San Marino, one of the world’s smallest countries, charms visitors with its hilltop views, medieval streets, and tax-free shopping – but understanding money in San Marino and how currency works is still important for a smooth experience. Whether you’re dining in the historic center, buying local crafts, or simply enjoying the sights, knowing how to pay matters. This guide covers what currency to bring, how to get money and currency in San Marino (Euro – EUR), safe payment tips, and key dos and don’ts. With these insights, you can enjoy San Marino without money hassles.
How to pay in San Marino – cash or card?
San Marino is basically Italy-esque when it comes to payments – both cash and cards are widely accepted. For small and local purchases, carrying some cash is handy.
You can use cash for:
- Public Transportation: Local buses between San Marino and Rimini may require cash for tickets bought onboard.
- Street Vendors and Markets: Souvenir stalls and small vendors often prefer cash.
- Small Businesses: Some cafés, snack bars, and small shops may not take cards for small transactions.
- Hostels and Guesthouses: Budget and family-run stays may ask for cash payment.
- Tips and Gratuities: Cash tips are common for service staff.
You can use card for:
- Hotels: Most hotels and guest accommodations accept Visa and Mastercard.
- Restaurants: Almost all sit-down restaurants take cards.
- Retail Stores: Shops, boutiques, and supermarkets accept cards.
- Car Rentals and Tours: Larger operators accept cards for bookings and deposits.
- Online Bookings: Hotels and activities can be booked in advance by card.
What’s the best currency to take to San Marino?
The Euro (EUR) is the official and only accepted currency in San Marino. Since the microstate is surrounded by Italy and fully integrated with the EU, bring Euros – nothing else is needed.
USD, GBP, or other foreign currencies are not accepted, and exchange options are extremely limited within San Marino itself.
Where to get currency in San Marino?
There are 3 main ways to get cash in San Marino. They are:
- ATMs, or
- Currency exchange, or
- Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in San Marino
Establishments with POS machines readily accept Visa and Mastercards for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in San Marino
If you’re withdrawing money in San Marino from an ATM, 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.
Should I exchange money before travelling to San Marino?
San Marino uses the Euro (EUR), so if you’re coming from a Eurozone country, no exchange is needed. If traveling from elsewhere, bring some EUR cash for your initial needs like taxis, small shops, or cafés.
Since San Marino is surrounded by Italy, ATMs are easily accessible in San Marino City and nearby towns, and accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, and Plus cards. Be aware of foreign ATM fees depending on your bank.
Currency exchange is possible at banks and some post offices, but rates are better in Italy than in tourist-heavy areas. Airport exchanges (e.g. Rome or Bologna) may have poor rates.
Where to withdraw money in San Marino
You can withdraw money in San Marino at leading bank ATMs in the country. 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.
For a detailed guide, read Cash and ATMs in San Marino.
Where to exchange currency in San Marino
There are only a few specialized currency exchange bureaus. You’ll typically exchange money at banks or at counters near tourist-heavy spots like Monte Carlo or luxury shops.
Banks: Institutions like Banque Havilland, Indosuez, and HSBC Monaco offer exchange services during weekday hours and are conveniently located for tourists.
You can find good currency exchanges in San Marino using the ATM Fee Saver app – it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 160+ countries, including San Marino. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Pro Tip: Use Euros directly – no need for other currencies. Avoid changing cash at hotels or tourist traps where rates are less favorable.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: They have the highest fees and poorest exchange rates. Wait to get to the city to exchange cash.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Is carrying cash in San Marino safe?
Carrying cash in San Marino is very safe, as this microstate has an extremely low crime rate. While most businesses accept cards, it’s still useful to carry some cash for small purchases or independent shops.
To carry cash safely in San Marino:
- Bring only small amounts for the day – more for convenience than safety.
- Use a front-pocket wallet or secure bag to avoid accidental loss.
- Avoid flashing large sums of money while shopping or sightseeing.
- ATMs are readily available in town centers and tourist areas.
- Cash is useful for entry fees to historical sites, tips, or small souvenirs.
- Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere else.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in San Marino
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
