Andorra Essentials

Official Name: Principality of Andorra.
Capital: Andorra la Vella.
Major Towns: Les Escaldes, Encamp, El Serrat.
Population: 72,413.
Land Area: 468 sq. km.
Coastline: 0km.
Time Zone: GMT +1
Language: Catalan.
Religions: Roman Catholic (90%).
Form Of Government: ParliamentaryDemocracy (retaining co-principality—co-princes are President of France and the Bishop of Seo de Urgel.)

Documents And Formalities

EU citizens do not need a visa. Citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the US do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days.

Transportation

Andorra does not have an airport, and no trains serve the country. Entry to the country is usually by road, from either Barcelona in Spain or Toulouse on the French side. The journey is particularly trying on the French side, involving twisting mountain roads that make for slow progress. Buses run from the Toulouse train station and airport (two per day; €26-41 one-way, €44-70 return) and Barcelona airport (five per day; €28-40 one-way, €48-69 round-trip) and will take you to the door of your accommodation. Alternatively, trains run to L’Hospitalet-près-l’Andorre, just 3km from the Andorran border. Buses from L’Hospitalet run to Pas de la Casa, Soldeu and Andorra la Vella.

MONEY

Andorra never introduced its own currency, relying on the French franc and the Spanish peseta. With the adoption of the euro in both countries, Andorra moved away from the dual currency system to use the euro.

The Andorran government levies a small (usually below 10%) sales tax on various goods, including alcohol and tobacco. As a ‘tax haven,’ prices in Andorra are often significantly cheaper than elsewhere in Europe. As a result smuggling across the Andorran border is extremely common, and many of the illicit cigarettes sold on the streets of France and Spain originate there.

Beyond Tourism

A popular option for fans of winter sports is seasonal work in one of Andorra’s many resorts. Expert skiiers may find work as ski instructors, while opportunities exist for work in hotels and restaurants as well as the vibrant bar and nightclub scene. The working week typically lasts between 35-40hr. over 5-6 days, and workers benefit from reduced ski-pass prices.