Andorra - The Don'ts of Andorra (Oddest Placed Country in Europe)

Want to visit a very unique and very small country? Well Andorra could be the right place for you! For skiing, shopping, summer hiking there is a lot for people to enjoy in Andorra. The co-principality between Spain and France is a shoppers tax free or tax less dream, and the mountains of Andorra make for great cheap skiing as well!
What to do in Andorra. Is Andorra worth visiting. What to know about Andorra before you visit.
Filmed in Andorra
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[@alex31245]

Great video! Little known fact about Andorra is that it's one of the few countries in the world that doesn't have its own military. It basically relies on the French and Spanish military to help them out if someone dares to play music too loudly on the streets. 😄

[@woltersworld]

exactly :)

[@GringlesFacil]

Costa Rica also makes that list

[@cryptodeity]

@@GringlesFacil you beat me to it lol. And it’s ironic given that it’s bigger than El Salvador 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@antitakt8196]

Wow, we are very impressed by your knowledge.

[@alex31245]

@@antitakt8196 Thank you! I'm glad you learned something today, which, and I'm just guessing here, doesn't happen too often. 😀

[@sl4193]

So much information in 11 minutes 34 seconds. Another great, detail packed, travel video. Thank you once again, Mark.

[@woltersworld]

I tried to give a lot of helpful information :)

[@cathymeep]

Andorra is SO beautiful! It was such a hidden gem when I visited. I definitely want to go back and explore more!

[@woltersworld]

nice quiet place

[@PaulPogbaFC]

I went there a few months ago. I took a day trip from Barcelona and the bus ride was beautiful. I was traveling solo and felt like there wasn't much to do in the capital. I definitely recommend taking a few days to see the smaller towns and doing some of the hikes instead.

[@adamcarson3871]

I’m thinking of going for a day or 2 when I’m travelling through Spain, what are the best parts because I don’t wanna go skiing and spa 😔

[@barvdw]

One little correction, while yes, the postal service is run by the Spanish and French postal services side by side, there are special stamps for Andorra by both companies, only for international post as internal mail is free, and you can choose whether it gets routed via France or via Spain, so be careful if you want to send a postcard to put it in the right letterbox, depending on the stamps you bought. The Spanish stamps will say Correus Espanyols, the French stamps will simply say Postes.

[@sams3015]

I went to Andorra for funzees with my mother (who mainly wanted to go for duty free) & we were pleasantly surprised. It’s not as grey as it can look in video. You defo notice right away you’re not in the EU, the vibe is very different. The Main Street almost reminded me of a cruise port with all the duty free

[@gscott5062]

We spent a night in Andorra la Vella a while ago, and yes, the town has all the charm of your local shopping mall. But it's amazing how close some beautiful natural areas are - I got up at 6AM, drove 5 minutes from our hotel, did a via ferrata (a kind of cable-protected rock climb - if that Tibetan bridge scares you, so would this), arrived at a ruined chapel in a small deserted valley, and made it back to my hotel in time for the breakfast buffet.

[@ParadiseChamp]

Hey Wolter, will you be happy to make informative travel videos about Hawaii and the Hawaiian culture? That would be very interesting for the viewers to learn about! 😀 Thanks!

[@adriannaconnor6471]

Hi! I really appreciate you doing these videos. Thanks!

[@woltersworld]

glad i can. thank you

[@pushitsomewhereelse]

Been to Andorra in September of 2021 and it was an amazing time, great people, great bars😉 but most Andorrans speak Catalan so best to keep that in mind👍🏼

[@woltersworld]

yep

[@m4x1k5guy]

Was in Andorra last year. Great place to visit and I did get my passport stamped. Just ask at the border, if their not really busy, they will stamp it.

[@sahilanant123]

The issue is not that Andorra doesn't belong to the EU. Its the fact that its not in the Schengen area, which allows for border-free travels between countries. Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein aren't in the EU either but since they are in Schengen no one checks passports. I did visit Toulouse and the French Pyrenees last year. Andorra was not far off from there. Some nice towns there near Toulouse such as Carcassone and Ax-les-Thermes (this one for access to the mountains). Well worth a visit.

[@WDH59510]

Great video as ever Mark. While you were down there, did you spend some time in Toulouse (I used to live there) ? It's a fascinating place and maybe overlooked by some tourists on the road from Paris to Barcelona.

[@georgepayne6163]

One point to note is that while Andorra itself doesn’t have an airport you can fly to Andorra La Seu airport which is just across the border on the Spanish side. Iberia does a twice weekly flight from Madrid to that airport. Once you land in Andorra La Seu airport there is a shuttle bus to Andorra La Vella for €10

[@charmainelawrence9580]

Love you and your family!!! Your KZbin channel is the best. The best travel advice! Keep up the great work. 😊❤️

[@woltersworld]

that is really nice of you thank you

[@brianinthedistrict]

There is an airport that serves Andorra- it’s Andorra La Seu d’Urgell airport. It’s about 20 mins from the border but located in Spain. Biweekly flights to Madrid and Palma on Iberia.

[@ronweasley1354]

Andorra is the only country where the one of the two rulers is voted on by another country. One of the two leaders used to be the king of France and now it’s the prime minister of France, who is of course voted on by the French citizens.

[@annbsirius1703]

Isn't the other "prince " the pope or a cardinal of somewhere?

[@barvdw]

@@annbsirius1703 the co-prince is the Bishop of Urgell in Spain, so close, but not quite.

[@domitiennegegou5967]

Not the Prime minister... The President. But he is elected too, of course.

[@ronweasley1354]

@@domitiennegegou5967 yeah it is the president my bad

[@framegrace1]

And the other ruler is chosen by an absolutitst monarchy. The Bishop of La Seu, which is selected by the Pope.

[@m420-nd1if]

Im in Andorra right now and it is basically a big mall 😂

[@PlanetaryCitizen]

I'm going there later this month and a bit worried about the long coach journey from Barcelona so I'd better make sure I pack my motion sickness tablets!

[@KenanTurkiye]

roses are red, violets are blue there's trains and trams in my playlist two there ya go, that somehow rhymed :))

[@CesarFernandez-hn5hx]

At a 10% flat tax rate and 0% for dividends of your own company, many youtubers and sportsmen from Spain have established their residence in Andorra. Andorra is also home to the year-round inhabited town at highest elevation in Europe, so some cyclists live there because they can train at altitude.

[@j.kristineemmons]

Jajaja, I mostly know about Andorra, because of the athletes I know, that have lived there.

[@pietvisser8657]

Haha, after living in Andorra for 7 years, I know the drill! Although I have to tell you, some EU Telco carriers have deals with Andorra, like the Netherlands for example, where you can seamlessly use your phone and data plan with no extra charges.

[@user-tz4tq8py2w]

Do you still live in Andorra? If not, why did you leave, and would you recommend Andorra as a place to live?

[@brianbailey7128]

Very good info. Thanks!

[@itsme0206]

T-Mobile works perfectly fine in Andorra and unlimited text is free of charge. You can ask to stamp your passport so you can have a "souvenir" from your trip, otherwise they don't stamp your visit. Even when Catalan is their language, most people speaks Spanish, and also English.

[@scottreardon4011]

"Andorra - I visited, so you don't have to." - Rick Steves

[@lizitaly3029]

Great video! I visited Andorra earlier this year and coincidentally matched most of your “don’ts”! I actually didn’t like my time there. I did a day trip to Andorra la Vella but it was rainy so hiking wasn’t something I wanted to do. Shopping for clothes wasn’t too fun because I had a hard time finding clothing that were bigger sizes (XL was tough to find). So it felt like unless you really liked to hike and were a size S/M, then there is more to do for you at the capital. I also didn’t like the food as much. But I would be willing to explore maybe another city in Andorra in the future

[@boodori1210]

"melting clock statue". You mean Dali's "Nobility of Time"!

[@gabrielapaulinho1luv]

Love your video, Marc.❤❤❤ Oh, that comment about Dramamine while you're riding back 'n forth in the Pyrenees😵‍💫😵🤢 ... lol ... That'd be me, too: "Please don't engage me; I'm trying to keep down my lunch." I've been enjoying your and your family's travel videos for more than a decade.👍🏼And Marc, I still chuckle when someone in the comments addresses you as Walter.🤭 So charmingly, innocently hilarious. ¡Buen viaje!

[@benjaperez]

Great Video!

[@RobMcDougall]

Mountains, skiing, hiking, tax free shopping, and weapons. Andorra - the New Hampshire of Europe

[@tobiojo6469]

Hey Mark, awesome video

[@woltersworld]

thanks Tobi

[@jamie123b]

I’m going to stay with a friend in Toulouse for a 5 days in September. We might rent a car and go check out Andorra

[@WDH59510]

It's a long climb but worth it. Make a day of it.

[@jamie123b]

@@WDH59510 what’s a long climb? You mean to drive there? I don’t mind if the car is doing the work 😛

[@WDH59510]

@@jamie123b When I lived in Toulouse (80s) the car would take me about 2 and a half to 3 hours. I believe the roads have improved since then ! There's a station at L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre but I'm not sure how you'd get to Andorra from there. Oh and you'll love Toulouse BTW.

[@jamie123b]

@@WDH59510 ah I bet it’s a nice drive though? Hope so, Toulouse looks nice 😊

[@WDH59510]

@jamie123b yes it's a great drive. I don't know if the Sunday Market around Saint Sernin is still there but if it is, it is worth your time. Even just walking around is a pleasure in itself.

[@blindpanthervlogs]

It is an interesting and quirky country.

[@woltersworld]

yep

[@longliveavalon]

You look like Mario Batali! 😃

[@grouloulle]

Like Franck black

[@christianrokicki]

@@grouloulleJames Taylor

[@woltersworld]

i dressed up as him a few halloweens ago

[@longliveavalon]

@@woltersworld LOL 😂👍🏻

[@HeidiRobinson-gs6ct]

I just watched a good thriller movie "Nick" filmed on location there in Andorra.

[@theresaaanna]

I saw this video a couple of weeks ago, yesterday I went to Andorra and now I rewatched it again and all I gotta say: this video is pretty much accurate and a good representation! 😊

[@dennissanchez4121]

There is a secret way to get a passport stamp in Andorra. I got mine the last time I went there.

[@stevefoxg]

I see that Andorra is not in the Schengen zone. Is it an option for extending time in Europe Wolter?

[@j.kristineemmons]

Apparently, yes. I stayed at a hostel there. There was a lady also staying there, from New Zealand. She maxed out her time in Spain, so she was spending three months there, before going back to Spain.

[@anacasanova7350]

Andorra tiene dos coprincipes Jefes del Estado el Presidente de Francia y un obispo español, catalan😂

[@Fegga1955]

👌🎉🎊

[@garyrigby21]

Hey fellow Scouser you finally reached Andorra

[@woltersworld]

it took me some time but i got here :) hope all is well! miss me some Liverpool. Need to get back there

[@garyrigby21]

@@woltersworld Hope so! would be lovely to see you here again

[@DiscipleOfHeavyMeta1]

Don't they speak Catalan in Andorra?

[@Magic_beans_]

They do. He mentions that at 6:50 that you can probably get by with English, Spanish (Castellano), or French, but as always learning a few words of the local language is respectful.

[@woltersworld]

yes they do

[@WDH59510]

Pas de la Casa (first town over the border coming from Toulouse) is a place where you'll get by in French. The further south you go the more Spanish will come in handy (if that is you don't speak Catalan).

[@CesarFernandez-hn5hx]

Catalan is the official language in Andorra. It is pretty amazing that everybody in the capital, Andorra la Vella, speaks Spanish too.

[@boodori1210]

@@CesarFernandez-hn5hx not that amazing. Most of the people you will engage with in stores are Spanish or latin american

[@DSC800]

I gotta say, Wolters talked me out of this one. My wife doesn't need more shopping. Lol!

[@annmajek5203]

I’d love to walk that Tibetan bridge!!

[@woltersworld]

you go right ahead. i will wait :)

[@HeidiRobinson-gs6ct]

Andorra is Beautiful, safe and affordable??!! Cool .... are they also a war neutral Country?

[@moisesmartinez3134]

Alex's Jones lost brother.

[@silasmedvedev8019]

Es diu "Gràcies" i no "Merci". Això es una francessada que ve de Barcelona

[@antitakt8196]

Who can give me the adress and real name of that Youssef 16844?

[@christianrokicki]

Seems like nudity would be frowned upon?

[@davesmith5656]

A bit too much of your face and not quite enough of Andorra.

[@antitakt8196]

Sir, you are talking bullshit! Do not dare to compare Switzerland with Andorra unless you can overview and judge reality.

[@dzung1969]

Don’t go. There’s nothing there to see

[@didaresti9880]

Today’s sad reality is that leaders of the Muslim world do not avoid Shirk nor raise awareness about this. Imam Mahdi Muhammad Qasim has seen that avoiding shirk is the only way to success and Allah’s help

[@antitakt8196]

Lord Jesus is your only Savior.

[@AlexAlex-gj4jd]

My daughter and I got a cheap flight from Toulouse to Barcelona totally skipping Andorra because we didn't really know anything about the country! Now, it's a definite must on our next trip! Thanks for highlighting a little known principality that looks really interesting and cheaper than Switzerland is always a plus!

[@woltersworld]

it is an easy day trip from Barcelona too if you don't have a lot of time

[@theodoresmith5272]

Man I grew up driving very hilly roads and creek roads, but nothing like the Pyrenees. Wow I'm glad I was driving..

[@SavannaBryant]

Great video!!! New country to add to my bucket list !!!

[@KartoffelHundin]

If staying in the capital, a walk along the river to the town of La Massana is well worth it!

[@woltersworld]

yep :)

[@IonasalSdorica]

If you have kids, make sure to go to a tourism office and give them the "Find the Tamarros" book and go explore the nature! There are many selfie spots, and each of the the spots where the Tamarros are located has a selfie point. You can also stamp your own book. Bring the completed stamps to the tourism office, and they will give out a gift for kids only. Be sure to rent a car, drive around, and explore. :)

[@paulkoza8652]

How timely. I'm headed to the south of France in a month. I had considered trying to get to Andorra, but it is just too far of a drive from Arles. Maybe on the next trip. Your video answered many of my questions. Thanks again.

[@woltersworld]

fun for a nice day trip at least

[@antitakt8196]

@@woltersworld?

[@larryyeadeke2953]

Never even heard of it. Skiing, spas, and shopping. I'll pass.

[@j.kristineemmons]

Hiking!

[@PlanetaryCitizen]

I came here by coach from Barcelona and the border control was quite tight. Some of us got off the coach to have our passports looked at and stamped. I wasn't sure if I needed a stamp being a UK citizen, but they did it anyway. After we went back to the coach, two of them got on to check everybody else's passports or ID cards. They were quite thorough! I'm wondering if I will need to get the exit stamp when I leave here by coach tomorrow 🤔

[@edytam2750]

Thank you for this video, this is on our list to do for summer hiking for 3 weeks. Very informative :)

[@Disasterpiece5150]

Channel's like this is why youtube exist

[@RichTechGuy]

Visited Andorra back in June. Awesome country! Hope to come back during the winter time and go skiing.

[@jb894]

Tough when it is 16 c

[@Diego-to5jw]

@@jb894 Spaniard here. Skiing in Andorra is actually amazing. The capital is quite warm even during the winter but smaller mountain villages are much chillier and up in the slopes the temperature is well below zero.

[@carbo73]

"cabbage and potatos mixed together": that's TRINXAT, my friends, and it's delicious, specially in winter (not a dish for a hot summer day, not refreshing at all). And don't forget it should be allways toped with cansalada (bacon). Trinxat should be translated as "mashed".

[@ograro]

Talk clearly. You're eating your words.

[@JJ_LL]

Don't be scared of weapons. They won't possess you.

[@anamarchon8159]

Rude people is all over. Neste as hell.

[@AkagiRedSun]

I thought Andorra was located in South Africa somewhere below Congo and Mumbambu

[@scotttheodore9732]

Wolter . Hello from Texas , my name Scott . Another informative video from yourself . I really enjoyed your Greece Videos also. When r u going to be back in Greece ?

[@sandihepplewhite5257]

When I was about 14 year's old I went on holiday with my parents to benidorm we had a coach trip to Andorra, the coach driver took us up into the mountains on tiny roads and we came to a beautiful monastery whilst there the childrens choir were singing so amazing I remember it well by the monastery there was a cliff lift going farther up the mountain what a treat I had ,then we went to a mountain village where the the woman were outside the cottage s with spingwheels off wool and table cloths of cotton for you to buy as we did a really wonderful memories I have of that beautiful country . Thank you for all your information. Regards sandi.

[@mpcdejong]

Has anyone already commented on the thumbnail and that the reflection of the text is messed up? That's not how reflection works....

[@Tramptraveller]

Great video👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@woltersworld]

thank you

[@AuthenticityAndPurpose]

Another great video!

[@j.kristineemmons]

Squeeeeeee! So glad I just came across this video! I was just here like two weeks ago!! 😄😄😄 One of the reasons I chose Andorra (other than going to a new to me country), was the infrastructure and roads getting there. It was a relief to see roads big enough for the buses to get there, but I need new glasses, and it was a little scary driving there in the dark and rain (disappointed it didn't snow, but a little relieved at the same time). It's weird, cuz I lovvvve hiking, despite being a little afraid of heights. I wonder how different it is here. That "Melting Clock" is a famous sculpture by Salvador Dalí. There's actually a selfie stand right where Mark is sitting in the vid. It's funny traveling from Spain and not daring to not clutch any of your possessions for dear life, to being able to put your phone in a selfie stand in Andorra. ...I didn't really take any pictures of myself in Andorra, though. It was sooo strange driving in and out of Andorra, too. Both ways, the people at the booths weren't even looking, so I just stopped at the stop sign (they say "Stop" 🛑 in both Andorra and Spain), and continued through. Quite a "strange" (different) place this was, though. I couldn't escape Americans my whole trip (even smaller cities) in Spain, before visiting Andorra, but didn't come across any when I visited Andorra. I didn't know what to expect with the language and culture, but I was surprised to see lack of labeling other than Catalán, and English last (after French, actually, if at all). I embraced the Catalán, but it was just weird, since almost everywhere in the world you go, it will have English as the common language. Jaja, it's funny in Catalunya and País Vasco, too; English is listed second, and Spanish very last. I took a picture of one of those many shops with the weapons, too. I was shocked at how cheap Andorra was. I stayed right by that Casa de la Vell, too!!!!! In the Barri Antic. There's a really cool motorcycle bar called Barri Antic, too (shown in 7:41 on the vid). I stayed in the old town to actually get that European old charm, because the shopping area and rest of the capital were too modern. We have stone churches in Chicago, but I know very well that a lot of these are 500+ years old. It was such a nice break being here with the safety, too. Not worrying about bullets flying and armed robberies back at home, for a short bit.