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- Andorra
Andorra
Andorra is a tiny dot on the map; an independent Principality
dwarfed by France and Spain, most famous for being a tax haven and
a popular tourist destination peppered with summer and winter
resorts.
Following centuries of struggle between the counts and the
bishops of Urgell for the surrounding valleys, Andorra came into
being in 1278, when the Spanish bishop of La Seu d'Urgell, and the
French House of Foix established co-sovereignty of the area. The
French and Spanish continued to tussle over the region and it was
only in 1993 that it officially became an independent state,
obtaining its first written constitution. With this mixed history,
it is no surprise that true Andorrans are a minority in their own
country; Spaniards, French and Portuguese make up the majority of
the population.
The country occupies 181 square miles (468 sq km) and is
mountainous and beautiful, dotted with lakes, forests, and three
major rivers. The typical flora and fauna of the Pyrenees region
dominates the scenery. Its principal and most populated town is
Andorra la Vella with several museums and monuments to explore,
including a Miniature Museum, a Perfume museum and an Ethnographic
museum. The principal reason, however, for visits to Andorra is for
the excellent skiing. The country boasts several major ski resorts,
including Grandvalira (formerly called Soldeu/El Tartar) and Vall
Nord (formerly Arcalis/Ordino), which cater for all types of
skiers.
If skiing is not for you, however, Andorra also offers plenty of
hiking opportunities, horse riding, golfing, relaxing in some fine
restaurants and cafes, and of course some excellent duty-free
shopping.
Information & Facts
Business
Catalan is the official language of Andorra, although Spanish is
widely spoken. A small minority speak French and English is
minimal. It is best to ascertain before meetings which language
will be used. Punctuality is important, handshakes are the norm on
greeting, and business attire should be smart and formal.
Climate
Andorra's climate is typical of mountainous areas, with cold
winters and mild summers. The climate is dry, with a large number
of sunny days. Autumn experiences the highest rainfall, while
winter gets plenty of snow, guaranteeing excellent skiing
conditions and drawing in the crowds to the various ski resorts.
The average temperature range is between 28ºF (-2ºC) and 75ºF
(24ºC).
Communications
The international access code for Andorra is +376. The outgoing
code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for
the United Kingdom). City/area codes are not in use. Andorra is
well covered by a GSM 900 network and most international mobile
companies offer roaming agreements. Internet cafes are widely
available.
Customs
Andorrans tend to be friendly and courteous. Smoking is common,
although restrictions have been placed in neighbouring Spain.
Duty Free
Andorra is a duty free zone and therefore there are no
restrictions. However, regulations of either France or Spain must
be adhered to when leaving from either of those countries.
Electricity
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round pin
attachment plugs and Shuko plugs and receptacles with side
grounding contacts are in use.
Getting Around
There are no airports in Andorra, but the nearest airport is
Spain's El Prat Barcelona Airport (BCN), located 140 miles (225km)
from the Principality. The roads in Andorra are in good condition
and as it is a small country, it is relatively easy to negotiate by
car. The principal road runs through Andorra from the Spanish to
the French borders. Roads are, however, fairly windy and are
subject to closure in winter. Buses and minibuses link the various
towns and villages, and there are daily buses from Barcelona and
Toulouse, France. Roads can get crowded and traffic is usually
somewhat chaotic, especially during peak holiday season.
Health
There are no health risks associated with travel to Andorra, but
it is recommended that travellers are up to date with routine
immunisations. Medical care in Andorra and neighbouring Spain and
France is excellent, but can be expensive and medical insurance is
advised.
Language
The official language of Andorra is Catalan (used in
administration and business). More than half the population speaks
Spanish, and French and Portuguese are also spoken.
Money
The unit of currency in Andorra is the Euro, divided into 100
cents. Currency can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change and
to avoid additional charges it is best to have travellers cheques
in Euros. Most major credit cards are accepted, including
Eurocheque cards and ATMs are widely available in Andorra La
Vella.
Passport Visa
Although there are no visa requirements for Andorra, travellers
must have the relevant documentation for either France or Spain,
depending on which country will be transited to reach Andorra, and
should apply to the relevant embassy in their home country.
Visitors must also hold onward tickets, all other documents
required for next destination and sufficient funds.
Safety
There are no risks associated with travel to Andorra, but
travellers should always be vigilant and not display valuables.
Time
GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to the last
Sunday in October).
Tipping
A 10% service charge is usually included on restaurant bills in
Andorra and anything extra is for exceptional service.