Getting Euros for Your Trip to Portugal

Portugal has become one of the most popular destinations for British travellers, offering beautiful coastlines, historic cities, excellent food and wine, and great value for money. From the cobbled streets of Lisbon to the beaches of the Algarve and the port wine cellars of Porto, Portugal delivers memorable experiences at reasonable prices.

As a Eurozone country, Portugal uses the Euro, making it convenient to combine with trips to Spain or other EU destinations. The country has modernised rapidly and is now very card-friendly, with contactless payments accepted almost everywhere.

Key insight for 2026: Portugal's Multibanco ATM network is excellent and typically doesn't charge fees to foreign cards. Combined with a fee-free travel card, you can manage your money in Portugal with minimal costs and no need to exchange cash before you go.

Best Ways to Get Euros for Portugal

1. Fee-free travel cards (Wise, Revolut) — Best option. Pay by card everywhere with no fees. Portugal's card acceptance is excellent.
2. Multibanco ATMs — Portugal's national ATM network doesn't charge foreign card fees. Use with your fee-free card for best rates.
3. Online currency order — If you want cash, order Euros online. Better rates than high street bureaux.
4. Post Office / Travelex — Order online for better rates. Walk-in rates are poor.
5. Airport exchanges — Poor rates at both UK and Portuguese airports. Avoid.

Using Cards in Portugal

Portugal is extremely card-friendly:

Where Cards Work

• Restaurants and cafes — Almost all accept cards, even small establishments
• Shops — From supermarkets to small boutiques
• Taxis and Uber — Cards accepted widely
• Public transport — Lisbon and Porto metro accept contactless
• Hotels — All accept cards
• Markets — Many stalls now accept cards
• Beach bars and restaurants — Generally card-friendly

Where Cash Might Be Useful

• Traditional tascas (taverns) — Some small traditional places prefer cash
• Rural areas — Very small villages may have limited card infrastructure
• Flea markets — Feira da Ladra and similar may be cash-only
• Tips — If you want to leave a cash tip

ATMs in Portugal

Portugal has an excellent ATM network called Multibanco:

Multibanco ATMs

Multibanco is Portugal's national ATM network, shared by all Portuguese banks. These ATMs typically don't charge fees to foreign cards. Look for the blue and red Multibanco logo, or ATMs attached to banks like:

• Millennium BCP
• Santander Totta
• Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD)
• Novo Banco
• BPI

ATMs to Avoid

• Euronet — Blue standalone machines charge high fees and poor rates
• Non-bank ATMs in tourist areas — Often charge extra

Important: Always decline currency conversion (DCC) and withdraw in Euros for the best rate.

Money Tips by Portuguese Region

Lisbon

Very card-friendly. The metro, trams, and Uber all accept cards. Restaurants in Bairro Alto, Alfama, and Belém are well equipped. The Feira da Ladra flea market may require cash.

Porto

Similar to Lisbon in card acceptance. Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia accept cards. Small traditional restaurants in Ribeira may prefer cash.

Algarve

Tourist infrastructure means excellent card acceptance. Resorts, restaurants, and golf clubs all take cards. Beach vendors may prefer cash for small items.

Madeira & Azores

Good card acceptance in Funchal and Ponta Delgada. Smaller villages and rural areas may be more cash-oriented. Always have some backup cash.

Tipping in Portugal

Tipping in Portugal is relaxed and optional:

• Restaurants — 5-10% for good service is generous. Rounding up is common.
• Cafes — No tip expected, leave loose change if you wish
• Taxis — Round up to the nearest Euro
• Hotels — €1-2 for porters
• Tour guides — €5-10 for a good tour

Service is included in prices and Portuguese workers earn proper wages, so tipping is genuinely optional.