Can I use a card to pay for taxis in San Marino, or should I carry local cash?
San Marino is tiny, and taxis are few, but when I used them, they all wanted cash. The drivers were polite but explained that their cars weren’t fitted with card machines. Euros are the currency here, so at least it’s easy to withdraw or bring some from Italy. Rides are short but not especially cheap, so it’s good to have enough small bills handy. Don’t expect to swipe a card; this part of the world still runs taxis on cash.
Waved my card in front of the machine, the driver laughed and said “cash is faster.” Fair enough. Taxis in San Marino aren’t like in big cities - no app, no seamless checkout. Paid €15 in notes for a short ride. I learned fast: always keep some cash, especially in smaller European microstates where tech is hit or miss. I wouldn’t rely on cards for taxis here, even if the machine looks modern.
I asked my hotel to book a taxi back to Rimini, and they said it’s best to pay in cash. The driver told me they sometimes take cards, but connection issues make it unreliable. I used euros throughout, since San Marino doesn't have its own currency. Even in shops and cafes, cash was easier. I’d recommend having at least €50-100 in small notes if you plan to use cabs or buy stuff from local stalls.
Used a cab twice in San Marino and both times, it was cash only. First guy didn’t even have a card machine, second had one but said it didn’t work “with foreign cards.” Ended up withdrawing euros at a bank ATM in Borgo Maggiore just to pay for the ride. If you're not booking through a hotel or tour agency, definitely carry cash. The territory's small, but taxis are pricey and kind of old school.