggle between the counts and the bishops of Urgell for the surrounding valleys, Andorra came into being in 1278, when the Spanish bishop of La Seu d'Urgell, and the French House of Foix established co-sovereignty of the area. The French and Spanish continued to tussle over the region and it was only in 1993 that it officially became an independent state, obtaining its first written constitution. With this mixed history, it is no surprise that true Andorrans are a minority in their own country; Spaniards, French and Portuguese make up the majority of the population.The country occupies 181 square miles (468 sq km) and is mountainous and beautiful, dotted with lakes, forests, and three major rivers. Scenery, flora and fauna are typical of the Pyrenees region. Its principal and most populated town is Andorra la Vella and there are several museums and monuments to explore, including a Miniature Museum, a Perfume museum and an Ethnographic museum. The principal reason, however, for visits to Andorra is for the excellent skiing. The country boasts several major ski resorts, including GrandValira (formerly called Soldeu/El Tartar) and VallNord (formerly Arcalis/Ordino), which cater for all types of skiers.If skiing is not for you, however, Andorra also offers plenty of hiking opportunities, horse riding, golfing, relaxing in some fine restaurants and cafes, and of course some excellent duty-free shopping.

---

Andorra Climate and Weather

Andorra's climate is typical of mountainous areas, with cold winters and mild summers. The climate is dry, with a large number of sunny days. Autumn experiences the highest rainfall, while winter gets plenty of snow, guaranteeing excellent skiing conditions and drawing in the crowds to the various ski resorts. The average temperature range is between 28ºF (-2ºC) and 75ºF (24ºC).

---

Andorra Currency

Money: The unit of currency is the Euro, divided into 100 cents. Currency can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change and to avoid additional charges it is best to have travellers cheques in Euros. Most major credit cards are accepted, including Eurocheque cards and ATMs are widely available in Andorra La Vella.

Currency Exchange Rates
EUR 1 =	US$ 1.45	£ 0.69	C$ 1.37	A$ 1.56	R 9.46	EUR 1.00	NZ$ 1.88

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

---

Andorra Health Overview

There are no health risks associated with travel to Andorra, but it is recommended that travellers are up to date with routine immunisations. Medical care in Andorra and neighbouring Spain and France is excellent, but can be expensive and medical insurance is advised.

---

Andorra Passport & Visa Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens need a valid passport, but no visa is required to enter Andorra.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:British nationals need a passport, but no visa is required to enter Andorra.
Entry requirements for Canadians:Canadians need a valid passport, but no visa is required to enter Andorra.
Entry requirements for Australians:Australians need a valid passport, but no visa is required to enter Andorra.
Entry requirements for South Africans:South Africans need a valid passport, but no visa is required to enter Andorra.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:Irish nationals need a passport, but no visa is required to enter Andorra.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:New Zealand nationals need a valid passport, but no visa is required to enter Andorra.
Passport/Visa Note:Although there are no visa requirements for Andorra, travellers must have the relevant documentation for either France or Spain, depending on which country will be transited to reach Andorra, and should apply to the relevant embassy in their home country. Visitors must also hold onward tickets and all other documents required for next destination.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

---

Andorra Basics

Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).
Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round pin attachment plugs and Shuko plug and receptacle with side grounding contacts are in use.
Language: The official language of Andorra is Catalan (used in administration and business), but Spanish, French and Portuguese are also spoken.
Health: There are no health risks associated with travel to Andorra, but it is recommended that travellers are up to date with routine immunisations. Medical care in Andorra and neighbouring Spain and France is excellent, but can be expensive and medical insurance is advised.
Tipping: A 10% service charge is usually included on restaurant bills and anything extra is for exceptional service.
Safety: There are no risks associated with travel to Andorra, but travellers should always be vigilant and not display valuables.
Customs: Andorrans tend to be friendly and courteous. Smoking is common, although restrictions have been placed in neighbouring Spain.
Business: Catalan is the official language of Andorra, although Spanish is also widely spoken, as well as Portuguese, French and some English, and it is best to ascertain before hand which language will be used. Punctuality is important, handshakes are the norm on greeting, and business attire should be smart and formal.
Communications: The international access code for Andorra is +376. The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are not in use. Andorra is well covered by a GSM 900 network and roaming agreements are offered by most international mobile companies. Internet cafes are widely available.
Duty Free: Andorra is a duty free zone and therefore there are no restrictions. However, regulations of either France or Spain must be adhered to when leaving from either of those countries.

---