Welcome to Andorra 😊
Andorra is a small landlocked country located in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain. It is known for its stunning mountainous landscapes, ski resorts, and tax-free shopping. Despite its size, Andorra has a rich history and culture. The official language is Catalan, but many residents speak French and Spanish as well. Andorran cuisine is a blend of Catalan and French influences, and is known for its hearty stews and grilled meats. The country has a strong economy based on tourism and banking, and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and winter sports enthusiasts.
Quick Facts About Andorra
- Currency: Euro
- Population: 77,142
- Languages: Catalan
Money and Finances
Andorra uses the Euro (EUR) as its official currency. Denominations of coins include 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent and 1 and 2 euro. Banknotes are available in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euro denominations.
ATM Network
ATMs are widely available in Andorra, especially in the larger towns and cities like Andorra la Vella, Encamp and Escaldes-Engordany. Most ATMs accept major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard and AMEX.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are widely accepted in Andorra, especially in larger establishments like hotels, restaurants, and shops. Visa and Mastercard are more readily accepted than AMEX. However, smaller businesses and local markets may only accept cash.
Internet and Phones
Andorra has a high-speed internet network with an average speed of 45 Mbps for downloads and 20 Mbps for uploads. There is no known government interference in internet use.
Phone Plans and SIM Cards
The two main telco companies in Andorra are Andorra Telecom and Altia. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around 30 EUR. Some phones may not be compatible with the sim cards in Andorra, so it is advisable to check beforehand.
Dialling to Andorra
To call Andorra from another country, you need to dial the international code (00 or +), followed by the country code for Andorra (376), and then the phone number. Within Andorra, you can dial any phone number with just the 6-digit local number, without an area code.
Transport Around Andorra
Air Travel
Andorra does not have an airport. The closest airports are Barcelona–El Prat Airport in Spain and Toulouse–Blagnac Airport in France.
Train Travel
Andorra does not have a train network.
Metro / Local Trains
Andorra does not have a metro system.
Buses
Andorra has several bus companies that operate within the country and to neighboring countries such as Spain and France. The average ticket price for a short distance ride is €1.50-€2.50. Longer-distance rides can range from €8-€15. Journey times vary depending on the destination.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft do not operate in Andorra. However, there are local rideshare companies such as Taxi Andorra and Taxi L'aldosa.
Driving by Car
Driving in Andorra is relatively easy, with well-maintained roads and good signage. The speed limit on main roads is typically 90 km/h and 50 km/h in urban areas. Andorra uses right-hand drive.
Local Customs
In Andorra, tipping is not very common, and rounding up the total bill is usually sufficient. Locals commonly greet each other with a handshake or a kiss on each cheek. When speaking with strangers, it is polite to use formal language and titles. Men and women typically address each other using first names.
Health and Diseases
Medical System
Andorra has a public healthcare system that provides medical services to all residents, regardless of their nationality or legal status. The healthcare system is funded by the government and is generally of good quality. The average cost for a visit to the doctor is around 30-40 Euros for residents and around 70-80 Euros for non-residents.
COVID Situation
Andorra had one of the highest COVID-19 infection rates in the world, but has managed to bring it under control through strict measures such as mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing. As of now, the rates of coronavirus in the country are relatively low and there have been no recent spikes.
Common Health Risks
While Andorra is generally a safe country, there are some common health risks that travelers should be aware of, such as the risk of food poisoning from contaminated food or water. There is also a risk of altitude sickness in the mountainous regions of the country. Tourists should take appropriate precautions to prevent mosquito bites to avoid diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, especially during the summer months.
Laws and Regulations
Alcohol Consumption
In Andorra, the legal drinking age is 18. Alcohol is legal and widely consumed in the country, but public drunkenness can result in fines or even arrest. It is also illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol.
Recreational Drugs
Recreational drug use is illegal in Andorra. Possession, distribution, and sale of drugs can result in severe penalties including fines and imprisonment.
Pre-Marital Relationships
Andorra is a predominantly Catholic country with conservative views on pre-marital relationships. However, there are no specific laws against pre-marital relationships.
LGBTQ and Same-Sex
Andorra legalized same-sex marriage in 2014 and discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal. However, the LGBTQ community still faces some social stigma and there are limited protections against discrimination in other areas such as employment.
Firearms / Guns
Andorra has strict laws on firearms ownership and use. Only citizens of Andorra can apply for a license to possess a firearm, and even then, ownership is heavily restricted. The use of firearms for hunting and sport is allowed under certain conditions.