Monaco - Euro - Currency Guide

General Currency Info - Euro

The euro (ISO: EUR) is involved in slightly more than 30% of all foreign exchange deals, and as such, is the world’s second most traded currency, behind the US dollar.

The euro is the currency of the eurozone (officially called the ‘euro area’), which consists of 19 of the 28 member states of the European Union, and is used by almost 350 million Europeans. It was introduced in January 1999.

Of all the thousands of exchange rates that exist in the world, the euro-to-US dollar exchange rate is the most actively traded, or most ‘liquid’.

Since its introduction, the euro’s lowest value against the dollar came in October 2000 when EUR/USD hit lows of 0.8231. The currency was strongest in July 2008, shortly before the worst stage of the 2007-2009 financial crisis, when EUR/USD reached 1.6038.

There are currently more than twenty nations and territories which peg their currencies to the euro, the largest of which is Denmark.

EUR News, Forecasts and Trends

The euro is currently a more appealing investment than the US dollar as fiscal support and COVID-19 containment open the door to a faster paced recovery than what is likely in the US. With current USD weakness and strong long-term prospects for the European Union, there is speculation that the euro could be a contender as the world’s new reserve currency. In the short term the euro could be susceptible to swings, however in the longterm the euro has very good prospects. The currency is poised to move above 1.1850 and extend toward 1.20 in coming weeks.

In mid-July euro strengthened four-month highs (around 1.15 against the US dollar) as european leaders delivered a difficult agreement on a coronavirus rescue package to help member states manage the economic downturn.

The historic stimulus package will see the bloc issue 750 billion euros (US$860 billion) of joint debt and is seen by market commentators as positive for the euro.

The Euro spent 2019 on a downwards trajectory, starting the year with highs at US1.1550 but then slid all year until October where it bottomed out at US$1.09 on Oct 1, close to long-term lows. Since then it has climbed back over the 1 year average of US1.11 towards US1.20.

For more EUR currency market forecasts you can read the full article Euro Forecasts. The above interactive chart shows the USD to EUR exchange rate, trend and recent alerts for the last 90 days.

Travel, Currency and Money saving tips for Monaco

Squeezed into just 200 hectares, Monaco might be the world’s second-smallest country (only the Vatican is smaller), but what it lacks in size it makes up for in attitude. A magnet for high-rollers and hedonists since the early 20th century, it's also renowned as one of the world's most notorious tax havens and home to the annual Formula One Grand Prix.

Despite its prodigious wealth, Monaco is far from being the French Riviera's prettiest town. World-famous Monte Carlo is basically an ode to concrete and glass, dominated by high-rise hotels, super yachts and apartment blocks. In dramatic contrast, the rocky outcrop known as Le Rocher, jutting out on the south side of the port, is crowned by a rather charming old town, home to the principality's royal palace.

The official language of Monaco is French. However, the national language is Monegasque, which is spoken by roughly 20 percent of the principality’s population, and is similar to Italian. Italian is also used by many residents, as well as some German. It is easy to get around Monaco with English, with most people working in the tourism industry speaking English.

What currency to use in Monaco?

Monaco uses the euro as its official currency, despite the fact that it is not part of the EU.. There are plenty of ATMs in Monte Carlo where you can withdraw Euros. If you plan on withdrawing money or using your credit card while travelling, don't forget to notify your bank before you go for security purposes and to check what international withdrawal fees may apply to your card. Money is easily changed at airports, hotels, banks, and currency exchange kiosks. There are also currency exchange ATMs, which allows visitors to exchange money, as well as regular ATMs throughout the principality.

How to get around in Monaco?

All the regular transport options are available in Monte Carlo like buses, taxis and hire cars, but they also have something very different. Elevators. People actually take elevators around town. Monte Carlo has a system of free public elevators that takes people from downtown Monte Carlo to nearby districts if you can't be bothered walking. It’s really easy to simply walk around the city. If the winding streets ever tire you though, you can always jump on public elevator, which operate 24 hours a day. Head to the Central Tourist Centre to pick up a map to locate the 7 elevators.

Monte Carlo also has a very efficient bus service that operates 5 different routes that’ll take you to Monaco-Ville, Saint Roman, Casino, Jardin Exotique, Larvotto, Gare, Fontvieille and Hôpital.

The solar-powered Bateau Bus sails back and forth across the harbour between quai Antoine 1er (Monaco Ville) and quai des États-Unis (Monte Carlo). Boats make the four-minute crossing every 20 minutes from 8am to 7.50pm; buy tickets on board (€2) or from machines at the docks (€1.50).

Driving is not the best way to get around Monaco; major thoroughfares are crowded, traffic patterns are convoluted and on-street parking is limited. You're generally better off walking or taking public transport.

Travel tips for Monaco.

Perhaps the attraction that best exemplifies Monaco's capital city is its casino. The building's beaux-arts design was overseen by Charles Garnier, architect of the Paris opera. And likewise, this grand casino also contains the city's opera and ballet. If this complex looks familiar, it's because you may have seen it before in the James Bond films, "Never Say Never Again" and "Goldeneye." It was also the inspiration for the casino in Ian Fleming’s first Bond book, "Casino Royale."

One of Monaco's most popular beaches, Larvotto is a free-to-the-public shore located just a short walk from Monte-Carlo. But like many French Riviera beaches, this one has pebbles rather than sand, so bring some sturdy shoes and be prepared to shell out some euros for a chair rental.

Founded in 1910 by Prince Albert I (also a sea captain), this museum and aquarium are must-sees in Monaco. The prince went on dozens of expeditions, and the exhibits are the fruits of his explorations: For example, the skeleton of a whale featured in the museum’s zoology room. And the aquarium – widely considered one of the best in Europe – contains more than 90 tanks, one of which is a shark lagoon.

Travel money for Monaco

Save money and time by Ordering your Euro online from Travelex, you get better rates and can pick up the EUR cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.

Another popular option is to use a Pre-paid Travel Card. Your Debit/Credit Card provider will charge you 2% from market mid-rate, but your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash.

For card purchases if offered a choice of currencies always select to Pay in Euro otherwise you may get much worst exchange rates.

Sending money to Monaco

When searching around for information on how to get a good exchange rate when sending money to Monaco you need to start with finding out the latest Euro exchange rate for foreign-transfers, which can be very different to the wholesale rate.

Then compare your bank's exchange rates to several licensed FX providers exchange rate and fees to see how much you can save - we make that calculation easy in the below table.

Can foreigners buy property in Monaco?

A new register disclosing to true beneficiaries of companies that own Monaco property will remove confidentiality.

The major tax break for people who own property in this way disappeared in 2011 when the rule exempting sales of property owned by foreign entities from sales tax (up to 9%) was withdrawn.

What are benefits of Monaco residential tax status in Monaco?

Residents are also having to work harder to prove they deserve Monaco's beneficial residential tax status which includes in most cases zero tax on income and on capital gains accrued abroad.

Anyone applying for, or renewing, their visa is facing more stringent checks to utilities and local expenditure to check that they actually live in Monaco.

What prime property does $US1m buy in Monaco?

The area (㎡) of prime property that $US1million buys in Monaco (Q1 2018) is a very small and cozy 15㎡.

This is compared to equivalent areas for Hong Kong 22㎡, New York 25㎡, London 27㎡, Singapore 37㎡, Paris 45㎡, Shanghai 50㎡, Los Angeles 58㎡, Tokyo 70㎡, Berlin 74㎡, Miami 78㎡, Mumbai 94㎡, Istanbul 110㎡, Dubai 138㎡ and San Paulo 172㎡.

Average prime sale prices in the last year were roughly 41,000 euros per square metre nearly, three times the average price for New York.

Get a better deal for foreign transfers to Monaco

When sending money to Monaco it’s important to compare your bank’s rates & fees with those we have negotiated with our partner money transfer providers. To get a better deal you should follow these 4 simple steps :

1. Open an account with a BER reviewed FX provider (id docs may be required)
2. You specify the local or Euro amount you want to transfer
3. Make a local currency domestic transfer for the requested amount to the provider's bank account in your country
4. Once your funds are received by the provider the converted EUR amount will be transfered to the recipient account you specify in Monaco.

Use the above Send to Euro calculator to compare the exchange rates of FX specialist providers rates versus your bank's standard rates you can hopefully save around 5% and maybe more - end result is more Euro deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!