Capital city, Monaco
Monaco
Tiny luxury city-state with the Monte Carlo Casino, the harbour and Formula 1. Spotless, safe and walkable; sleeping and eating there is expensive, so many visitors stay in Nice or Beausoleil.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$5,060–7,880Comfortable, one person · €4,500–7,000Details
- Value for money2/100Better value than 1% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Aug, 26°CDetails
- Air quality6 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe to drink from the tap.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$68–135Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundMonaco buses (CAM)Very walkableDetails
- Cash or cardPractically cashlessUses the euro.Details
Where to stay in Monaco
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Monte Carlo | Casino, shopping, hotels and nightlife, the central hub |
| La Condamine | Harbour, markets and cheaper restaurants |
| Fontvieille | Quiet, modern district with shops and the Stade Louis II |
| Beausoleil (France) | Cheaper stays on the border, walk into Monaco |
Apps that work in Monaco
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: Taxis are metered and pricey; apps are limited. Walk, take the bus, or use the train to Nice.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Monaco.
- Practically cashless Uses the euro. Cards and contactless are accepted nearly everywhere; carry small cash for market stalls and tips.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs are easy to find; fees depend on your bank. Decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: Service is included on bills; leave small change or 5–10% for good service.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted almost everywhere.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- No border checks with France; you enter through the Schengen area, so Schengen entry rules and the Entry/Exit System apply.
- ETIAS is not running yet; the EU will announce its start date months in advance.
Emergency numbers
Police 17 · Ambulance 18 · Fire 18 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, E, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Monaco isn't covered by EU roaming rules; French plans usually include it, others may charge. Check before using data.
Going to Monaco solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Monaco meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.