Currency in Monaco
A practical currency and money guide to travel, living and doing business in Monaco and the Euro (EUR).
What's in this Monaco currency guide:
What currency is used in Monaco?
The official currency of Monaco (country code: MC) is the euro, with symbol € and currency code EUR.
Things to know about the 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.
The euro banknotes and coins
The Euro is issued in banknotes of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500, and in coins of 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, €1, and €2.
The banknotes feature images of historical and cultural figures from across the European Union, while the coins depict each member country's unique design. The design of the Euro banknotes and coins is intended to be easily identifiable and difficult to counterfeit.
Travel Ideas and Money 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.
Expat Money & Business Guide to Monaco
Managing your money effectively while living and working abroad can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to ensure that your finances are in order.
By following these tips and managing your money effectively, you can reduce financial stress and enjoy your experience living or doing business in Monaco.
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.
Managing your finances in Monaco
Here we list some key points for expats and businesses to consider when managing financial dealings in Monaco:
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Understand Euro currency exchange rates: Exchange rates can have a big impact on your finances, so it is important to keep an eye on the EUR exchange rate and consider using a currency exchange service or a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees to get the best exchange rate.
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Use a local Euro bank account: A local EUR bank account can make it easier for you to manage your finances and pay bills while you are in Monaco. It may also be more convenient to use a local EUR bank account to make purchases and withdraw cash.
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Research local laws and regulations: It is important to understand the local laws and regulations that apply to financial transactions in Monaco. This can help you avoid legal issues and ensure that you are complying with local requirements.
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Consider the tax implications: It is important to understand the tax implications of living or doing business in Monaco. This can help you plan your finances and ensure that you are paying the correct amount of tax.
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Seek financial advice: If you are unsure of how to manage your finances in Monaco, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a financial professional who is familiar with the local financial system. This can help you make informed decisions and avoid financial pitfalls.
EUR/USD – Market Data
The exchange rate of euro (EUR), or the amount of EUR that can be exchanged for a foreign currency, can fluctuate rapidly based on a number of factors, including economic conditions, interest rates, and political events. Below you can check the latest EUR/USD rate plus recent trend, chart, forecasts and historic rates.
| Date | EUR/USD | Change | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
15 Mar 2023 | 1.0582 | 2.5% ▲ | 2 Week |
29 Dec 2022 | 1.0661 | 1.7% ▲ | 3 Month |
29 Mar 2022 | 1.1092 | 2.2% ▼ | 1 Year |
30 Mar 2018 | 1.2330 | 12.1% ▼ | 5 Year |
31 Mar 2013 | 1.2815 | 15.4% ▼ | 10 Year |
03 Apr 2003 | 1.0730 | 1.1% ▲ | 20 Year |
Compare Euro Exchange Rates & Fees
The below comparison table makes it easy to find the best exchange rates and lowest fees when you want to make an International Money Transfer to Monaco or planning a trip or maybe living there, so will need to exchange and spend Euro.
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It is important to note that the exchange rate of the euro can change rapidly and that past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance. It is advisable to carefully consider the risks and factors that may affect EUR exchange rates before making any financial decisions.
The Euro is also the domestic currency in 33 other countries.
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