Money, Budget, and Shopping for Portugal

Money

Currency

• Currency: Euro (100 cents).

• Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 €.

• Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents + 1 and 2 €.

• Exchange:

The euro replaced the escudo, which had been Portugal’s currency since 1911, on 1 January 2002.

Exchange

For those outside the Eurozone, banks (often open from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays) and exchange bureaus accept major currencies. ATMs are also widely available.

Payment methods

You can pay in cash or by card (no fees for euro-denominated accounts), just like in France.

Budget

Within Western Europe, Portugal is relatively affordable, especially if you avoid the capital and the southern coast. It ranks among the cheaper destinations, though prices rise in tourist areas during peak season.

Budget around 45 € to 65 € per day per person (for two) if you stay in campsites, with locals, or prepare your own meals—this helps save money. That said, if you plan to visit many sites, museums, or beach resorts, you’ll need to budget more. For those opting for upscale seaside hotels, all-inclusive packages from home can be cost-effective, as can weekly rentals for a sedentary stay.

What can be expensive

• Staying in July or August, particularly on the southern coast, which is the most tourist-heavy.

What can be inexpensive

• Flights (or bus connections) from the rest of Europe, especially off-season.

• Camping, as well as staying with locals or renting weekly accommodations.

Price range

• Budget double room: around 30 €–35.

• Mid-range hotel double room: expect 50 € to 60 € for a decent option.

• Restaurant meal: around 12 € to 15 € for a standard meal.

• Budget car rental:

• 100 km by bus: around 6 € or 7 € per 100 km segment.

• 100 km by train: around 8 € to 10 € on average, depending on the train type.

• Urban taxi:

• Urban bus:

Bargaining and tipping

For tipping, you can leave 5–10% of the bill at restaurants, though service is already included. For taxis, you can also tip around 5–10% or round up the fare. Bargaining isn’t common in Portugal, as in most of Europe.

Shopping and souvenirs

What to bring back

• Azulejos: Portugal’s famous ceramic tiles.

• Embroidery and lace:

• Porto:

• Fado music:

• Pottery: