American dollars in Portugal

The old days of people eager to take American dollars are long gone. Am dollars are a pain in the butt for someone who uses a different currency. IF someone does take Am dollars I will guarantee you will get very poor exchange rate. Always, always use local currency.

Different country, different currency.

US dollars of no use.

Euros.
Except for few merchants who deal with Americans a lot and will accept to be paid in US$ but at an exchange rate very unfavorable to you.
My suggestion is to pay always in Euro, and preferably with a card (credit or debit). Always select to be charged in Euro when prompted by the card machine.
For the occasional small purchases, get some cash at the local ATM machines attached to actual banks (not souvenir shops or airports, which always give poor exchange rates and high commissions)

Do you have the Rick Steves Portugal guidebook? I highly recommend it. Lots of very helpful info in there.

Strictly Euros. There’s no reason why they’d (shop owner’s, restaurants, etc.) accept U.S. currency.

I live in Portugal. Would the US accept my euros when I go back to visit?

I agree with the poster who suggested you read Rick Steves or pretty much any good guide book before coming. It will save you a lot of frustration to have even a bit of education on the differences in Europe and the US.

I’m glad you came to the forum and asked. This is a good place to ask such questions.

I hope you have a wonderful trip!

If you get euros from an ATM while in Portugal, never ever use the ones called Euronet. Look for the Multibanco ATMs and refuse the conversion twice.

You also might want to load one of your credit cards into your Apple Pay wallet on your phone. My husband & I used it for most of our dinners in Europe this year and also for some other transactions. The waiter brought their machine to the table, and you just place your phone adjacent to it. Mine requires my face, so I was always very close - no issues.

Have a great time!

You can also add Debit Cards to your Apple wallet, doesn’t have to be a CC.