Do I need cash or card in Portugal?

Many people visiting Portugal from other countries are surprised by the fact that cash payments are still common. In fact, some restaurants and shops ? especially older ones or those in less-developed areas ? only accept cash.



In 2026, Portugal is largely a digital-first society, but carrying a mix of both is essential for a smooth trip. Major credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted at almost all hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets in metropolitan areas like Lisbon and Porto. However, many smaller shops, local cafes, and traditional "tascas" in rural regions still adhere to a "Multibanco" only policy, which often excludes foreign-issued cards, or they may have a minimum spend requirement for card payments. It is highly recommended to carry around €20–€50 in cash for small purchases, local markets, or tips. ATMs (look for the "Multibanco" sign for the best rates) are widely available. When paying by card, always choose to be charged in the local currency (Euros) rather than your home currency to avoid the unfavorable exchange rates associated with dynamic currency conversion.

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Cards are by far the most popular cashless payment method in Portugal, including international cards from Visa and Mastercard. Both credit and debit cards are used, but debit cards are much more common. It's worth noting that Multibanco cards – which we'll explain below – can be used as both debit and credit cards.

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Lisbon Taxis: Payment Methods Although your taxi driver will likely accept payment via debit or credit card, this is not a rule. Hence, you should always carry some euros with you, as many taxis aren't equipped with a POS machine. In that case, bank card payments are out of the question.

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?? Tip #2: Carry at least $20 worth of cash while traveling in Portugal. You'll rarely need cash in Portugal, especially if you're staying in Lisbon and Porto. During my 1-week trip, I spent roughly $20 in cash on tipping tour guides, buying small souvenirs and paying for the Airbnb city tax.

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Resist the urge to buy foreign currency before your trip. Some tourists feel like they just have to have euros or British pounds in their pockets when they step off the airplane, but they pay the price in bad stateside exchange rates. Wait until you arrive to withdraw money.

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Tipping is not mandatory, and you should only do so if you feel comfortable about it and if you want to reward truly exceptional service. Tipping for great service is very much appreciated.

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(Be aware that the ticket offices are often busy at the popular metro stations, such as the airport.) You can use credit cards or cash (euros) to purchase transportation tickets, although cash is needed when you buy the tickets on the bus or tram.

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Being paid with cash means drivers have money ready to pay for ongoing costs such as fuel, repairs and maintenance. While many card transactions can be instant, some can take days to process and the driver has to wait for the money to reach their account. They may also pay a charge for each electronic transaction.

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Using a credit card A travel-friendly credit card like the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card card will allow you to make daily payments in Portugal without charging currency conversion fees or foreign transaction fees.

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The best bet is to use an ATM/Cashpoint to obtain Euros from your home bank account, or use a non-fee credit card where possible. To read more about fees associated with exchanging currency, using credit cards, etc. take a look at this extensive information posted on the Flyerguide wiki.

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Regional trains are often cheaper and some lines very scenic, but it's almost always quicker to go by bus – especially on shorter or less obvious routes. You'll obviously have a great deal more flexibility if you drive, and you'll be able to visit more out-of-the-way places in a short trip.

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Best way to get around Portugal Train is the fastest and most convenient way to get around Portugal, with four categories of long-distance service and a good network that connects the major cities. Buses are also a great option for traveling in Portugal, because they go everywhere, including the smallest villages.

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It's generally safe and healthy to drink the public tap water across Portugal. Get a water filter such as TAPP 2 to improve the taste and reduce the risk of contaminants. Avoid plastic bottled water in Portugal as most plastic doesn't get properly recycled. Get a high quality reusable water bottle like TAPP.

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Taxi drivers can be tipped by any amount you wish, although some people round the fare up to the nearest five euro (ie. your fare comes to 7 euro, you may wish to pay the driver 10 euro). This is particularly true in Lisboa, the capital. Some people add 10% of the fare as the tip.

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