Andorra: Some Interesting Facts

Most of the public holidays of Andorra are connected to religion; other than the Christmas and Easter popular over much of the rest of Europe, a number of other feasts and festivals are also celebrated. Among these, the more prominent ones are St George’s Day (which is celebrated by the gifting of roses and books); St John’s Day (which marks the summer solstice); St Stephen’s Day, and St Lucy’s Fair, which is part of the Christmas festivities. The main national holiday is Mare de Deu de Meritxell, on September 8.

Date 2005 Occasion
January 1 New Year's Day  
January 6 Epiphany
March 14 Constitution Day
March 24- 28 Holy Thursday to Easter Monday
May 1 Labour Day
May 5 Ascension
May 15 Whit Sunday (Pentecost)
May 16 Whit Monday
June 24 St John's Day
August 1st Saturday* Andorra La Vella
August 15 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin
September 8 National Day - Mare de Deu de Meritxell
November 1 All Saints Day
November 4 St Charles' Day
December 8 Immaculate Conception
December 24 Christmas Eve
December 25 Christmas Day
December 26 2nd Day of Christmas
December 31 New Year's Eve 

Weights & Measures

The Metric system is used in Andorra.

Electricity

Power is supplied at 220 volts (or 125 volts), 50 Hz; so appliances not compatible need an adaptor or converter to work.

Customs & Duties

The Customs Department of Andorra allows travellers to bring in personal effects, including cosmetics, perfumes, jewelry, common medicines and some alcohol, without having to pay duty on these. If, however, you’re importing any special medicines, or firearms, you might need to get a clearance. Similarly, while leaving the country, you’ll have to get clearances for anything that doesn’t figure on the 'allowable’ list of items. It’s best to contact the Customs Department if you’re planning to export arms and ammunition, threatened species of animals (or plants), live animals, art and antiques, currency, gold, and other such items. Some of these you may not be allowed to take out of the country; others may be allowed only on a permit.

Embassies and Consulates

Andorra being such a tiny country, it’s hardly surprising that not too many countries have diplomatic missions in the capital, Andorra la Vella. Whichever countries do have diplomatic missions in Andorra, are listed in the local telephone directory. Many countries with embassies or consulates in either France or Spain have entrusted responsibilities for Andorran relations with these embassies; for instance, if you’re an American in Andorra (which doesn’t have a US embassy), you’ll need to contact the American embassy in Spain if you need help or advice of any sort. If you’re not sure, it’s wisest to find out, before you travel to Andorra, which embassy you can go to should you need help.

Post & Communications

Andorra’s postal system is fairly efficient- most local letters do not take more than a day or so to reach, and even international mail gets delivered within less than a week, depending upon where it’s headed. If you’re sending a parcel, it might be advisable to go to the main post office in Andorra la Vella, if only to save time.

Public phone are common in most markets, post offices, hotels and department stores. Other communications facilities, like fax and telex, can also usually be found at large hotels and business centres.

Tipping

Most establishments in Andorra levy a service charge, but don’t think this means that you don’t need to leave a tip; service staff would normally expect a tip of at least 10% of the bill, in addition to the service charge. Other employees rendering services- including chauffeurs and porters or bellhops- also expect to be suitably rewarded.