Monaco’s luxury lifestyle, scenic coastline, and glamorous events draw travelers from around the globe – but understanding money in Monaco and how currency works is important, especially in this high-end destination. Whether you’re dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, shopping in Monte Carlo, or visiting the casino, knowing how to pay is essential. This guide walks you through what currency to bring, the best ways to get money and currency in Monaco (Euro – EUR), safety tips for carrying cash or using cards, and key dos and don’ts. With these insights, you’ll enjoy Monaco without financial surprises.
How to pay in Monaco – cash or card?
Monaco is highly modern in its payment landscape – cards are accepted nearly everywhere, and so is cash. Having some euro cash on your will still makes travel smoother.
You can use cash for:
- Street Vendors and Markets: Some small market stalls or kiosks may prefer cash.
- Public Transportation: Local buses sell tickets for cash from the driver.
- Small Businesses: Independent cafés and snack stands may prefer cash for low-value purchases.
- Hostels and Guesthouses: While rare in Monaco, budget stays in nearby areas may request cash.
- Tips and Gratuities: Cash tips are common for service staff and drivers.
You can use card for:
- Hotels: All hotels, from boutique stays to luxury resorts, accept major cards.
- Restaurants: All restaurants take Visa and Mastercard, often with contactless options.
- Retail Stores: All shops, malls, and luxury boutiques accept cards.
- Car Rentals and Tours: Cards are standard for bookings and deposits.
- Online Bookings: Hotels, tours, and transport can be booked by card online.
What’s the best currency to take to Monaco?
The Euro (EUR) is the official and only accepted currency in Monaco. Since the principality is tightly integrated with France, bring Euros for all payments, from cafés to luxury boutiques.
USD, GBP, or any other currencies are not accepted and can only be exchanged at banks or currency exchange booths, often at a poor rate.
Where to get currency in Monaco?
There are 3 main ways to get cash in Monaco. They are:
- ATMs, or
- Currency exchange, or
- Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Monaco
Establishments with POS machines readily accept Visa and Mastercards for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in Monaco
If you’re withdrawing money in Monaco from an ATM, ATMs commonly accept all international cards such as Visa, Mastercard, Plus, Cirrus, CUP, JCB, Maestro, American Express, Diners, Discover cards.
Should I exchange money before travelling to Monaco?
If you’re arriving from a Eurozone country, there’s no need to exchange currency, as Monaco uses the Euro (EUR). If you’re traveling from outside Europe, it’s wise to bring a small amount of EUR for taxis, tips, or small purchases upon arrival.
ATMs are widely available throughout Monaco, especially in Monte Carlo, shopping areas, and near hotels, and accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, and Plus cards. Be sure to check your bank’s international ATM fees.
Currency exchange is available at banks and exchange counters, but rates may vary. Avoid exchanging cash at the airport in nearby Nice unless necessary.
Where to withdraw money in Monaco
You can withdraw money in Monaco at leading bank ATMs in the country. The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Monaco are those owned by popular banks such as:
- BNP Paribas,
- Banque Postale,
- Carrefour, and
- LCL.
For a detailed guide, read Cash and ATMs in Monaco.
Where to exchange currency in Monaco
Common places to exchange currency in Monaco are licenced exchange bureaus or banks.
Exchange bureaus are available in Monte Carlo, especially near the casino district, train station, and luxury shopping areas. Notable providers include Monte-Carlo Exchange or currency kiosks near Casino Square and the marina.
Popular Banks Offering Currency Exchange Services are:
Banque Havilland
CFM Indosuez
HSBC Monaco
Banks operate Monday to Friday, usually 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Some require appointments for currency services.
Tip: Avoid exchanging large amounts of foreign currency in casinos or hotels, as they often offer poor exchange rates. Major foreign currencies like USD, GBP, and CHF are exchangeable, but EUR is preferred everywhere.
You can find good currency exchanges in Monaco using the ATM Fee Saver app – it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 160+ countries, including Monaco. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: They have the highest fees and poorest exchange rates. Wait to get to the city to exchange cash.
Is carrying cash in Monaco safe?
Carrying cash in Monaco is very safe, as the principality has an extremely low crime rate and a strong security presence. While cash is accepted almost everywhere, most transactions – especially high-value ones – are typically done via card.
To carry cash safely in Monaco:
- Bring small amounts of cash for minor purchases or tipping.
- Use a front-pocket wallet or secure handbag, more for convenience than safety.
- Avoid flashing large sums of money, particularly in casinos or crowded shopping zones.
- Use ATMs inside banks, luxury malls, or hotels for withdrawals.
- Credit cards are widely accepted, even at taxis and cafés – so you can rely on digital payments for most things.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Monaco
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
