Shopping in Arinsal

There are two main supermarkets in the village selling all your holiday essentials, with a fairly decent selection of food if you're self catering. There is also a good selection of shops selling ski/snowboard equipment and clothing. In addition to those in the village, you will find several sports and souvenier shops at the top of the gondola (at the base of the slopes) so make sure you shop around and get a great deal!

Currency & Money

The currency of Andorra is the Euro. You can change money at most hotel receptions as well as being able to take money out of cash machines in the village, and even up the mountain! Just watch out for the exchange rate at receptions though as they can be quite low! The nearest banks can be found just down the road in La Massana.

Andorra La Vella

For more extensive shopping opportunities you might want to pay a visit to Andorra la Vella, the capital city. If you want to go, there are a few options. Firstly is public transport. Buses depart from the village along the main road, however when you get into the city it can be tricky as the bus drops you off in a different place to where it picks you up to bring you back. Second option is a taxi. They work pretty much the same as anywhere else, and hotel receptions will usually call one for you, or you can flag one down. Taxis cannot be booked in Andorra, therefore you just have to wait for it to come. Beware that the taxi will start it's meter where it sets off from, and not where you get in!

Once you're there, you can expect to find a fantastic array of shops selling predominantly electrical goods, jewellery, perfume, alcohol, cigarettes and tobacco, all at duty free prices! In recent years a sales tax has been introduced, this currently stands at 4.5%, but prices are still fairly low. A top tip would be to do your homework before you go to make sure that you are getting a bargain!

Buses to Andorra La Vella

The bus service to Andorra la Vella is operated by Cooperativa Interurbana Andorrana. It costs €3.30 each way from Arinsal to Andorra la Vella and it is Line 5. Tickets can be bought in cash on the bus. The bus stop in Arinsal is next to the gondola in the centre of the village. The bus stop to return is by the French post office (La Poste) in the centre of Andorra la Vella.

Duty Free Allowances

Andorra has customs on both the French and Spanish borders with regular vehicle searches carried out. The main duty free allowances, as per the Andorran government in October 2015 are:

• Tobacco & Cigarettes - 300 cigarettes or 150 cigars (under 3g each) or 75 cigars (over 3g each)
  or 400g of pipe tobacco
• Alcohol - 1.5l of liquors over 22% (or 3l of liquors or aperitifs under 22% or sparkling wine) plus 5l of table wine
• Perfume - 75g of perfume plus 375 ml of eau de cologne
• Other - Up to a value of €900 per person or €450 if aged under 15

For more information please visit the official customs website of Andorra.