Monaco is not France. Your phone knows it.
Twenty-three minutes by train from Nice and no visible border. A few rules still change: mobile network, numbers, taxis, dress and the casino.
Monaco numbers. To call France from Monaco: +33.
17 (police), 18 and 112 (fire and rescue) all work and are routed to Monaco’s services.
Minimum age in the gaming rooms. Photo ID required.
Before crossing, check that your plan covers Monaco and switch on data roaming. Monaco is not in the European Union, so EU “roam like at home” does not automatically apply.
Your phone: what actually happens
Since March 2024 (May 2024 for Orange and Sosh), customers of the French networks Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom and Free, sub-brands included, connect to Monaco Telecom across the whole Principality. Your phone will show “Monaco Telecom”: that is normal.
- Turn on data roaming. Without it there is no internet, WhatsApp or MMS.
- If the phone shows “No service”, pick Monaco Telecom manually in the network settings.
- Check your plan. Most French operators include Monaco in their Europe zone, but a France-only plan may not allow calls from Monaco.
- Save contacts in +33 format and set up your voicemail code before you go.
UK, US and other non-EU plans often treat Monaco as a separate, non-EU destination with its own charges. Check your carrier’s country list before you travel. In Cap-d’Ail, Beausoleil or Roquebrune your phone may pick up the Monaco network: if your plan charges for Monaco, select your French network manually.
On French plans, Orange and Sosh have billed Monaco like France since May 2024, and Bouygues Telecom counts data used in Monaco against the plan’s main allowance. For anything else your own operator has the answer: Monaco Telecom cannot help customers of other networks.
ID, currency, border
Monaco never signed the Schengen agreements, but you enter it through France.
The rules that surprise people
No swimwear in town
Away from beaches and bathing areas, walking around in swimwear, shirtless or barefoot can get you fined.
18+, photo ID, smart dress
Entry €19, morning visits from 10am to 1pm, gaming rooms from 2pm. In the gaming rooms: no shorts, ripped jeans or sportswear.
To leave, a Monaco taxi
Uber, Bolt and similar apps cannot pick up passengers inside Monaco; they can only drop off. To leave, use Taxi Monaco (+377 93 15 01 01): €18 for an immediate ride within Monaco, €28 booked ahead. Taxis, ride-hailing and parking →
No leisure drones
Professional use requires a permit. Leave yours in the suitcase.
Getting around without a car
Monaco-Monte-Carlo station is underground, 23 minutes from Nice by TER (regional train), with four exits, three of them with lifts: pick yours before you start walking. The bus costs €2 on board, €1.50 by card or with the Monapass app, €5.50 for a day pass. The city has 79 public lifts and 35 escalators, so the hills are easier than they look.
Health
Princess Grace Hospital emergency department: +377 97 98 97 69. Duty pharmacies and doctors change weekly: check MonacoSanté. Monaco’s public holidays are not France’s: see Closures and opening hours.
Monaco works very well as a day trip from Nice, 23 minutes by train. To see which base suits your trip, try Riviera Fit; for what to do there, open the Monaco guide.
Verified sources
- Government of Monaco - Monaco and the European Union
- European Commission - roaming in the EU
- Mon Service Public Monaco - unified mobile network and roaming
- Orange - the network in Monaco
- Bouygues Telecom - price guide (August 2026)
- Embassy of Monaco in the UK - visiting Monaco
- GOV.UK - Monaco travel advice
- Monte-Carlo SBM - casino entry conditions
- Government of Monaco - ride-hailing restrictions
- Government of Monaco - drone rules
- Visit Monaco - taxis
- Visit Monaco - buses
- Visit Monaco - lifts and escalators
- Visit Monaco - arriving by train
- Mon Service Public Monaco - emergency numbers