I found info in this forum, but the year posted was 2017. Looking for more current info. We always try and get cash at the airport when arriving in a country. Looking for the best ATM in the Lisbon airport (one directly connected with a bank should be cheaper, right?). Also, potentially dumb question....taxi's carry adequate change? For example if you have another country's Euro 50 and the fare is 32, the driver can make the change? A euro is a euro?
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8126 posts
A euro is a euro, is a euro...makes no difference where it was printed (well, not my basement, but you get it)
Cabs making change? They should be able to, normally a 50 euro is not unusual in Europe (a Fifty in the US causes many places fits), however, you cab ride into central Lisbon will only be about 10 euro more or less, so your asking for a bunch of change back, you can reduce 50's by asking for something like 180 euro if allowed, giving you likely 2 50's and 4 20's. (Many machines have 50's and 20's) Many cabs now take card as well. Not sure if you are a Uber user, but Ubers are plentiful and cheap, we used them in place of public transport in several cases.
As for an ATM, just try them. The fees break down to what your bank charges (can't avoid that except to find a different bank), A fee that the ATM owner charges (A few euro, maybe worth it if you need the cash, one of my card reimburses me for it, so no issue for me) and DCC, which is to be avoided, usually you are offered the opportunity to decline it. Bank vs non-Bank? At an airport I am less concerned about that, unless it is an ATM attached to a shop and looks a bit sketchy. Usually airports contract with a single ATM provider and are reliable.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1826 posts
Look for machines with Multibanco written on them. They are all attached to banks and will be better rates, etc.
Most machines in Portugal give 20’s and 10’s. Be aware you can only withdraw €200 at a time. However, you can do this twice in rapid succession giving you €400.
From the map of the airport, there may be one close to Starbucks. It’s to the left when you exit the baggage/customs area. Sorry, but I haven’t used a machine at the airport in too long so don’t remember if this is accurate.
As stated earlier, Uber are plentiful and cheap. But, you have to go up to departures for pick up. They are not allowed at the same place as the taxis.
Posted by
Connecticut
98 posts
What Kathrynj said.
Also, don't ask for the machine to convert from dollars to euros. Just ask for how much in euros you want.
What ATM card are you using? Will your bank charge you to use in a foreign country? Will they charge you an ATM fee?
There is a whole discussion on that subject somewhere on this forum.
Dennis