Payment methods in Portugal (2024)

FAQs

What payment method do Portugal use? ›

What is the most used payment method in Portugal? Cards are the most used payment method in Portugal, and debit cards are more popular than credit cards. Common card brands include Visa and Mastercard, but the vast majority of Portuguese cards also belong to the Multibanco network.

Most places will accept cards or some other type of cashless payment. But even though big cities are very card-friendly, it's good to have at least some change on you. If you have to choose one or the other, choose cash. The Portuguese prefer it, so that would be your safest choice.

Yes, PayPal is readily accessible in Portugal, and it is one of the top three online payment options, along with MultiBanco and credit cards (MasterCard and VISA).

Will my credit or debit card work in Portugal? Yes. Many Portuguese shops, restaurants, and museums will accept international cards, especially in more touristy areas. American cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted in a majority of locations.

For credit cards, Visa and MasterCard are universal, while American Express and Discover are less common. US debit cards with a Visa or MasterCard logo will work in any European ATM. Go "contactless." Get comfortable using contactless pay options.

You shouldn't carry more than 200/ 300 Euro cash in your pocket. Even if you are a big family, big spender you're better off using the credit/ debit card. Welcome to Portugal, spend a good time with us.

EUR cash

You may want to exchange money to EUR before you leave, but it's also usually convenient to make ATM withdrawals locally once you arrive in Portugal. You'll usually find you can use a card to make payments in Portugal, but carrying some cash in EUR is also reassuring.

In Europe tipping is not as habitual, but in Portugal it is fairly commonplace, especially in the tourist areas such as Lisbon or the Algarve. This is mainly due to tourists, as locals are less likely to tip, or at least do so in excess! There is no obligation to do so, however leaving something extra is customary.

The currency in Portugal is the Euro (EUR). We always advise changing some money over before you travel, so you're not trying to hunt down the nearest exchange bureau when you get there.

Apple Pay is, indeed, accessible in Portugal. Apple Pay is a safe and easy way to pay for products in Portugal using your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or Mac. Your iPhone becomes a contactless credit card, and you may use it to pay everywhere you see these symbols.

Is Lisbon cashless? ›

While Portugal has all the facilities to accept card payments you'd expect from a modern economy, there are going to be many instances when you need cash on your trip. Some places won't take cards if you're spending less than €10–€20, while other merchants won't take cards at all.

If you're moving to Portugal, or even just visiting, you may be wondering whether Venmo is used here. And the answer is no.

Yes, credit card companies automatically convert foreign currencies to the domestic currency using their exchange rate. When you look at your card statement, the amount charged will be in the domestic currency.

Notify Your Bank

Larger banks generally grant customers the ability to avoid bank fees when withdrawing cash and reduce the likelihood of your bank flagging your account for spending overseas. As with your credit card, if you're with a big bank, stay on the safe side and notify them of your trip.

Most banks in Portugal use Multibanco to run their ATMs, like Link in the UK. If the ATM has Multibanco or the MB logo, then you should be able to draw Euros fee free. I've used both Novobanco & Crédito Agrícola with the MB logo and haven't been charged any transaction fees.

For initial convenience, we recommend you bring approximately EUR100 cash with you from home. Tourists reaching Portugal without foreign currency can obtain Euros through any bank or ATM machine. One of the best ways to get local currency is to use a debit card in an ATM.

Which credit cards are accepted in Portugal? Credit cards from major card companies like VISA, Mastercard, and American Express are generally always accepted in Portugal.

If you're moving to Portugal, or even just visiting, you may be wondering whether Venmo is used here. And the answer is no.

What is the currency in Portugal? The currency in Portugal is the euro. Each euro is divided into 100 cents.