💰 Quick Context: The Euro
Monaco uses the Euro (EUR / €). Although Monaco is not an EU member, it has a monetary agreement with France to use the euro as its official currency. A coffee costs €3-6, a restaurant meal €30-80, and a hotel night €200-800 (Monaco is one of the most expensive places in the world). Quick math: the euro and USD are close to parity, so prices in euros are roughly the same in US dollars. Check the current EUR/USD rate before your trip. Cards are accepted virtually everywhere in Monaco.
🎧 Order Euros Before You Fly
Have cash in hand when you land. Insured delivery, 2–5 day shipping.
Order EUR → CEI Currency ExchangeCash vs. Card: What to Expect in Monaco
Monaco is extremely card-friendly. As one of the wealthiest places on earth, every business is equipped to handle card payments. Hotels, restaurants, luxury boutiques on Avenue des Beaux-Arts, the Casino de Monte-Carlo, supermarkets, and even small cafes all accept card payments without issue.
Cash is only needed for: small tips for valets and porters, some market stalls at the Cond'Amine Market, street vendors near the port during events like the Grand Prix, and possibly cash buy-ins at certain Casino de Monte-Carlo table games (though cards are accepted for chip purchases at the cashier). €50-100 is more than enough as a backup. Most visitors can go entirely cashless in Monaco.
How to Get Euros for Your Monaco Trip
Monaco uses the euro and is one of the most card-friendly destinations on earth. Cards work at the Casino de Monte-Carlo (cashier), every Avenue des Beaux-Arts luxury boutique, every Place du Casino restaurant, every Hôtel de Paris and Hermitage tab, every taxi, and even small cafes along La Condamine. Cash is genuinely only needed for valet tips, the rare Cond'Amine Market vendor, and the occasional Grand Prix-week street stall. Most visitors leave Monaco having spent zero euros in cash. The Principality is also tiny: most travelers arrive overland from Nice (France's CdN airport is the closest), so leftover EUR from a France leg of the trip handles everything.
Order euros (or use leftover EUR) before you fly
For pre-arrival euros, two paths. A currency-exchange service like CEI Currency Exchange ships physical euros to a US address with insured 2–5 day delivery. Your home bank works just as well: Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citi all order euros for branch pickup or home delivery. Allow 3–7 business days. Monaco does not have a Bank of America Global ATM Alliance partner. Most US travelers visit Monaco as a half-day or one-day trip from Nice, Cannes, or Antibes, so leftover EUR from a French Riviera leg is the most common cash setup. The cleanest setup for most Monaco visits: a Wise or Charles Schwab card for restaurant and casino card payments, plus a small CEI envelope of euros for tips and the rare cash-only stall.
Withdraw from a Monaco bank ATM
Once you're in Monaco, the cheapest source of euros is one of the Principality's bank ATMs. CFM Indosuez Wealth (Crédit Foncier de Monaco), BNP Paribas Monaco, Société Générale de Banque Monaco, and Compagnie Monegasque de Banque (CMB) all give the actual interbank rate with no markup, and they don't add an operator fee on foreign cards. Your only cost is whatever your home bank charges (1–3% foreign transaction fee on most US debit cards, zero with a Wise or Charles Schwab card). Withdrawal limits run roughly €500–1,000 per transaction. Bank ATMs cluster around Monte-Carlo (Place du Casino, Avenue Princesse Grace), La Condamine (around the port), and the Larvotto beach area. Coverage is essentially complete given the Principality's small size. Decline DCC every time the screen offers "charge in USD". See the Best ATMs section below for the bank-by-bank lineup. Want to know what a BNP Paribas Monaco withdrawal will actually cost on your card? Drop it into our ATM fee calculator.
Casino & hotel exchange windows
Three traps to walk past in Monaco. The currency-exchange windows inside the Hôtel de Paris and the Casino de Monte-Carlo target high-roller guests with rates that look reasonable but routinely run 5–12% off the interbank rate. The exchange counters along Avenue Princesse Grace use the "no commission" framing while baking the markup straight into the rate. And the standalone independent ATMs at smaller hotel arcades layer DCC pitches and operator fees on top. Stick to bank-branded ATMs at CFM, BNP Paribas Monaco, Société Générale, or CMB; decline DCC; and remember leftover EUR from your French Riviera leg handles 99% of the cash question. Monaco does not yet have a city-specific guide on this site, but the Best ATMs section below covers the bank lineup.
For a side-by-side comparison of every method (bank wire, travel card, pre-order, ATM, exchange counter) including USD-to-EUR timing tips, see our complete Getting Currency guide →.
Best ATMs to Use in Monaco
Monaco is a major banking hub with numerous private banks. ATMs from the main banks are reliable and typically do not charge operator fees for foreign card withdrawals, though your home bank may charge its own foreign transaction fee. Always choose EUR when prompted.
Compagnie Monégasque de Banque (CMB)
Monaco's leading retail bank with ATMs throughout the principality. CMB is the most accessible bank for visitors, with machines near the Casino, the port area, and Monte Carlo centre. English-language interfaces available.
Recommended
Banque J. Safra Sarasin
A prominent Swiss private bank with a significant presence in Monaco. While primarily a wealth management institution, their ATMs are available to the public and offer reliable service with fair exchange rates.
Recommended
CFM Indosuez (Crédit Agricole)
Part of the Crédit Agricole group, CFM Indosuez operates ATMs in Monaco. Backed by one of France's largest banking networks, their machines are reliable with no operator fees for standard withdrawals.
Recommended⚠ Watch Out for Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)
When an ATM or card terminal offers to charge you in USD instead of EUR, always decline. Choosing USD means accepting a 3-8% markup hidden in their exchange rate. This can happen at standalone ATMs near the Casino de Monte-Carlo and at some restaurants in the Monte Carlo area. Always select "EUR" or "local currency" at every prompt.
ATMs to Avoid in Monaco
While Monaco is generally well-regulated, a few standalone ATMs in high-traffic areas may charge extra fees or push DCC. Stick to the bank ATMs listed above for the best rates.
Standalone Unbranded ATMs
Unbranded machines near the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the port area, and in some hotel lobbies. These may charge €3-5 per withdrawal and aggressively push DCC with unfavorable exchange rates. Walk a short distance to a bank ATM instead.
AvoidPaying by Card in Monaco
Card Networks
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at virtually every business in Monaco, from luxury boutiques on Avenue des Beaux-Arts to corner cafes in La Condamine. American Express is widely accepted in Monaco, more so than in most European countries. High-end hotels like the Hôtel de Paris, fine dining restaurants, and designer shops all take Amex. Discover has limited acceptance and is not recommended as your primary card.
Contactless & Mobile Payments
Contactless is standard in Monaco. Nearly every terminal supports tap-to-pay, and transactions under €50 require no PIN. Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted at shops, restaurants, and hotels throughout the principality. All major luxury brands (Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermès) on the Carré d'Or accept contactless and mobile payments.
Where Cards May Not Work
Cond'Amine Market: Some smaller food vendors at this daily market may prefer cash for small purchases. Street vendors during events: During the Grand Prix and Monaco Yacht Show, temporary vendors may be cash-only. Parking meters: Some older meters in Monaco only accept coins, though most newer ones take cards. Small tips: Cash is the easiest way to tip valets, porters, and casino dealers.
Tipping in Monaco
Tipping Guide
Monaco follows French tipping culture. Service is included in the bill (service compris) at restaurants, so an additional tip is not required. Leaving €5-10 or rounding up the bill for exceptional service is a kind gesture. At cafés, no tip is expected, though leaving small change is fine.
At hotels, tip €2-5 for porters and bellhops, and €5-10 per day for housekeeping at luxury properties like the Hôtel de Paris or Hôtel Hermitage. At the Casino de Monte-Carlo, tipping dealers is customary when you win. Place a chip on the table for the dealer, or tip when cashing out. For taxis, round up to the nearest euro. Tour guides appreciate €10-20 per person for a private tour.
Monaco: Practical Money Tips
Things to Know
No sales tax (VAT): Monaco has no VAT, making it a popular luxury shopping destination. Prices may still be high, but you save the 20% VAT you would pay across the border in France. All luxury boutiques on the Carré d'Or and Avenue des Beaux-Arts accept cards.
Casino de Monte-Carlo: Bring your passport for entry, as it is required. Cards are accepted for buying chips at the cashier, but some table games may require cash buy-ins. The minimum bet varies by game and table. Smart casual dress code is enforced after 2pm.
Grand Prix season (late May): Prices for hotels, restaurants, and services increase significantly during the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix. Book and budget accordingly. Temporary vendors and pop-up bars around the circuit may be cash-only. Day trip from Nice: Many visitors come from Nice (about 20 minutes by train, around €4 each way). The entire principality is about 2 square kilometres, so you can walk between most attractions. Free public elevators connect different levels of the hillside city.
Money Safety in Monaco
Staying Safe
Monaco is extremely safe. It has one of the highest police-to-resident ratios in the world and very low crime. Pickpocketing is rare, but stay aware in crowded areas during major events like the Grand Prix and Monaco Yacht Show.
Use ATMs inside bank branches rather than standalone machines on the street, especially near the Casino area. Carry a second card separately. Monaco's luxury shopping and casino play can produce unusually large single transactions that trigger fraud alerts. Let your bank know your travel dates so a €5,000 charge at the Casino de Monte-Carlo does not freeze your account.
Casino spending: Set a budget before entering the Casino de Monte-Carlo. It is easy to lose track of spending when using chips. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What currency does Monaco use?
Monaco uses the Euro (EUR). Although Monaco is not an EU member, it has a monetary agreement with France to use the euro as its official currency. You will not encounter any other currency. The euro and USD are close to parity, so prices in euros are roughly the same in US dollars.
Do I need cash in Monaco?
Barely. Monaco is extremely card-friendly, and every business from luxury boutiques to corner cafés accepts Visa and Mastercard. You only need cash for small tips (valets, porters, casino dealers), some market stalls at the Cond'Amine Market, street vendors during events like the Grand Prix, and possibly cash buy-ins at certain Casino de Monte-Carlo table games. Carrying €50-100 as backup is more than enough.
Which ATMs should I use in Monaco?
Use ATMs from Monaco's main banks: Compagnie Monégasque de Banque (CMB) is the most accessible with machines near the Casino and port, Banque J. Safra Sarasin offers reliable service, and CFM Indosuez (Crédit Agricole group) has no operator fees for standard withdrawals. Avoid standalone unbranded machines near the Casino and in hotel lobbies.
How expensive is Monaco?
Monaco is one of the most expensive places in the world. A coffee costs €3-6 (up to €5-8 at premium locations), a modest lunch runs €50-100 per person, and dinner at a nicer restaurant starts at €150+. Hotel nights range from €200-800+. The upside: Monaco has no sales tax (VAT), so luxury shopping saves you the 20% VAT you would pay across the border in France.
How does tipping work in Monaco?
Monaco follows French tipping culture. Service is included in the bill (service compris) at restaurants, so an additional tip is not required. Leaving €5-10 or rounding up for exceptional service is a kind gesture. At the Casino de Monte-Carlo, tipping dealers when you win is customary. Hotels expect €2-5 for porters and €5-10 per day for housekeeping at luxury properties.
Can I visit Monaco as a day trip from Nice?
Yes, and many visitors do exactly this. The train from Nice to Monaco takes about 20 minutes and costs around €4 each way. The entire principality is about 2 square kilometres, so you can walk between most attractions. Free public elevators connect different levels of the hillside city. A day trip means you can skip Monaco's expensive hotels entirely.
Do I need to exchange money for the Casino de Monte-Carlo?
The Casino accepts cards for purchasing chips at the cashier, but some table games may require cash buy-ins. Check at the cashier desk when you arrive. Bring your passport for entry, as it is required. Smart casual dress code is enforced after 2pm. Set a budget before entering, as it is easy to lose track of spending when using chips.
Skip the Foreign Transaction Fees
The Wise card converts your money at the real mid-market exchange rate. No markups, no surprises. Spend euros like a local.
Get the Wise Card →Quick Comparison
| Method | Cost | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-FX-fee card (contactless) | Best (no fees, mid-market rate) | ★★★★★ | Daily spending, restaurants, luxury shopping |
| Monaco bank ATMs (CMB, CFM Indosuez) | Low (no operator fee, fair rate) | ★★★★★ | Cash for tips and casino table games |
| Standalone / unbranded ATMs | High (fees + poor rates + DCC) | ★★★☆☆ | Never recommended |
| Hotel currency exchange | High (5-12% markup) | ★★☆☆☆ | Absolute emergency only |
Monaco Quick Facts
| Currency | Euro (EUR / €). Close to USD parity |
| Cash vs. Card | Extremely card-friendly. €50-100 cash backup recommended |
| Best ATMs | CMB, Banque J. Safra Sarasin, CFM Indosuez |
| Contactless Limit | €50 without PIN |
| Card Acceptance | Excellent. Cards accepted virtually everywhere including luxury boutiques and the Casino |
| Tipping | Service included (French style). Small extra for exceptional service. Casino dealers expect tips |
| DCC Risk | Possible near Casino area. Always choose EUR |
| Best Strategy | No-FX-fee card for most spending. Small cash for tips and casino play |