
Southern Europe
Tourist scams in San Marino
- 1 TheftOccasionalPickpocketingSomeone steals belongings you are carrying. No particular method or location is identified.Across the country 3Read
- 2 ShoppingOccasionalIncomplete souvenir coin setsSome souvenir coin sets lack the €1 and €2 coins. You could buy a set expecting both coins to be included. An incomplete set is not necessarily fraud.Souvenir shopsRead
Habits that keep you safe
Your belongings
- Keep your belongings in sight.
- Close bags and keep valuables in secure compartments.
- Carry only the cash and cards you need that day.
Money
- San Marino uses the euro.
- Check which coins a souvenir set contains before buying it.
- Do not assume a set includes the €1 and €2 coins.
- Keep receipts for purchases you may need to dispute.
Cards and ATMs
- Shield your PIN when entering it.
- Keep your card in sight when paying.
- Know how to freeze your card through your bank.
What travellers say about San Marino
Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.
- Redditr/europe2020Morning in San MarinoA commenter described San Marino as overcrowded with merchants they considered tourist scammers, without detailing a specific scam.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/postcrossing2025I just couldn't resistA traveller reported confusing instructions after purchasing private postal stamps in San Marino, while commenters alleged a tourist scam and the traveller later confirmed the postcards arrived.Read on Reddit
Questions
Is San Marino safe for a first-time visitor?
Yes. San Marino is extremely safe, and major threats are unlikely. Keep normal precautions around your belongings.
Should I worry about pickpockets?
Stay aware, but there is no need to be alarmed. Keep bags closed and your phone and wallet secure.
Are there specific scam hotspots to avoid?
No specific scam or pickpocket hotspot is identified. Keep track of your belongings wherever you go.
What should I check before buying a souvenir coin set?
Check the actual contents. Some sets lack the €1 and €2 coins, so ask before paying.
Does a missing coin mean the seller has scammed me?
Not necessarily. Check what the seller promised. If the contents do not match the description, keep the receipt and ask for a replacement or refund.
What currency does San Marino use?
San Marino uses the euro. Its own euro coin designs do not change the coins' acceptability.
What should I do if my bank card is stolen?
Freeze it immediately and contact the issuer through its official app or contact details. Check for unauthorised payments and report the theft to police.
What number should I call in an emergency?
Call 112.
Who can help if my passport is stolen?
Report the theft to police, then contact your embassy or consulate about a replacement. Keep any police report reference.
What evidence should I keep after a scam or theft?
Keep receipts, messages, payment records and any police report reference. Write down what happened as soon as you can.
Reviewed by @snuck