Are Credit Cards Accepted in Portugal?
Credit cards are widely accepted in Portuguese cities, hotels, restaurants, and shops. Visa and Mastercard work almost everywhere; American Express has more limited acceptance.
Contactless payment has become standard at most businesses. Simply tap your card or phone at the terminal for purchases under 50 euros. Chip-and-PIN remains the backup method; ensure your card has a working PIN.
Some situations still require cash: small cafes and bakeries, market vendors, street food, public transportation ticket machines (though many now accept cards), and tipping. Very small purchases may have minimum card amounts.
Inform your bank of your travel dates to prevent fraud alerts blocking your card. Withdrawing cash from Multibanco ATMs offers good exchange rates, but your home bank may charge foreign transaction fees. Check your card terms before traveling.
Related Questions
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- Should I Leave Tips in Portugal?
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