Currency, Cards, and Cash Basics
Portugal uses the euro (€). ATMs are widely available throughout Lisbon, and most restaurants, shops, and hotels accept major credit and debit cards. That said, smaller tascas (traditional taverns), market vendors, and some tram operators still prefer cash, so carrying €20–€40 on hand is practical.
Foreign transaction fees vary by card issuer — check yours before departure. Many US travelers use cards with no foreign transaction fees to avoid per-purchase charges of 1–3%. Dynamic currency conversion (when a terminal offers to charge you in US dollars) typically produces a worse exchange rate; selecting the local currency is generally the more cost-conscious choice.
For a broader framework on managing money before you travel, see our pre-trip budget checklist.
Getting Around: Transport Cards and Options
Lisbon's public transit network — run by Carris and the Lisbon Metro — covers most of the city. The Viva Viagem card is a rechargeable contactless card used across the metro, buses, trams, funiculars, and some ferry services. It costs a small deposit and can be loaded with either a set number of trips or a 24-hour (or multi-day) unlimited pass.
The iconic Tram 28 passes through several historic neighborhoods and is included with the Viva Viagem card — but it's a working transit line, not a tourist attraction, and it runs crowded. Pickpocketing is reported on this route; keep valuables secured and be alert in peak hours.
Taxis and rideshare apps operate throughout the city. Uber and its local competitors are typically metered or app-priced; licensed taxis use a meter and are generally reliable. Always confirm the meter is running at the start of a taxi trip.
Tipping, Taxes, and Dining Customs
Tipping in Portugal is appreciated but not mandatory or built into standard pricing. In sit-down restaurants, rounding up or leaving 5–10% of the bill is typical for good service. Leaving €1–€2 on a café table after coffee is common. Tipping is less expected at counter-service spots.
Watch for couvert charges — small appetizers (bread, olives, butter) placed on your table automatically. These are charged per person unless you decline or return them. Prices are displayed; it's not a scam, just a local convention worth knowing.
VAT (Value Added Tax) is included in displayed prices in Portugal, so the menu price is the price you pay before any tip. No hidden tax is added at the register as in some US states.
For strategies that stretch your dining and activity budget further, see underused money-saving strategies for travelers.
Entry Requirements, Public Holidays, and Key Practicalities
Entry: US passport holders can enter Portugal — and the broader Schengen Area — without a visa for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Entry requirements can change; always verify current rules with the US State Department and Portuguese consular sources before you travel.
Public holidays: Portugal observes around 13 national public holidays. On these days, some shops, museums, and government offices close or operate reduced hours. Key dates include January 1, April 25 (Liberty Day), June 10 (Portugal Day), and December 8 (Immaculate Conception). Local Lisbon holidays, including June 13 (St. Anthony's Day), also affect city operations.
Electricity: Portugal uses Type F (Schuko) outlets at 230V/50Hz. US devices typically require both a plug adapter and a voltage converter unless marked dual-voltage.
Language: Portuguese is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist-facing businesses, hotels, and restaurants in central Lisbon, though learning a few basic phrases is both courteous and occasionally useful outside the tourist core.
If you're still assembling your destination research, our structured pre-trip destination checklist covers entry rules, health advisories, and local laws systematically.
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