Welcome to San Marino 😊
San Marino is a small, mountainous country located in southern Europe. It is known for its beautiful countryside, historic buildings and rich culture. San Marino has a long and fascinating history, having been founded in the fourth century by a Christian stonemason. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to experience its unique blend of old-world charm and modern luxury.
Quick Facts About San Marino
- Currency: Euro
- Population: 33,931
- Languages: Italian
Money and Finances
The official currency of San Marino is the Euro (EUR). Euro coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 2 euro coins. Euro banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros.
ATM Network
ATMs are readily available in San Marino, especially in larger cities like San Marino City and Borgo Maggiore. You may need to pay a small fee to withdraw money from an ATM if you are not a customer of the bank that owns the ATM.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are widely accepted in San Marino, especially in hotels, restaurants, and shops that cater to tourists. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards, but some businesses may also accept AMEX. It's always a good idea to carry some cash as a backup, especially if you plan on visiting smaller towns or rural areas.
Internet and Phones
San Marino has a relatively fast internet with an average download speed of 47.98 Mbps and an average upload speed of 12.02 Mbps. There is no government interference in internet use in San Marino.
Phone Plans and SIM Cards
San Marino has two main telco companies, San Marino Telecom and TMS. The average cost of a mobile phone plan in San Marino is approximately €15-€35 per month. There may be sim compatibility issues with certain mobile phones.
Dialling to San Marino
To call San Marino from another country, dial the international exit code for your country followed by San Marino's country code, +378. When dialling within the country, use the area code 0549.
Transport Around San Marino
Air Travel
San Marino does not have a commercial airport. The closest international airport is Federico Fellini International Airport in Rimini, Italy.
Train Travel
San Marino does not have a railway system.
Metro / Local Trains
There is no metro system in San Marino.
Buses
San Marino has a public bus system run by Azienda Autonoma di Stato per i Servizi Pubblici (AASS). A single ride ticket costs 1.50 Euros and a daily pass costs 5 Euros. The average journey time is around 30 minutes.
Rideshare
There are no rideshare companies operating in San Marino at the moment.
Driving by Car
Driving in San Marino is relatively easy as the country has a well-developed road network. The speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas and 90 km/h on open roads. San Marino uses right-hand drive, similar to Italy.
Local Customs
In San Marino, tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated for exceptional service. Locals usually greet each other with a handshake and maintain eye contact during the conversation. When addressing strangers, it is polite to use formal titles such as 'Signore' (Mr.) or 'Signora' (Mrs.) until invited to use the first name. Men and women often greet each other with a kiss on both cheeks. Bowing is not a common custom in San Marino.
Health and Diseases
Medical System
San Marino has a universal public healthcare system that provides free or low-cost medical care to all citizens and residents. Visitors may be required to pay out of pocket unless they have travel health insurance. The cost of a visit to the doctor ranges from €30-€50.
COVID Situation
San Marino has handled the COVID-19 pandemic well with strict measures in place to control the spread of the virus. As of August 2021, the country has a low rate of coronavirus cases with a total of 512 confirmed cases and 36 deaths.
Common Health Risks
San Marino has low health risks with no reported cases of malaria or other tropical diseases. However, visitors should be cautious when consuming raw or undercooked meats or seafood to avoid food poisoning. The country also experiences occasional cases of respiratory illnesses and flu.
Laws and Regulations
Alcohol Consumption
In San Marino, the legal drinking age is 18 years old. Drinking alcohol in public places is not allowed, and driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited. Sale of alcohol is only allowed in licensed venues such as bars, restaurants and supermarkets.
Recreational Drugs
San Marino has strict laws against recreational drug use. Possession or use of illegal drugs is punishable with imprisonment and/or heavy fines.
Pre-Marital Relationships
San Marino is a conservative and Catholic country, and pre-marital relationships are generally frowned upon. However, there are no laws that criminalize such relationships.
LGBTQ and Same-Sex
Homosexuality is legal in San Marino, but there are no specific laws that protect LGBTQ individuals from discrimination. Same-sex marriage is not yet legal in San Marino.
Firearms / Guns
Gun ownership in San Marino is strictly regulated and restricted only to citizens who have a valid reason for ownership, such as hunting or sport shooting. The use of guns in public places is strictly prohibited.