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Monaco travel guide - Monaco
holidays, flights & hotels.
Top destination guides for Monaco holidays;
Monte Carlo
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Monaco Holidays, Monaco Holiday Packages Overview
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 has 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
its 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.
Tourist Offices - Monaco Tourism Office, Monaco: +377 9216
6116 or www.visitmonaco.com
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Entry Requirements
- For Australians -
Australian nationals do not require a visa for stays
of up to one month; a valid passport is required.
- New Zealand nationals do not require a visa for stays
if up to three months; a valid passport is required.
- US nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to
three months; a valid passport is required.
- US nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to
three months; a valid passport is required.
- UK nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to
three months; a valid passport is required.
Monaco Holidays - Currency of Monaco
The unit of currency is the Euro, 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, although the Credit Foncier de Monaco
near the Casino is open daily from 12pm to 11pm including holidays.
Travellers cheques (US$ are the preferred currency) are not widely
accepted and should be exchanged at banks or bureaux de change. All
major credit cards are widely accepted
Monaco
Telephone Access Codes and Communications
The international access code for Monaco
is +377. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country
code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Mobile phone coverage is
excellent and roving agreements exist with most international
mobile companies (it is best to check with phone providers).
Internet cafes are common.
Monaco
Duty Free Allowances & Restrictions
Currency must be declared on arrival, but
passengers are allowed 400 cigarettes, 1 litre of liquor and a
reasonable amount of perfume for personal
use.
Monaco
Holidays & Packages- Tipping Information
Most hotels and restaurants add a service charge,
but tipping extra for excellent service is appreciated.
Porters/valets usually expect a tip. It is not necessary to tip
taxi drivers, as they are self-employed.
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