I realize this is a dynamic situation, so there may be no absolute answer. I’ve read conflicting information online, as well as in recent guidebooks on the necessary use of cash in smaller villages in Portugal. I realize tipping anywhere, even in the US, is best done in cash. Smaller, family run businesses can reduce overhead by only accepting or preferring cash payment. Vendors of inexpensive items would probably prefer or require cash. I’m curious what recent experiences in smaller villages have been with regards to cash. A requirement or culturally appropriate…or even a nonissue? Thanks for you input.
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4044 posts
Draw out some euros from an Atm (preferably a bank)
Use as needed.
ATMs are everywhere. So are credit cards. Yes some vendor may be off the grid. Pay cash. No problem and little expense.
What is not everywhere is the compulsion to tip. Outside of North America, any sort of service charge will be made plain. Keep your cash for exceptional service. European credit cards do not provide a tip service.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
5581 posts
I am told that the best ATMs to use in Portugal are Multibanco. I rarely bring more than 100 euros to Europe, and that is always left over from a previous trip. I don't purchase euros prior to travel.
Posted by
WA USA
1077 posts
I ran across the need to use cash in a few of the smaller towns, including Evora. Just carry some with you and they will let you know if they don't take a card. You don't need much. And some small coins will be needed for some of the bathrooms. Regarding tipping, there were a few places that I left a couple of euros. I tend not to eat at fancy or expensive places. Also tipped a guide in Evora since I just really liked her. However, most places I didn't tip, but then I'm not an expert on tipping either, so can't provide much guidance beyond what I did.
Make sure you use a bank atm (Multibanco) and not Euronet to avoid high fees. Also, do not select dynamic currency conversion (DCC) when withdrawing. It's a bit more of a challenge to find a bank atm in Lisbon/Porto. Lots of Euronets though. But I found it much easier to find Multibanco atms in the smaller towns.
I also start off with ~100 euro, sometimes less. I have a no foreign transaction fee debit card, so feel no need to withdraw large amounts out at once.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5515 posts
I was in Portugal last year. I was able to use a card most places, but I did run into a few places that only took cash. This also happened in one of the small restaurants where I ate lunch in Lisbon so it is not exclusive to villages. I’d suggest just having some Euros on hand. As others have mentioned, make sure to use a Multibanco (look for ”MB”) to avoid fees.
Posted by
11 posts
Just returned from 18 days in Portugal in March. It is in transition with cash vs credit cards (unlike Italy and Greece last year that had gone credit card even for small items).
Most places took cash especially museums, but did find some cases of cash only in tourist spots - Pinhao in Duoro was very cash based restaurant and hotel, and so was Lisbon's Bairro Alto area was cash only restaurants.