Andorra is known internationally for the lower taxation on its products (4.5% from 1 January 2013) and for its more than 1.000 shops offering products from all around the world and the latest developments in fashion, electronics, politics, photography, sport, etc. at very low prices...
However, as the country does not belong to the European Union there are limitations on the products and amounts you can pass through customs on your way back to your country (customs allowances) which you must know.
In this section we explain...
Borders, customs and timetables
The Andorran border with Spain and France for traveller transit is open 24 hours a day.
However, in the case of goods or if any purchase has to be declared when entering or leaving the country, for example due to exportation or having exceeded the limit allowed in the allowances, the Andorran and Spanish customs are subject to a timetable (the French one is open 24 hours a day).
Here we inform you of the timetables for public attention and the telephone numbers of the three custom posts.
Andorran customs
Farga de Moles – Spain
Pas de la Casa – France
Working hours: from 7 to 20 h
Spanish customs
Farga de Moles – Spain
Working hours: Mondays to Fridays: 8 to 20 h, weekends 9 to 20 h
French customs
Pas de la Casa – France
Working hours: Open 24/24
Where to Buy
Andorra has a wide and varied commercial offer spread around the parishes; however, the Principality's neuralgic, economic and commercial centre is divided between the towns of Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany.
On their avinguda Meritxell and avinguda Carlemany, and in the streets surrounding them, you will find all kinds of perfumeries, boutiques, shoe shops, pharmacies, electronics and photography shops, opticians, jeweller's and watchmaker's, sports shops, tobacco and drinks stores and also department stores and shopping centres.
The urban centre of Pas de la Casa, on the French border, is also a good place to shop with commercial establishments and stores of all kinds.
The area of Santa Coloma, at the entrance to Andorra la Vella from Sant Julià, concentrates most of the motorcycle and car accessory stores and dealers.
The parish of Sant Julià de Lòria, the first you come to after crossing the border from Spain, houses three large hypermarkets, small local trades and some shops specialised in cycling.
In the remaining towns you will also find supermarkets, pharmacies, local trades and, at the foot of the ski slopes, skiing material and rental in the winter, and trekking and mountain bike rental in the summer.
Customs allowances
The customs allowance is the amount of products you can take across the border on the way back to your country without having to declare them, and therefore without having to pay.
Although in some agricultural products (coffee, alcohol, tobacco and similar products), this limit refers to amounts, in others (milk, butter, cheese, sweets, etc.) the value and quantity are both taken into account.
The allowances for all industrial products except for perfumes and colognes are established by their value in Euros.
If it is not otherwise indicated, the allowances are for people over age and cannot be accumulated either in value or between travellers, or between agricultural and industrial products.