Counterfeit Souvenir Sales
Fake Historic Artifacts
In San Marino, vendors in open-air markets near the city center sell replicas of historic items like miniature Three Towers or medieval coins, claiming they are authentic antiques from local excavations. These are often mass-produced fakes made in nearby Italian factories, sold for 20-50 euros each, far above their 5-euro production cost. Scammers target tourists by using persuasive stories about the items' origins tied to San Marino's ancient republic history, exploiting the country's reputation as a preserved microstate.
- Purchase souvenirs only from licensed shops displaying the official San Marino tourism seal, which are common in the city center and cost around 10-15 euros for genuine replicas.
- Ask for a certificate of authenticity from vendors, and verify it against the San Marino government's tourism website before buying.
- Use credit cards for purchases over 20 euros to allow for charge disputes, as cash transactions are final and common in these markets.
Overcharged Parking Schemes
Tourists driving into San Marino from Italy may encounter unofficial parking attendants in areas like the Aia district who charge 10-15 euros for parking spots that are actually free or municipally managed at 2 euros per hour. These individuals, often posing as locals in high-visibility vests, block access or use barriers to enforce payment, preying on confusion from San Marino's border-crossing setup and its euro currency.
- Park only in designated lots with blue signs and payment machines, which accept cards and are monitored by CCTV in major areas.
- Use the San Marino government's app to pre-book parking for 1-2 euros per hour, available in English and Italian.
- Avoid paying cash to anyone not in an official uniform; report suspicious attendants to local police by dialing 113, the emergency number.