Andorra is a small country located between Spain and France, known for its mountains and tourist appeal. Although it's not part of the European Union (EU), it has adopted the euro as its official currency. In this article, we'll delve into details about the currency in Andorra, how it relates to the euro, and the specifics of its circulation.
Feb 12, 2024
Despite not being a member of the EU, Andorra signed a monetary agreement with the institution in 2011, allowing the use of the euro as its official currency. Previously, two currencies were in circulation in Andorra: the Spanish peseta and the French franc. When both countries adopted the euro, Andorra continued using it even though it did not have a formal agreement to do so.
The monetary agreement established rules and regulations regarding the handling of the euro in Andorra. The Principality also accepted other conditions imposed by the EU, including the implementation of anti-money laundering directives and the commitment to exchange tax information. It is noteworthy that Andorra does not have a central bank and relies on the European Central Bank (ECB) for the issuance and regulation of its currency.
Common coins: The one, two, five, ten, twenty, and fifty cent euro coins circulate in Andorra. These coins have the same design in all Eurozone member countries.
Andorran-designed coins: One and two euro coins in Andorra feature their own designs representative of the country. They serve equally as current currency and maintain equivalent purchasing power to the rest of the euros in the region.
Collectible or special edition coins: Andorra issues certain coins primarily aimed at collectors. These coins often commemorate historical or cultural events and are not commonly found in circulation.
There are seven official coins with their own designs for Andorra. Each represents distinctive elements of Andorra's identity, history, and landscape:
2 euros: Represents the coat of arms of Andorra.
1 euro: Features the Romanesque church of Santa Coloma, cultural heritage of Andorra.
50 cents: Highlights the statue of "La Noblesse du Temps," a sculpture by Salvador Dalí.
20 cents: Shows the Margineda Bridge, a medieval bridge located in the parish of Andorra la Vella.
10 cents: On it appears Casa de la Vall, headquarters of the Consell General d'Andorra (the Andorran parliament).
5 cents: Features a mountain landscape with the eagle, a typical animal of the Andorran mountains.
2 cents: Portrays an Andorran bagpiper, a traditional and popular dance in Andorra.
These coins also wear the "A" symbol to identify them as Andorran coins, as well as the year of issue and the country code of the designer ("LL” refers to Luc Luycx, the designer of the euro).
Even though the euro is the official currency in Andorra, tourists can exchange their currencies at specific banks and exchange houses. Transactions with different currencies such as US dollars or British pounds are possible. Exchange rates vary depending on the financial entity, so it is recommended to compare before making any transaction.
It is not necessary to carry large amounts of cash for your purchases in Andorra, as most businesses accept credit and debit cards and other electronic payment methods. Both Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted, although American Express may be less frequent. There are also ATMs in major cities where you can withdraw cash if necessary.
Despite not being a member of the EU, Andorra has adopted the euro as its official currency and uses it for all its financial operations. The country has its own coins that represent important aspects of its culture and history, although the common euro coins also circulate. For visitors, exchanging currency and using digital payment methods is not much of a problem, especially in the larger cities and tourist areas.
