Portugal
Last checked:
- Capital
- Lisbon
- Currency
- EUR · Euro
- Languages
- Portuguese
- Plugs
- Type C, F · 230 V
Emergency numbers
Top 5 places
- Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery · Lisbon
Manueline monuments from the Age of Discoveries, next to the famous custard tart bakery.
- Alfama and Sao Jorge Castle · Lisbon
Old hillside quarter with viewpoints, fado bars and the castle above the city.
- Ribeira and the port cellars · Porto
Riverside old town and port wine lodges across the Dom Luis I bridge in Vila Nova de Gaia.
- Sintra · Sintra
Palaces and gardens (Pena, Quinta da Regaleira) in wooded hills, a 40-minute train from Lisbon.
- Algarve coast · Lagos / Benagil / Faro
Cliffs, sea caves and beaches on the southern coast.
Getting around
Ride-hailing app
Uber / Bolt
Both widely used in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve, and often cheaper than taxis. Lisbon airport to the centre is usually about 8-15 EUR (varies).
Public transport
Navegante card (Lisbon)
Reusable card (about 0.50 EUR) for metro, buses, trams, funiculars, suburban trains and ferries. Load 'zapping' credit for cheaper single trips or a 24-hour ticket. Formerly called Viva Viagem.
Public transport
Tram 28 and Carris
Historic tram through Graca, Alfama and Baixa. Very crowded and a pickpocket hotspot; ride early in the morning or walk the route.
Public transport
Andante (Porto)
Reusable card for Porto metro, buses and some trains; the metro runs to the airport.
Trains
CP (Comboios de Portugal)
National rail: Alfa Pendular and Intercidades between Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra and the Algarve; suburban trains to Sintra and Cascais. Book in the CP app.
Bike share
Gira
Lisbon bike share with docks and e-bikes, rented through the Gira app with a day pass option. Lisbon is very hilly.
Money and cash
Currency: EUR · Euro
Cards and contactless are widely accepted in cities, but some small cafes, tascas and market stalls are cash only or have a card minimum. Multibanco ATMs are everywhere and usually free; avoid Euronet-style ATMs and always pay in EUR.
Tipping
Tipping in Portugal is optional and small. Service is not usually added to the bill. Locals round up or leave a euro or two; around 5-10% in nicer restaurants is generous.
| Restaurants | Round up or leave 1-3 EUR in casual places; 5-10% in upscale restaurants for good service. |
|---|---|
| Cafés and bars | Nothing expected; leave small coins if you like. |
| Taxis and ride apps | Round up to the nearest euro. |
| Hotels | About 1-2 EUR per bag for porters; housekeeping tips optional. |
| Tours and guides | Tip guides on free walking tours; 5-10% for good paid tours. |
| Food delivery | Not expected; small tip in the app is optional. |
Service charge: what’s true
A service charge is rarely added in Portugal. More common is the 'couvert': bread, olives, butter or cheese placed on the table and charged per item if you eat it. It must be listed with prices, and you can send it back without paying.
Pressure tactics to watch for
Some tourist restaurants bring couvert or extra starters without asking and charge for them. You only pay for what you eat; if you do not want it, say 'Não, obrigado/a' and ask for it to be removed. No widely reported pressure to tip on top of the bill.
Useful phrases
- A conta, por favor. The bill, please.
- Não queremos o couvert, obrigado. We don't want the couvert, thank you.
- Pode ficar com o troco. You can keep the change.
Etiquette
- Greet with 'Bom dia' / 'Boa tarde'; friends greet with two cheek kisses, strangers with a handshake.
- Do not assume Portuguese people speak Spanish or address them in it first; English is usually better.
- Lunch is usually 12:30-14:30 and dinner from 19:30-20:00.
- Cover shoulders and knees in churches and monasteries.
- Keep quiet during fado performances; talking during a song is considered rude.
- Queue patiently; pushing ahead is frowned upon.
Scams and how to handle them
Fake drug sellers
Where: Lisbon: Baixa, Rua Augusta, Rossio, Bairro Alto
How it works: Men whisper offers of hashish or cocaine. The 'drugs' are fake (bay leaves, flour, paracetamol), and the approach is sometimes a distraction for theft. Buying any drugs is still illegal.
How to avoid it: Do not stop or reply; just keep walking.
Couvert you didn't order
Where: Tourist restaurants in Lisbon, Porto, Algarve
How it works: Bread, olives, cheese or ham are placed on the table and appear on the bill.
How to avoid it: Send it back at once if you do not want it; you only pay for what you eat.
Tram 28 and Elevador pickpockets
Where: Lisbon: Tram 28, Tram 15 to Belem, Santa Justa lift and their queues
How it works: Teams press into you in the crowded tram or queue and take wallets and phones.
How to avoid it: Keep bags zipped in front, phones out of back pockets, and avoid peak times.
Friendship bracelet and fake monks
Where: Lisbon: Terreiro do Paco, Baixa
How it works: Someone ties a bracelet on your wrist or hands you an amulet, then demands payment.
How to avoid it: Keep hands to yourself, say no and walk away.
Overcharging taxis
Where: Lisbon and Porto airports, cruise terminals
How it works: Some taxi drivers take long routes or add invalid supplements for tourists.
How to avoid it: Use Uber/Bolt or insist on the meter; ask for a receipt ('recibo').
ATM and card skimming
Where: Standalone ATMs in tourist zones
How it works: Skimming devices and dynamic currency conversion at ATMs.
How to avoid it: Use Multibanco ATMs at banks, cover your PIN and always choose EUR.
Safety
- Portugal is one of the safest countries in Europe; the main risk is pickpocketing on crowded trams, buses and at stops.
- Lisbon hotspots: Tram 28, Tram 15, Baixa, Rossio, Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodre at night.
- Thieves often work in teams using distraction; spread out your valuables.
- Drug possession laws are decriminalized for personal use, but buying from street sellers is illegal and the drugs are usually fake.
- Beware strong Atlantic waves and rip currents; swim at beaches with lifeguards and obey flags.
How widely English is spoken
Good, especially among younger people and in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve. Spanish is often understood, but try English or Portuguese first.
Sources
- GOV.UK Foreign travel advice: Portugal, safety and security
- Lisbon Tourism: Tipping in Lisbon
- Newsbook: Lisbon tourism at threat from fake drug dealers
- Lisbon Transportation Guide and Travel Cards
- Lisbon.vip: How to avoid scammers in Lisbon's touristic hotspots
We check these guides against official and well-known sources, but rules and prices change. Spot something out of date? Email support@tourits.app.