World Country Guide

Social Profile

Food & Drink
Cuisine is mainly Catalan, and generally expensive. Quality and prices in restaurants are similar to those in small French and Spanish resort towns. Local dishes include coques (flavoured flat cakes), trinxat (a potato and cabbage dish), truites de carreroles (a type of mushroom omelette), local sausages and cheese, and a variety of pork and ham dishes.
Alcoholic drinks bought in shops and supermarkets are cheap (Andorra is a duty-free zone), but prices in bars can be high. They do, however, stay open late.

Nightlife
Andorra’s many bars and hotels provide a variety of evening entertainment. Discos are open during both summer and winter.

Shopping
There is duty-free shopping for all goods. Petrol, alcohol, cameras and watches can be purchased at low prices. Electrical goods are very good value. Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0900-2000, Sun 0900-1900.

Special Events
For further details of events in Andorra, contact the Sindicat d’Iniciativa Oficina de Turisme (see Contact Addresses section). The following is a selection of special events occurring in Andorra in 2005:
Jan 1 New Year's Day Concert, Ordino. Jan 17 St Anthony's Day Festival, Andorra La Vella. Jan 26-29 13th Trofeu Borrufa Ski Competition. Mar 27 Mountain Triathlon, Ordino. Apr 25-May 4 La Massana Comics, exhibition of graphic stories with workshops, conferences, etc. May 29 Spring Concert by the Ordino Artistic Group. Jul-Aug Colours of Music 2005, summer festival, Escaldes-Engordany. Jul 16-18 Roser Festival, La Massana. Aug 31 Summer Trek, Canillo. Sep 18 14th Andorran Gastronomic Display, Ordino. Oct 2-30 22nd International Narciso Yepes Festival.

Social Conventions
Normal social courtesies should be extended when visiting someone’s home. Handshaking is the accepted form of greeting. Dress is informal and smoking is very common; customs are similar to those of Spain. Tipping: Service charges are usually included in the bill. Porters and waiters expect a further 10 per cent.