Visiting San Marino

Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the San Marino page at Yoogo.

San Marino uses the euro (EUR), and prices are often slightly lower than in neighbouring Italy because the republic does not levy VAT. Card payments are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, though carrying some cash is advisable for smaller vendors and market stalls.

San Marino is consistently rated one of the safest countries in the world, with very low rates of crime. The main hazards are the steep cobblestone streets of the historic centre, which can be slippery, particularly after rain.

Within the capital, the old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot, though the streets are steep. A cable car connects the city to Borgo Maggiore below, running every fifteen minutes, and local buses link the nine municipalities. Taxis are available but considerably more expensive than the cable car or bus.

Spring (April to May) and early autumn (September to October) offer the most pleasant conditions, with mild temperatures, good visibility across to the Adriatic, and noticeably fewer visitors than the peak summer months. July and August are the busiest period, with day-tripping crowds and higher accommodation prices, though evenings on the mountain are considerably quieter once tour groups have departed.

Italian is the official language and the mother tongue of all Sammarinese people. English is taught in schools and is understood by many younger residents and those working in the tourism industry, so visitors will generally find basic communication straightforward.

No vaccinations are required for entry to San Marino. The country is a high-income European republic with excellent healthcare infrastructure, and the health risks faced by travellers are the same as those in western Italy. Keeping routine vaccinations, such as MMR and tetanus, up to date is the standard recommendation for travel to any European destination.

Tipping customs follow the same conventions as in Italy. A coperto (cover charge) is typically added to restaurant bills, and an additional tip is not expected, though rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount is a welcome gesture if the service has been good.

San Marino has no domestic mobile network of its own and operates entirely through Italian networks, which provide excellent coverage across the republic, including at the summit of Monte Titano. Any eSIM plan with Italy or broader European coverage will work seamlessly throughout the country, and providers such as Airalo offer convenient options that can be activated before departure.