Phone
Andorra has a modern communication system with the countries of the world. A call to any place on Earth can be made from any pay phone on the street using a magnetic card. Discounts on calls are valid at night and holidays. As usual, calling from the hotel will be more expensive. Regular five-digit phone numbers are preceded by an “8” and two-digit emergency numbers are preceded by a “1”.
Cellular has a GSM 900 band and is provided by STA (Mobiland). Large Russian mobile operators have roaming in the country. As for access to the network, there are Internet cafes, but only in large settlements.
Phones to call in an emergency:
110 – police;
116 – ambulance;
118 – fire service;
112 – ski rescue service
The shops
The majority of stores are open on weekdays from 9.30 to 20.00-21.00. Lunch break in small shops from 13.30 to 16.30, and in department stores and supermarkets it simply does not exist. On Sundays, shops close their work at 19.00.
There are practically no taxes in the country. Many large stores accept payment in dollars. You can freely use credit cards and traveler’s checks.
Shopping
Thousands of tourists flock to Andorra for shopping. This is not surprising, because here is a duty-free zone where you can buy almost any thing for a price that is 25-40% less than in Spain, France or other European countries. The biggest discounts unfold during the spring and autumn seasonal sales. See liuxers for Andorra customs and traditions.
Most often, ski equipment is purchased in Andorra. Here it costs much less, and the choice is very wide, the kits are constantly updated. In addition, Spanish wines, French perfumes and other types of cosmetics and perfumes are brought here. Electronics, watches, food and clothing are also prioritized. It is also important that all purchased goods are distinguished not only by low prices, but also by the same high quality.
Tips
Most often, the service fee is immediately included in the bill. Otherwise, it is good manners to tip waiters, porters, and taxi drivers and bus drivers. The tip is usually 5-10% of the bill.
Accommodation
The Ministry of Tourism of Andorra officially approves the status of each hotel, from one to five “stars”. Most often, tourists stay in hotels in large cities. They exist in three types:
- Hotels in the capital cities of Andorra la Vella and Escaldes, equidistant from all ski stations, therefore convenient. Abundantly equipped with shops, bars, discos and so on.
- Hotels in small towns or mountain villages, from which the ski lifts are no more than 15 minutes away. They are removed from city entertainment, but offer affordable prices and close proximity to ski areas.
- Hotels directly at the ski areas, 100-300 meters from the ski lifts. They are the most popular and cost the most. The downside is that getting to other zones, in addition to the adjacent one, will be problematic.
Currency
Andorra does not have its own currency today, the currency legalized in the country is the euro. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, as well as coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.
You can exchange currency in banks that are open from 9.00 to 16.30-17.00 with a lunch break from 12.00 to 14.00, as well as in special exchange offices. It is better not to change money in hotels: few places allow it at all, and the exchange rate is unfavorable. The exchange tax is fixed, so it is much more profitable to change large amounts at once.
Transport
Andorra has neither a railway nor its own airfields. Therefore, the main vehicle in the country is transport. Bus routes are laid almost throughout the country. Most often, the final stops are located near the ski stations. The ski areas are served by special Ski Bus flights, which run every 15-20 minutes from the ski lifts to the cities and back. Congestion often occurs on mountain roads.
By taxi you can move both within cities and between settlements and ski stations.
Car rental is possible upon presentation of a credit card and an international driver’s license. The rental price includes insurance, but not gas fees. The rules of the road are generally accepted in Europe, although Andorran residents often violate them.
Electricity
The voltage in Andorran networks is 125 or 220 V., 50 Hz. Sockets are usually standard European.
Security
No special vaccinations are required when traveling, but insurance is mandatory. Medical care in Andorra is paid, but first aid is free.
The criminal situation is very calm, the crime rate is almost at zero, you will not meet demonstrations and strikes at all.
Time
Andorra’s time zone: GMT+1 (-2 hours from Moscow).
