Practical information

PHONE & INTERNET

In France there are several mobile and internet providers. The four main actors are: Orange, Bouygues Telecom, SFR, and Free . You can walk into any of their stores (“boutique”) and in most places you should be able to get information in English.
In Monaco, the phone and internet provider is Monaco Telecom. There is a shop near IUM where you will get information in English.
To subscribe to any provider, you will need your identification document (ID card or passport), your local bank account information, and in many cases a document showing where you live “Justificatif de domicile”.

Bring a plug adaptor. France uses type E plugs – 220V
Unlock your phone with your mobile provider in your home country so that you can use a local SIM card.

TRANSPORTATION

Bus
The CAM, Monaco’s bus company, offers daily, monthly, and annual passes. With your IUM student card you will have access to special rates for students. For more information please go to their website: Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco
Train
The SNCF, the French national railway company, has one station that serves the principality of Monaco (Monaco-Monte Carlo station). It is on the line that connects Nice to Ventimiglia in Italy. This line makes living and traveling between Nice and Monaco very convenient. There are train passes available to students for a very affordable discount price. For information go to the SNCF website.
Helicopter
MONACAIR is Monaco’s helicopter company. It allows for very fast transfers from Nice Airport to Monaco while enjoying panoramic sights of the area. For more information go to their website: MONACAIR.

Estimated costs


In order to get an idea of the financial effort required to live in the French Riviera/Monaco, we suggest that you take a look at the Estimated Costs below. These are just indications and are subject to change

Housing (per month)

  • Private single room: 600 – 800€
  • Private double room: 500 – 600€
  • Flat: 800 – 1200€

Transports

  • Bus: Monthly pass for students over 26: 57€ per 3 months
  • Train: Annual pass for students under 26: 15€ (Carte Zou Etudes)
  • Single ride ticket: 2€
  • Daily ticket: 5,50€
  • Bike sharing: 15€ per 3 months

Cell phone

  • Monthly: 34€ (calls unlimited +100 GB Mobile data Internet)

Meals

  • Breakfast: 2 – 4€ (espresso, coffee or cappuccino + croissant)
  • IUM Cafeteria: Salade 5€, Pasta 7€, Sandwich 5€
  • Lunch at cafes: 10€
  • McDonald’s menu: 7 – 9€
  • Ice cream: 3- 5€
  • Dinner at restaurant: 30 – 50€
  • Dinner at pizzeria: 20 – 30€
  • Brunch: 30 – 50€

Entertainment

  • Aperitif: 5 – 11€
  • Cinema: 12€
  • Pub: 4 – 8€
  • Disco: 30 – 50€
  • Concerts: 15 – 100€

Residence Permit

  • Residence Permit 269€
  • OFII (French Office for Immigration and Integration) 250€

Health insurance

  • 540€ per year (45€ per month)

Courses

  • TextBooks around 300 € per semester

Gym

  • 90€ (1 year subscription)