Cash in Porto

Use an ATM connected with a bank rather than something like EuroNet for a better exchange rate and lower fees. Having said that, however, it's not very easy to find bank ATMs and if you're only getting a small amount of euros it may be worth the small extra cost to just use one of those ATMs rather than search all over for a bank. I just got back from there and only used cash for small items - nearly every place took cards and some didn't accept cash at all. Taxis prefer cash but will take a card if pressed.

Even though I didn’t need to get cash while there, it has been recommended on the forum to use Multibanco ATMs. You can find their locations on Google maps to find one near your lodging.

Thank you guys!! Really appreciate it!

Just a small correction, different ATMs do not charge different exchange rates for an ATM transaction. Fees do vary, but in Portugal they typically are only a few euro.

Most ATMs are run by a third party network for the banks and are labeled "Multibanco" These are fine, likely will charge a fee. Euronet ATMs are all over, you get the same rate with those, maybe a bit higher fee.

Do be aware of DCC, (Do a search if you are unfamiliar) but always do the transaction in euros, not Dollars, and decline any conversion. If you agree with DCC, then you are no longer doing an ATM transaction, but a currency exchange transaction at a rate of their choosing.

Thanks so much for the info! I'll remember this!

Used MB ATM, my bank charged $8 in fees, plus $200 limit.

mmatloaf brings up a good point. Check to see what fees your own bank is charging. We set up a small account with Charles Schwaab for foreign travel as they do not charge anything for the service

Dennis

Hey! My wife and I have lived in Porto for about a year. First and foremost, enjoy your trip(s)!

The information provided above is all accurate. Any ATMs with the Multibanco logo will be fine to get cash. Always make the transactions in euros and decline conversions leaving it to YOUR bank/card to do that. Some grocery stores (Continente), restaurants, and smaller shops will have card readers that ask the same questions as ATMs. Same story - Euros, and decline conversions

Regarding cash, and I think this is really important, and we know this because we have good relationships with a couple of managers at some iconic local cafes…While you CAN pay with a card many/most places, often times, when you add a tip on the credit card transaction at the restaurant, it goes to the house — not to the servers. I would recommend carrying change and smaller denomination bills almost always for tips. Rounding up with a tip is always appreciated. For good service 10% is a good number. More than that is often received with shock — appreciation — but shock!

Quick other note, if you are coming to Porto and thinking about training it out to wine country up the Douro…there is train track maintenance between Caíde and Régua which necessitates switching to a bus at Caide. The Comboios Portugal (national train service) buses are sorta meh (1/3 of the seats are broken and busses were configured for Portuguese sized people). This track maintenance is planned for five (5) months starting November 2025. Check the CP site and download the app for current conditions. The historic train is still running between Régua and Pinhão. It’s easy and fun!!!!

Good alternatives to the train are a couple of bus lines that go direct from Porto to Régua like Flix - or rent a car. Buses are clean, safe, and efficient here. If you were considering the train to Régua or beyond, you may want to just take a Flix. It’s not as beautiful a ride as the train but a majority of the beautiful train ride is cut off because the real beauty comes between Caide and Régua. And, Many of the day trips on boats don’t run in the winter - that doesn’t mean the wine country up the Duoro is bad in the winter. It is beautiful and so quiet all year round. I mean gorgeous - and almost completely silent outside at the Quintas!

As Rick recommends, plan on staying at least one night. Two is better. Consider going for lunch on the first day - Ricks recommended restaurants in Régua are excellent and a great way to get oriented. Then, go to a Quinta…then stay overnight at a different Quinta that is also a hotel. Most Quintas that are hotels have good restaurants for dinner. The next day, you can get breakfast at the Quinta restaurant and roll right into a tour of the Quita’s winery. By now, you’ve had a lot to eat and drink (maybe inadvertently way too much) so go get a nap, some exercise, and prepare for your dinner reservation at one of the great restaurants in the area. Stay over night again, get some breakfast and exercise, then check out and head back to Porto.

My wife and I stayed at Quinta Nova which is halfway between Régua and Pinhao just a couple of minutes from the Ferrão train stop. Amazing place!!! The staff will pick you up from the train station in a Mercedes Van. Great restaurant, wine, little museum…Hotel is beautiful and historic - built in mid 1700s. Riding the historic train to and from Ferrão is super simple and fun. We were entertained going back to Régua by a couple of young families letting their children put their heads near the open windows, having their hair blowing in the wind, while the kids were commenting in amazement about everything that was whipping by on the river and the southern bank. Really fun!!!

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q7Ykywm9iq1gmJJJ9?g_st=ic

My wife and I receive no compensation for any of our recommendations - we share our experience to help travelers integrate and enjoy their trips.