San Marino Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in San Marino.
Healthcare System
San Marino operates a public healthcare system (ISS - Istituto per la Sicurezza Sociale) that provides universal coverage to residents. The country has one main hospital, Ospedale di Stato, located in the Cailungo area, which handles most medical needs. For specialized treatments or major emergencies, patients are often transferred to hospitals in nearby Italian cities like Rimini or Bologna.
Hospitals
The State Hospital (Ospedale di Stato della Repubblica di San Marino) in Cailungo is the main medical facility. For tourists, minor medical issues can be handled here, but serious conditions typically require transfer to Rimini's Infermi Hospital (15km away) or other Italian facilities. EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can access emergency care.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (farmacie) are available in San Marino City and other municipalities, typically open Monday-Saturday 8:30am-12:30pm and 3:30pm-7:30pm. They stock common medications, though selection may be limited compared to larger cities. Many medications available over-the-counter in other countries may require prescriptions. Italian pharmacies in nearby Rimini offer more extensive options.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended for all non-EU visitors and advisable even for EU citizens. While EU citizens can use their EHIC for emergency care, insurance covering medical evacuation and repatriation is important, especially since serious cases require transfer to Italy.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring sufficient quantities of prescription medications as specific brands may not be available in San Marino's limited pharmacies
- EU citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for emergency medical coverage
- Keep contact information for your embassy in Rome, Italy, as San Marino has no foreign diplomatic missions
- For non-emergency medical needs, nearby Italian cities like Rimini offer more comprehensive healthcare facilities
- Ensure travel insurance covers medical evacuation to Italy or your home country if needed
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and purse-snatching can occur in crowded tourist areas, particularly during peak summer months when San Marino receives thousands of day-trippers. The compact historic center with narrow streets creates opportunities for thieves targeting distracted tourists.
San Marino's roads are steep, winding, and narrow, particularly in the historic center. The combination of tourist traffic, local vehicles, and pedestrians on medieval streets creates potential hazards. Parking can be challenging and expensive.
The medieval architecture features steep cobblestone streets, uneven surfaces, and numerous staircases. Combined with San Marino's mountainous terrain, these present genuine fall risks, especially in wet weather or for those with mobility issues.
San Marino's elevation (Mount Titano reaches 749m) means weather can change quickly. Summer heat can be intense, while winter can bring snow and ice. Thunderstorms can develop rapidly in mountains.
While violent crime is virtually non-existent, some tourist-oriented scams occur, typically involving overpriced goods, misleading currency exchange, or inflated restaurant bills in tourist areas.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Some shops in heavily touristed areas charge inflated prices for souvenirs, local products, or duty-free items, banking on tourists assuming prices are reasonable. Items marketed as 'San Marino specialties' may be generic products at marked-up prices.
Some tourist-oriented restaurants may add unexpected charges for table service (coperto), bread, or items not ordered. Bills may include higher quantities than consumed or premium versions of dishes.
Individuals may approach tourists offering guided tours at inflated prices or providing poor quality information. Some may pressure tourists into paying more than initially agreed.
Unofficial 'parking attendants' may direct tourists to parking spots and demand payment, sometimes charging more than official rates or for free parking areas.
Though San Marino uses the Euro, some vendors may try to confuse tourists about exchange rates or suggest using other currencies at unfavorable rates, particularly targeting non-European visitors.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- San Marino is extremely safe with very low crime rates; use common sense precautions as you would in any tourist destination
- Keep copies of important documents separate from originals; leave one set in your accommodation
- Learn basic Italian phrases as English is not universally spoken, especially among older residents
- Emergency services can be reached at 112; operators may have limited English so knowing key Italian emergency terms helps
- San Marino has no foreign embassies; contact your embassy in Rome, Italy for consular assistance
Transportation Safety
- Consider using the cable car (funivia) from Borgo Maggiore instead of driving to the historic center
- If driving, be prepared for steep, narrow roads with sharp turns; use lower gears on descents
- Park in official designated areas; parking in the historic center is extremely limited and expensive
- Walking is the best way to explore San Marino City but requires good physical condition due to steep terrain
- Public buses connect San Marino to Rimini, Italy; they are safe and reliable but have limited schedules
Health and Wellness
- The steep terrain requires good physical fitness; pace yourself and take breaks
- Carry water, especially in summer, as climbing to the towers is strenuous
- Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes with good ankle support and non-slip soles
- If you have mobility issues, be aware that many areas have stairs and steep inclines with limited accessibility
- Altitude may affect some visitors; Mount Titano is 749m high
Money and Valuables
- San Marino uses the Euro; ATMs are available but limited, so withdraw cash in advance
- Credit cards are widely accepted but some smaller shops and restaurants prefer cash
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables when exploring
- Be discreet with expensive cameras, jewelry, and electronics in crowded areas
- Keep small bills handy as some vendors may claim they can't break large notes
Cultural Awareness
- Dress modestly when visiting churches and religious sites; shoulders and knees should be covered
- San Marino is a functioning country, not a theme park; respect local residents and private property
- Photography is generally permitted but be respectful and ask permission when photographing people
- Tipping is not obligatory but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated
- Smoking is prohibited in enclosed public spaces; respect designated smoking areas
Communication
- Mobile coverage is excellent; EU visitors can use their phones without roaming charges
- Free WiFi is available in some public areas and most hotels
- Download offline maps as GPS can be unreliable in narrow medieval streets
- Tourism offices provide free maps and information in multiple languages
- Italian is the official language; basic Italian phrases will be helpful and appreciated
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
San Marino is very safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. The country has a strong safety record, and harassment is rare. Women can explore confidently at any time of day or night. The local culture is respectful and conservative, similar to Italy. Standard travel precautions are sufficient.
- Solo women travelers report feeling very safe in San Marino; the country has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe
- Harassment is uncommon but if it occurs, it's typically limited to verbal comments; firm refusal is usually effective
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; casual, comfortable clothing is acceptable elsewhere
- Evening exploration is safe, though the historic center quiets significantly after tourist hours
- Women traveling alone may receive curious questions from locals but this is typically friendly interest rather than concern
- Standard precautions apply: don't leave drinks unattended, share your itinerary with someone, trust your instincts
- Local women are generally conservative in dress and behavior; following local norms helps blend in
- Emergency services are responsive and professional; dial 112 if you feel unsafe
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in San Marino with an equal age of consent (14, same as heterosexual activity). Civil unions have been legal since 2019, providing same-sex couples with most rights of marriage. However, same-sex marriage is not yet legally recognized. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited by law.
- LGBTQ+ travelers are unlikely to face safety issues, but may experience social conservatism
- Discretion with public displays of affection is advisable to avoid unwanted attention
- San Marino has no LGBTQ+ specific venues or nightlife; nearby Rimini, Italy offers more options
- Legal protections exist against discrimination; report any incidents to police (112)
- The tourism industry is professional and welcoming to all visitors regardless of sexual orientation
- Consider San Marino's small size and conservative culture when planning your visit
- Rome and other major Italian cities are 3-4 hours away and offer more LGBTQ+-friendly environments
- Hotel staff and tourism professionals are generally respectful and professional with all guests
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for all visitors to San Marino. While the country is very safe with low crime, the limited healthcare facilities mean serious medical emergencies require evacuation to Italy. The steep terrain also increases risk of accidents requiring medical attention. EU citizens have some coverage through EHIC, but comprehensive insurance is still advisable. Non-EU visitors should consider insurance essential.
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