DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following articles can be exported duty-free to EU countries:
300 cigarettes or 150 cigarillos (unit weight up to 3 g) or 75 cigars (unit weight over 3 g) or 400 g pipe tobacco;
1.5 liters of spirits with an alcohol content of more than 22% or 3 liters of spirits with an alcohol content of less than 22% or sparkling wine and 5 liters of wine;
1000 g of coffee or 400 g of extracts;
200 g tea or 80 g extracts.
75 g perfume and 375 ml eau de toilette.
Gifts and other items for personal use may not exceed a total value of € 900.
As a country located in Europe according to lawschoolsinusa, Andorra is a duty-free area.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Business meetings are usually quite formal. Appointments should be made in advance. Lunch is usually after 1.30 p.m. Knowledge of Spanish or French is advantageous, although English is also spoken.
Business hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m., in summer sometimes also Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
COMMUNICATION
Phone
International direct dialing.
Phone
International direct dialing.
Cellphone
GSM 900 cellular network operated nationwide by STA (Internet: www.sta.ad).
Internet
One of the main providers is Andorra Online (Internet: www.andorraonline.ad). Internet cafes are common.
Post Office
Postal transport within the country is free. The international mail traffic is regulated by the French and Spanish Post, which also issue the postage stamps. Post within Europe takes around a week. You can poste restante to Andorra la Vella. Post office opening times (Andorra la Vella): Mon-Fri 9 am-2.30pm, Sat 8 am-12pm. The opening times are different in the villages.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
Andorra is a real shopper’s paradise for bargain hunters. Due to the low tax rates and the possibility of free trade, high-quality goods can be offered particularly cheaply. Local wood carvings are a popular souvenir.
The many specialist shops and stores offer particularly professional advice. Most of the shops and shopping centers are located in the capital Andorre-la-Vieille and in the municipalities of Sant Julià de Lòria, Escaldes-Engordany and Pas de la Case.
Due to the low sales tax, luxury items such as gold, jewelry, watches, leather goods, branded clothing and cosmetics are among the most sought-after items. But petrol and food are also particularly inexpensive. Duty-free goods such as spirits, tobacco products, perfumes and electronics such as cameras often attract day tourists from Spain and France.
The perfume industry has a long tradition in Andorra. There are over 100 perfumeries throughout the principality.
As a rule, the summer sale runs from the end of July to the end of August and the winter sale from the end of December to the end of February. However, there are no set rules, the individual shops determine the time for the sale themselves.
Opening hours
The supermarkets are open Mon-Fri from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sat from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sun and on public holidays from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Most shops and boutiques are open Mon-Sat from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sun from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Most banks are open Mon-Fri from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sat from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
All shops in Andorra have to close on the following four days of the year: January 1st (New Year), March 14th (Constitution Day), September 8th (National Day) and December 25th (Christmas).
MONEY
Currency
The euro applies in Andorra. For more information see Spain and France.
Credit cards
Visa, MasterCard / Eurocard, American Express and Diners Club are accepted. Details from the issuer of the respective credit card.
EC / Maestro card / Sparcard
With the EC / Maestro card and PIN number, cash in the local currency can be withdrawn from ATMs across Europe. In many European countries it is also possible to pay with the EC card in shops. Cards with the Cirrus or Maestro symbol are accepted in Europe and worldwide. Further information from banks and credit institutes. The same applies to the German Sparcard, the successor to the postal savings book as a means of procuring currency in other European countries. With a Sparcard and PIN number, cash can be withdrawn from European ATMs with the Plus logo.
Attention: Travelers who pay abroad with their bank customer card and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
Bank opening times
Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3 p.m.-5 p.m., Sat 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
No import and export restrictions, but large sums (from € 10,000) should be declared.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
There are over 350 hotels and inns with a total of 35,000 beds, most of which are open in summer and during the ski season. During the summer months (July – August) you should book in advance. Hotels and restaurants are registered with the Tourist Office and must adhere to the prices and services indicated. Hotel Association Address: Unió Hotelera d’Andorra, Antic Carrer Major 18, Andorra la Vella. Tel: 82 06 25. (Internet: http://www.uha.ad)
Camping
There are 25 campsites in Andorra, most of them are close to larger cities. Many offer shopping, caravan sites, and other facilities.
