Staying Connected with Loved Ones from Monaco: The Complete Guide

Published on January 15, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Although Monaco is only 2 km², staying connected with loved ones while living or staying there is no “small” matter. Between the temptation of roaming, time zone challenges, digital tools, the postal service, and even sending gifts abroad, it’s easy to get lost… and end up with a hefty bill or a package stuck in customs.

Understanding the Monégasque context: a hyper-connected micro-state

Monaco is a principality on the French Riviera, wedged between the Mediterranean Sea and mountains, with no airport but with cutting-edge telecommunications. With approximately 38,000 to 39,000 inhabitants and a 100% urban population, the country enjoys almost total mobile coverage.

In practice, this means that from Monaco, you almost always have two assets to stay in contact:

– a high-performance mobile network

– very high-speed internet access (fixed or mobile)

Add to that the widespread use of smartphones and social media, and you get an ideal environment for staying connected from a distance.

Roaming, local SIMs, and eSIMs: how to have internet without blowing your budget

The first instinct for staying in touch with loved ones is to have a stable connection on your phone. This is where three main scenarios come into play: roaming from your original operator, buying a local Monaco Telecom SIM, or using a travel eSIM.

Roaming: convenient but sometimes ruinous

If you come from an EU country with a “roam like at home” plan, you can often use your plan in the Principality under conditions close to those of your home country, subject to so-called “fair use” caps. For travelers from outside the EU (United States, Canada, etc.), it’s a different story.

Specific examples show just how expensive roaming can be:

– a U.S. operator charges up to $2.05 per MB of data and $3 per minute for calls

– some offer an “international day” pass for around $10 per day, which activates as soon as you use a bit of data, make or receive a call, or send an SMS

Over a one-week stay, staying connected solely via your original plan can therefore quickly lead to several hundred euros or dollars.

To limit the damage, the best practices remain the same:

Buying a local Monaco Telecom SIM: the comfort of the “on the spot” solution

For a slightly longer stay or if you come to Monaco regularly, buying a local prepaid SIM card is often more cost-effective. Monaco Telecom offers several prepaid plans, sold:

– in its official stores

– in phone shops in Monte‑Carlo or near the port

– in certain points of sale like kiosks and convenience stores

You will be asked for:

– a passport

– usually proof of stay (hotel reservation) and sometimes a bank card for activation fees

The typical plan ranges look like this (indicative values, in euros):

Plan Name	Included Data	Validity Period	Approximate Price
Tourist Starter	5 GB	7 days	€20
Deluxe Traveler	10 GB	14 days	€35
Extended Stay	20 GB	30 days	€50

At the same time, in travel guides for Monaco, you find similar price ranges: a prepaid SIM generally costs between €10 and €20, and small data plans start around €5.

The advantage of a local SIM:

– you pay local prices, with no roaming fees

– you keep control of your budget (prepaid)

– you have data everywhere, even far from Wi‑Fi (bus, walks, Larvotto beach…)

The drawback: some situations can be disadvantageous or difficult to manage.

– you change your number for calls/SMS; your loved ones will have to dial your Monégasque number (prefix +377)

Travel eSIM: keep your number and add local data

If your smartphone is eSIM compatible (recent iPhones, Google Pixel, Samsung and other modern models), the most flexible solution to stay connected from Monaco is often the international eSIM.

The principle is simple: instead of buying and inserting a physical card, you download a digital SIM profile onto your phone. You keep:

– your physical SIM to receive SMS (for example for banking)

– an eSIM dedicated to travel data, which connects to the best local network (in Monaco: Monaco Telecom or partners)

Among the eSIM providers compatible with Monaco:

– Holafly

– Airalo

– Nomad

– Yesim.app

– SimOptions (eSIM marketplace)

– eSIM.net

– GoMoWorld

– Esimatic

– Maya Mobile

– BetterRoaming

Some offer unlimited plans, others fixed data volumes. A few examples of prices for Monaco:

Provider	Offer	Data / Duration	Approximate Price
Holafly	eSIM Monaco	2.5 GB / 5 days	$29
Holafly	eSIM Monaco	15 GB / 30 days	$79
Airalo	Grand Monaco 1 GB / 7 days	1 GB / 7 days	$9.50
Airalo	Grand Monaco 5 GB / 30 days	5 GB / 30 days	$32.50
Nomad	Monaco 1 GB / 7 days	1 GB / 7 days	$15
Nomad	Monaco 5 GB / 30 days	5 GB / 30 days	$45
GoMoWorld	Data Monaco	plans starting at	€3.99
Esimatic	Data Monaco (example)	5 GB / 7 or 30 days	variable price
Maya Mobile	Monaco eSIM (example)	10 GB / variable duration	variable price

The strengths of eSIMs for staying in contact:

Most providers send a QR code by email. You just need to:

1. check your device’s compatibility 2. purchase the plan (choosing data volume and duration) 3. scan the QR code in your phone’s settings (“Add Cellular Plan” / “Add Data Plan”) 4. activate the eSIM line upon arrival in Monaco and allow data roaming for this eSIM

Some, like Holafly or SimOptions, offer 24/7 chat support, apps to track your usage in real time, and the ability to top up your plan without losing your eSIM number.

Comparison: roaming vs local SIM vs eSIM

For keeping in touch with your loved ones, what matters is less the technology and more the real daily cost. A simple table helps visualize the main differences:

Option	Main Advantages	Main Drawbacks
Operator roaming	Nothing to install, same number for everything	Potentially very high costs, unclear pricing
Local SIM	Local rates, good coverage, controlled budget	Number change, in-store procedures
International eSIM	Online activation, keeps original number, flexible	Requires compatible smartphone, reading T&Cs

For a resident of Monaco who travels or an expat settling there, the winning combination is often: Local Monaco Telecom SIM + eSIM or VoIP for international. For a short-term tourist, a travel eSIM generally remains the simplest solution to stay in constant touch with family without chasing after Wi‑Fi.

Messaging and VoIP apps: calling “as if you were next door”

Once your internet connection is secured (via Wi‑Fi, local SIM, or eSIM), the best way to talk to your loved ones remains messaging and VoIP apps. They increasingly replace traditional calls, especially for international communication.

WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram, Viber: the basics for communicating from Monaco

On the French Riviera as elsewhere in Europe, the following apps are omnipresent:

– WhatsApp: text, voice calls, video calls, groups, location sharing, all end-to-end encrypted. It just requires your loved ones to have the app installed.

– FaceTime / iMessage: between Apple devices, very practical for “full iPhone” families.

– Telegram: encrypted messaging, massive groups, voice and video calls.

– Viber: a popular alternative, especially for those with family outside Europe.

Usage is simple: as long as you have an internet connection (4G/5G or Wi‑Fi), you can call, send voice messages, show Monaco via video to your loved ones, as if you were at their place.

To minimize data consumption when you’re not on Wi‑Fi, remember to activate “data saver” modes if the app offers them, and prioritize audio over video for long conversations.

Apps for international calls to landlines and mobiles

If your loved ones don’t use the same apps or don’t have a smartphone, you sometimes need to call a regular number (landline or mobile). Specialized services allow you to make these calls at much lower rates than your mobile operator’s international rate.

– BOSS Revolution

– mytello

– Yolla

– Talk360 and other virtual “calling card” apps

The typical operation:

1. you create an account in the app or on the website 2. you buy credit ($5, $10, $25…) with a bank card, PayPal, etc. 3. you dial the international number of your loved one (with their country code) 4. the call goes via the internet or a local access number, then is routed to the traditional network

Rates are generally charged per minute, sometimes with a small connection fee (for example $0.05 per call for mytello), with billing in one-minute increments rounded up to the next minute.

These services often highlight:

– no hidden fees

– the ability to see your credit and calls in real time

– reachable customer service and sound quality guarantees

Zoom, Google Meet, Skype & co: organizing family group calls

Virtual family gatherings are no longer reserved for lockdown periods. When living in Monaco with family scattered across several continents, organizing a “virtual happy hour” or an online birthday becomes routine.

The most used platforms:

– Zoom

– Google Meet

– Skype (some of Skype’s classic services are evolving, but video call usage remains very widespread)

– Microsoft Teams, FaceTime group calls, etc.

To succeed in this kind of meeting:

– think about time zones: Monaco is on Central European Time (CET/CEST). Tools like World Time Buddy or timeanddate.com exist to find a reasonable time slot for everyone.

– limit the duration per segment (maximum one hour), especially if there are elderly people or children.

– send a light agenda: round table of news, birthday, games…

– plan a “technical test” for family members less comfortable with technology (app installation, microphone and camera test).

A often overlooked tip: alternate meeting times when the family is spread across several continents, so the time constraint doesn’t always fall on the same people.

Social media and expat life: staying present in others’ lives

Monaco has a very connected population: internet penetration exceeds 99%, there are more mobile lines than inhabitants (approximately 104% penetration rate), and a significant portion of residents are expatriates.

Using social media to stay connected

Social media has become one of the easiest ways to stay present in your loved ones’ lives from a distance:

– share photos of the Rock, Larvotto, or Port Hercule

– show daily life, not just exceptional events

– follow the news of friends and family in their country

In Europe, the dominant platforms are:

– Facebook

– Instagram

– WhatsApp (messaging but also ephemeral statuses)

– YouTube

– TikTok

In Monaco, many expats use Facebook groups such as “Monaco Expats” or “Expat Women in Monaco” which serve as places for exchange and mutual aid, but also an indirect way to keep your loved ones informed: by sharing your public or private posts, they see how you are integrating and what makes up your daily life.

Expatriate groups in Monaco

Some key figures for Monaco (early 2025):

Indicator	Approx. Value
Total population	38.5k
Internet access rate	99%
Mobile connections vs. population	104%
Social media user identities	~32.5% of the population (early 2025)

Even if not everyone is on social media, they provide a solid base for maintaining a diffuse presence in your loved ones’ lives, notably through:

– photo albums

– stories

– private messages and discussion groups

Expatriate networks: support when feeling far from home

Staying in touch isn’t just about looking towards your home country, it’s also about building a local circle. In Monaco, many organizations and associations help newcomers:

– international clubs

– professional associations

– language or cultural circles

These networks often gather on:

– Facebook groups

– Meetup events

– LinkedIn, for the professional aspect

For someone arriving alone in Monaco, building a strong local circle greatly helps reduce feelings of loneliness… and provides more energy to maintain the connection with distant family. In other words, the better you are surrounded locally, the more pleasant it becomes to share your experiences with your loved ones via social media, video calls, or phone calls.

Managing time zones and organization to stay truly connected

Even with the best connection and all the apps in the world, staying connected with family and friends requires a minimum of organization. When your loved ones are in Montreal, Tokyo, or Sydney, choosing a call time slot that “works for everyone” is an art in itself.

Mastering time zones from Monaco

Monaco is on Central European Time:

– CET (UTC+1) in winter

– CEST (UTC+2) in summer with daylight saving time

Depending on your loved ones:

– New York is generally at UTC‑5 (or ‑4 in summer)

– Montreal similar

– London at UTC+0 (or +1 in summer)

– Sydney around UTC+10/+11 (depending on Australian daylight saving)

– Tokyo at UTC+9 (no daylight saving)

To avoid mistakes:

The trick for scattered families: define basic time slots (“core hours”) where everyone can reasonably be available, for example:

– for Monaco – North America: late afternoon in Monaco / morning elsewhere

– for Monaco – Asia: morning in Monaco / late afternoon in Asia

Finding the right rhythm between synchronous and asynchronous

In real life, you can’t be on video call all the time. It’s often more realistic to combine two types of exchanges:

– synchronous: scheduled audio/video calls, live family events

– asynchronous: voice messages, sent videos, emails, private posts or stories

– establish a weekly or bi‑monthly call at a fixed time

– regularly share short videos or voice messages with your family

– create a family WhatsApp group for small news and photos

– use a shared drive (Google Drive) to upload photos from a trip, birthday, or outing

The key: predictability and lightness. Simple rituals like “Sunday morning coffee video call” or “Monday voice message” create connection without pressure.

Staying in touch by… mail: letters, packages, and gifts from Monaco

Digital doesn’t do everything. A handwritten letter, a birthday gift, a souvenir from Monaco or the French Riviera can have a huge impact on your loved ones’ morale. In Monaco, it’s La Poste Monaco that handles most shipments.

La Poste Monaco: main services

La Poste Monaco, a subsidiary of the French La Poste group, operates under the supervision of the Princely Government. It manages:

– mail (letters, packages)

– registered mail

– express services via Chronopost

– P.O. boxes

– stamp and packaging sales

– financial services (via La Banque Postale)

The headquarters is located at the Palais de la Scala, avenue Henri Dunant, and several post offices are spread across the neighborhoods (Monte‑Carlo, La Condamine, Fontvieille, Monaco‑Ville, etc.).

Typical delivery times:

Type of Shipment	Average International Delivery Time
Standard mail	5 to 10 business days
Express (Chronopost, etc.)	1 to 3 business days

For valuable packages or gifts, it is recommended to:

– opt for tracked or registered shipping

– take out adequate insurance (some formulas cover up to several thousand euros)

Packages and gifts abroad: customs, risks, and alternatives

Sending a gift from Monaco internationally involves respecting:

– the customs rules of the destination country

– transport restrictions (perishable goods, alcohol, valuable items, etc.)

– package held in customs due to incomplete documentation

– taxes and duties payable by the recipient, especially if the value exceeds certain thresholds

– packaging damage (customs have the right to open the package)

– for small untracked shipments, reported cases of loss or theft in certain postal chains

Logistics platforms like Eurosender work with carriers (DHL, UPS, TNT, etc.) and offer: transport solutions tailored to customer needs.

– standard or express formulas

– suitable insurance

– packaging guides

– online tracking

They emphasize the importance:

– of accurately describing the contents and their value

– of avoiding perishable goods, alcohol, very expensive items

– of keeping the original invoice in case of dispute

In some cases (for example sending chocolates in the middle of summer, or perishable food), it’s better to give up.

Gift delivery services directly to your loved ones’ country

To avoid customs pitfalls and loss risks, an alternative is to use international gift platforms that deliver directly from or to the destination country, rather than physically shipping a package from Monaco.

Among the mentioned players:

Advantages:

– customs constraints handled by the local provider

– fast delivery times (often 1 to 3 business days)

– choice of gifts suited to the country (local gastronomy, partner shops, etc.)

– possibility to add a personalized message or card

For a resident of Monaco, this is a very effective way to continue celebrating birthdays, Christmas, or other family events without multiplying complex postal procedures.

Practical tips for physical shipments

To maximize the chances of your letters and packages reaching your loved ones without issue:

– use sturdy envelopes and boxes, with interior cushioning

– write the address in the format of the destination country (the UPU and La Poste provide examples)

– clearly indicate your return address in Monaco

– carefully fill out customs forms (accurate description, realistic value)

– avoid potentially suspicious mentions and contents (powder, liquids, disproportionate packaging)

Finally, remember that delivery times can vary greatly by country. It’s better to send early for holidays, or prefer local gift services if timing is tight.

Staying reachable for important services (bank, 2FA, administrations)

Living in Monaco while having bank accounts, online services, or subscriptions abroad involves a particular challenge: receiving verification SMS (2FA) sent to your original number.

To reconcile security and cost control:

This approach allows you to stay in contact not only with your loved ones, but also with your institutions, without being entirely dependent on roaming.

Practical advice: building your “contact ecosystem” from Monaco

In the end, staying in touch with your loved ones from Monaco relies on a set of building blocks:

– reliable and controlled internet access (Wi‑Fi, local SIM, eSIM)

– well-chosen communication tools (messaging, VoIP, video calls)

– schedule organization for regular contacts

– physical options (post office, gifts, packages) for special occasions

You can, for example:

– 2. Standardize your communication channels with your loved ones

– family WhatsApp group for daily exchanges

– an international calling app (mytello, BOSS Revolution, Yolla…) for those who don’t have a smartphone

– a video call platform for events (Zoom, Google Meet, FaceTime group calls)

– 4. Plan your strategy for gifts and packages

– small gestures by tracked mail or packages, well insured

– gifts delivered locally via international platforms for major occasions

By combining these elements, Monaco no longer becomes a distant point on the map, but a simple “other time zone” in your loved ones’ lives. Technology, well mastered, erases distance without locking you behind a screen: it gives you the means to show that, from the Principality, you are always present in the lives of those who matter.