Andorra is an unusual state from a monetary point of view. The country does not have its own national currency, it is also not a member of the European Union, while the de facto single European currency is used as a means of payment. The euro consists of 100 euro cents, officially designated EUR, on price tags and price lists use the sign €. In circulation there are banknotes of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500 and coins of €2, €1,50 cents, 20 cents, 10 cents, 5 cents, 2 cents, and 1 cent.

Actually, it is most logical to go to Andorra immediately with the euro, so that they can pay with them there. You can also bring American dollars with you – the likelihood that they will be accepted as a means of payment at retail outlets is quite high. In addition, you can take any other freely convertible world currency with you and exchange it for euros at banks, currency exchange offices, or even at your hotel reception. By the way, in hotels the exchange rate is traditionally lower. Russian rubles are useless in Andorra – it is very difficult, if not impossible, to find places with a ruble-euro exchange in the country.

When exchanging currency in banks, you will definitely be asked to present your passport; in exchange offices and at the reception at the hotel, you most likely will not need a document. For a currency exchange transaction in Andorra, a small and, as a rule, fixed commission is charged.

Plastic cards

Andorra is a more than developed country in terms of plastic cards. Cards of Russian banks of payment systems Visa, VisaElectron, MasterCard and Maestro are accepted for payment almost everywhere.

In some places, usually small private shops, the owners set a limit on paying for purchases with a plastic card. As a rule, in such outlets, you can pay for goods with a card if the purchase amount exceeds €10. This feature is usually warned by an information plate on the doors of the institution or at the cash desk.

ATMs

There are many ATMs in Andorra, especially in its tourist areas. They are usually located in bank branches and next to them, in supermarkets, shopping centers and just on the streets. Street ATMs operate daily and around the clock.

ATMs in Andorra have the function of choosing the English language, they give out euro cash and charge a commission for issuing money. Typically, the commission depends on the bank, does not exceed 1% -2% of the amount of cash issued and is displayed on the ATM screen. If the commission amount is not satisfactory, the transaction can be canceled without loss. In addition, you will have to pay a commission to your Russian bank for using a third-party ATM. Check with your bank for the exact fee.

Banks

Banks в Андорре в большинстве своем работают с понедельника по пятницу с 09.00 до 17.00, некоторые отделения закрываются на часовой обеденный перерыв с 13.30 до 14.30. On Saturday, Sunday and national holidays local banks are closed.

Currency exchange offices work daily, they open, like banks, at 09.00, and close at 20.00 (21.00).

Transfer money: 4 ways to do it quickly and inexpensively

International transfers from Western Union to Contact

The oldest and most famous international transfer service of American origin is Western Union, which unites 330,000 service points and is ready to deliver your transfer to more than 200 countries.

Its competition is “compatriot” Monegram and systems of Russian origin Contact (Contact) and Unistream (Unistream).

What do international money transfer services have in common?
All the mentioned services (Western Union, Moneygram, Contact, Unistream) work in the field of international money transfers with individuals without opening an account. At the same time, clients of such services should not pursue commercial and entrepreneurial purposes.
Efficiency. The recipient can claim the sent funds in just a few minutes after sending.
An extensive branch network around the world, the ability to send a money transfer to almost any country in the world.
The minimum number of papers. Usually, only an identity card and a completed money transfer form are sufficient.
Establishing a limit on the amount sent abroad within one banking day.
Usually, for holders of bank cards and Internet access, additional money transfer services are offered. For example, using Internet banking or an online transfer service directly from the company’s website.