Monaco: Best Prepaid SIM Card Buying Guide (2023)

Monaco is known as the “Billionaires Playground”. Yachts, casinos, and extravagant eveents, it is understandable why it is considered ot be a playground for the rich.

If you are not into the expensive stuff, head to the Exotic Garden of Monaco, which has many succulents from all over the world. Musée océanographique de Monaco is a cool marine museum. You better not skip Larvotto beach!

What could make your trip to Monaco more expensive is by roaming with your provider in Monaco. Roaming can be expensive in many cases, which is why many travelers prefer to buy local SIM cards, like a Monegasque one.

The issue, however, is that mobile data is expensive in Monaco. So roaming may be a good option for some travelers.

In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Monaco. Let's go.

Original publication: 23rd of May 2020. Last updated: 22nd of August 2023.

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Table of Contents

Telecom Provider in Monaco

Monaco has 1 telecom provider:

• Monaco Telecom

Monaco telecom has 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE, and 5G networks.

Best SIM Card in Monaco

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SIM Card Registration Regulations in Monaco

Like many countries in Western Europe, and Europe in general, you do not have to register yourself when buying a SIM card in Monaco.

Do note that mobile data is expensive in Monaco for European standards.

A special reminder for those from the EU/EEA: Monaco is not part of the EU or EEA, which means that the Roam Like at Home rule does not apply in Monaco. Normally, I would recommend that those from the EU/EEA are better off getting a local SIM card. However, that may not necessarily have to be the case for Andorra.

A handful of European operators include Monaco in their Roam Like at Home category, which makes it important to consult with your operator before deciding to roam in Monaco with an EU/EEA SIM card.

Monaco Telecom, however, does have a roaming agreement with Orange France, which allows Orange France customers to roam in Monaco without a surcharge.

Those from the EU/EEA, and anyone else for that matter, will be better off heading to France, get an Orange SIM card, get a reasonable data plan, and roam in Monaco instead of getting a Monaco Telecom SIM card – it could save you some money.

Additionally, the antennas from French operators cover most of Monaco because they have been allowed by the French and Monacan governments to deploy base stations.

If you do not enable data roaming when in Monaco and have a French card, you may not even have to worry about roaming costs or getting a Monacan SIM card. Do note that speeds can be slow.

The same can be said when having an EU/EEA SIM card. Instead of disabling data roaming, you have to change the data roaming setting from automatic selection to manual selection and select a French network to take advantage of the Roam Like at Home feature.

Orange France reportedly has the best coverage and speeds in Monaco, but SFR, Bouygues Télécom, and Free Mobile can also be selected.

With that being said, let’s see what Monaco Telecom has to offer to us.

Monaco Telecom

Monaco Telecom is the sole operator in Monaco. They offer mobile plans, which are not prepaid plans, but they have options that do not require you to be in a long-term contract with them. It is, however, not clear whether travelers can take advantage of these plans.

Moreover, it looks like those younger than 26 get a discount when getting a mobile plan.

Monaco Telecom offers the 4 plans with no commitment. The data allowance can be used in Monaco, metropolitan France, Europe, Switzerland, Andorra, and French Overseas Departments.

You also get unlimited calls and SMS, which is for local use and use when in metropolitan France. The allowances can also be used when in Europe, Switzerland, Andorra, and French Overseas Departments. Only one plan allows you to make unlimited calls and send unlimited SMS while still in Monaco and Metropolitan France.

The are 4 Monaco Telecom mobile plans with no commitment are available, of which 3 offer data:

• €39.99: 20 GB in Monaco, metropolitan France, Europe, Switzerland, Andorra, and French Overseas Departments
• €49.99: 50 GB in Monaco, metropolitan France, Europe, Switzerland, Andorra, and French Overseas Departments, unlimited minutes in Monaco and metropolitan France and from Europe, Switzerland, Andorra, and French Overseas Departments, and unlimited SMS in Monaco and metropolitan France and from Europe, Switzerland, Andorra, and French Overseas Departments
• €109.99: 100 GB in Monaco, metropolitan France, Europe, Switzerland, Andorra, French Overseas Departments, Canada, and the United States, unlimited minutes in Monaco and metropolitan France and to and from Europe, Switzerland, Andorra, and French Overseas Departments, and unlimited SMS in Monaco and metropolitan France and to and from Europe, Switzerland, Andorra, and French Overseas Departments

* Prices for those younger than 26: €19.99, €19.99, and €69.99 in order.

The Best Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Monaco

Getting a SIM card from Monaco Telecom would be your only option when considering a Monegasque SIM card.