Group trips to Monaco

Monaco is in the Central European Time (CET) zone, which is UTC+1. During daylight saving time, typically from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October, it switches to Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+2.

• If it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 1pm in Monaco during standard time and 2pm during daylight saving time.
• If it is 12pm in New York, USA, it will be 6pm in Monaco during standard time and 7pm during daylight saving time.

Monaco uses the Euro (EUR) as its currency. The daily exchange rate can vary, but as a rough guide:

• 1 GBP is approximately 1.15 EUR
• 1 USD is about 0.95 EUR
• 1 EUR is equal to 1 EUR

You can exchange currency at banks, exchange offices, and some hotels in Monaco.

Credit cards and debit cards are widely accepted in Monaco, and you can also use contactless payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Cash is also commonly used, especially for smaller purchases, so it's handy to have some on you. ATMs are readily available if you need to withdraw cash. Most establishments accept payments in euros, which is the official currency, but always check if there’s a minimum amount required for card payments.

Tipping in Monaco is generally not required, as service charges are usually included in the bill at restaurants and cafés. However, if you receive exceptional service and want to show your appreciation, you can leave a small tip. For example, rounding up the bill or leaving a few extra euros is a nice gesture. In taxis, it's also common to round up the fare as a tip. While tipping is not obligatory, it's always appreciated.

In Monaco, you'll find good internet connectivity, and since it's in Europe, you can use your phone's roaming plan if you're from another EU country. However, if you're not from the EU or you need extra data, purchasing a local SIM or e-SIM is a good option. Providers like Monaco Telecom offer prepaid plans that are easy to set up. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants, so you should have no trouble staying connected during your visit.

In Monaco, the official language is French. However, you'll also find that Italian and English are widely spoken due to the international community. Here are some useful French expressions you might hear or want to use:

• Hello: Bonjour
• Thank you: Merci
• Please: S'il vous plaît
• Yes: Oui
• No: Non

Knowing a few phrases can help you get around and interact with locals more easily.

Monaco uses Type C and Type F plugs, similar to many European countries. The voltage is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. If your devices use a different plug type, we suggest you bring a universal adapter to ensure you can charge your electronics without any issues.

The main religion in Monaco is Roman Catholicism. The country observes several important religious holidays, including Easter, Christmas, and the Assumption of Mary. While Monaco is predominantly Catholic, it is a very open and welcoming place for people of all faiths, and you will find various places of worship there.

For a trip to Monaco, you will want to pack smartly, considering the chic vibe and Mediterranean climate. Here's what you should put in your backpack:

• Clothing:
  • Light shirts or blouses
  • Dressy evening wear for casinos or fine dining
  • Shorts or skirts
  • Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
• Shoes:
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Dress shoes for evenings out
  • Sandals for the beach
• Accessories and Technology:
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat for sun protection
  • Camera or smartphone for photos
  • Portable charger
• Toiletries and Medication:
  • Sunscreen
  • Basic toiletries like toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo
  • Travel-size deodorant
  • Common travel medication such as pain relievers and motion sickness tablets

Packing these essentials should keep you prepared and stylish for your Monaco adventure.

Monaco enjoys a Mediterranean climate, which means mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Here's a breakdown:

• Winter (December to February): Mild and wet, with temperatures around 8-14°C.
• Spring (March to May): Pleasant and warming up, ranging from 10-20°C.
• Summer (June to August): Hot and dry, with temperatures between 20-30°C.
• Autumn (September to November): Warm and gradually cooling, with temperatures from 15-25°C.

The best time to visit Monaco is late spring or early autumn when the weather is pleasant and not too hot.