San Marino, one of the world’s oldest republics, is a mountaintop microstate surrounded by Italy, offering medieval charm and panoramic views. Whether you’re walking through the historic streets of the capital, visiting the Three Towers, or shopping for local crafts, understanding how to manage your money is helpful. San Marino uses the euro, and cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and tourist sites, though cash may still be needed in smaller establishments. This guide provides key insights on cash and ATMs in San Marino, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable visit.
Where to find ATMs in San Marino?
San Marino is a small, hilltop republic entirely surrounded by Italy. ATMs are mainly found in San Marino City, especially along Via Piana and Via Giosuè Carducci, which run through the historic center. Machines are operated by Banca di San Marino and other regional financial institutions. They dispense euros (EUR) and accept international cards.
Tourist Spots:
ATMs are located near landmarks such as the Three Towers, Palazzo Pubblico, and cable car stations. Tourist-heavy zones have multilingual ATMs, often embedded in stone walls of historic buildings. While many shops and restaurants accept cards, smaller souvenir stands or local cafés may prefer cash.
Rural Areas:
San Marino has no remote or rural areas in the traditional sense – it is compact and fully serviced. That said, smaller outlying villages like Borgo Maggiore or Acquaviva may have fewer ATMs, so it’s practical to withdraw cash in the city center before exploring.
Best ATMs to use in San Marino for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in San Marino are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Cassa di Risparmio della Repubblica di San Marino (CARISP),
- Banca di San Marino, and
- Credito Agricola.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In San Marino, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in EUR).
– If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
– If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in EUR’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in San Marino?
Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in San Marino. ATMs commonly accept Visa and Mastercards. Some of them also accept Plus and Cirrus cards. Only some accept CUP, JCB, Maestro cards. Others like American Express, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
What are the ATM opening hours?
ATMs in San Marino are open 24/7, especially in central areas, near tourist sites, and shopping streets. Machines in government buildings or banks may follow business hours.
What are ATMs called in San Marino?
Signage often includes “ATM” or “Bancomat”, especially near historic centers and hotels.
Language options at ATMs
ATMs in San Marino typically offer Italian and English. Interfaces are user-friendly, and tourists can easily select English at the beginning of the transaction.
If you don’t understand these languages, try scanning the ATM screen on your phone camera with Google Translate and get an indicative translation (please note – such translations can have errors).
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in San Marino?
ATMs in San Marino dispense only euros (EUR), as it is part of the Eurozone. There are no options to withdraw any other currencies such as USD or GBP.
ATM withdrawal limits in San Marino?
ATMs in San Marino have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of EUR 1,000 per transaction. Banks usually do not limit the number of transactions per day.
ATM Fees in San Marino
There are some fee-free ATMs in San Marino. Majority of the Bank ATMs in San Marino do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to most foreign card holders. However, for cards from specific countries, a fee is charged.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in San Marino. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in San Marino
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in San Marino?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in San Marino. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including San Marino. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Safety at ATMs
San Marino is an exceptionally safe microstate, with very low crime rates and a strong public safety presence. ATMs are secure and commonly located near banks, government buildings, and tourist spots in the historic center. While the risk of theft or fraud is minimal, it’s still good practice to use ATMs during daylight hours, shield your PIN, and avoid displaying large amounts of cash. Checking your transaction history while traveling is always a smart precaution, even in destinations as safe as San Marino.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in San Marino takes you card, you can contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may be able to retreive the card for you if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but typically they only retreive and resend new cards for their own customers. In such cases, you will need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a card to you at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in San Marino?
Yes, its possible. There are some fee-free ATMs in San Marino. Majority of the Bank ATMs in San Marino do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to most foreign card holders. However, for cards from specific countries, a fee is charged.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in San Marino?
Yes. ATMs in major cities in San Marino and international hotel chains accept many types of international cards.
Bitcoin ATMs?
There are no Bitcoin ATMs currently listed in San Marino. Crypto access relies on online platforms and peer-to-peer services instead of walk‑up machines.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in San Marino
- Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
- Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate ATMs in San Marino.
- Barclays: Yes, Barclays Bank PLC operates branches and ATMs in San Marino.
- HSBC: No, HSBC does not run consumer ATMs here.
- Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered is not present in San Marino.
