Banks: 08:30 to 12:00 and 13:30 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08:00 to 19:00, Monday to Friday; 08:00 to 12:00, Saturday
Government Offices: 08:30 to 12:00 and 13:30 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 09:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 19:00, daily (except Sundays)

Monaco is a safe, virtually crime-free destination and it has a strong police presence. With that said, pickpockets operate everywhere, and being vigilant with money and passports is advised. Nice International Airport attracts petty thieves who often focus on car rental parks. Other cautions in Monaco include taking care on precipitous coastal paths, watching kids at the seaside and minding the curves when driving.

220V, 50Hz; twin round-pin sockets (European plug).

The main health threats in Monaco are to be aware of the strong sun during summer days, especially when on the beach. Unlike the EU, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) does not cover EU citizens in Monaco, which makes having travel insurance even more important.

Emergency services: 18
Riviera Medical Services: +377 4 93 26 12 70

French is the official language in Monaco although Italian and Monegasque (Monaco French dialect) will also be heard. English is widely spoken and understood.

Although not in the EU, the euro dollar is the official currency of Monaco, with €1.00 being equal to 100 euro cents.

France enforces Monaco customs and duty-free limits are: 400 cigarettes; 1 litre of liquor and 2 litres of wine; a reasonable amount of perfume for personal use and a reasonable amount of gifts. There are no restrictions on cameras and film.

Monaco has a very similar social etiquette to France, with conservative and well mannered people. The locals are very strict on attire, meaning wandering around bare-chested or with a bikini on anywhere other than the beach is strictly forbidden, and there are signs reminding you of this. This also applies to being bare-footed. Jackets and ties must be worn in casinos and a black tie and dinner jacket at gala events.

France handles Monaco’s immigration matters and the immigration rules are the same as for France. Visitors from the EU, Australia, Canada, and the US need only a valid passport or national ID card to enter the principality and can stay for up to three months. Passports do not need to be valid six months past the end of your stay. Nationals of all other countries will need to obtain a tourist visa from a French embassy in their country of residence prior to arrival.

The official tourist information office in Monaco, the Direction du Tourisme et des Congrès de la Principauté de Monaco, is located at 2a, boulevard des Moulins, Monte-Carlo, MC 98030. Phone: +377 92 166 116; website: www.visitmonaco.com