Currency Exchange in Lisbon Portugal – Money

Guide to Currency and Money in Lisbon – Exchanging, Paying and Tipping in Lisboa

In Lisbon, as in the rest of Portugal, the official currency is the Euro (€). The Euro comes in various denominations, both in coins and banknotes. Coins are available in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 2 Euro coins. Banknotes come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 Euro notes. It’s good to have a mix of both for small and large purchases, especially since some smaller businesses may not accept larger bills. This is particularly true in the smaller cafes and bars, where card is often not accepted for smaller amounts, even in 2023.

Where to Exchange Currency in Lisbon

Exchanging currency in Lisbon can be straightforward if you know where to look. Banks usually offer the best rates and have the added advantage of being trusted establishments. However, they do have limited operating hours and may not be open on weekends.

Currency exchange kiosks can be another alternative. They are generally located in airports and popular tourist areas. While they offer the convenience of longer opening hours, be wary of higher fees and less favourable exchange rates.

Type of Service	Name	Notes
Bank	Millennium BCP	Common in Lisbon, especially in the city centre
Bank	Novo Banco	Also widely available around Lisbon
Bank	Santander Totta	Found in various locations in Lisbon
Exchange Kiosk	Unicâmbio	Located in touristy areas and Lisbon Airport.
Exchange Kiosk	Money Change	Can be found at Lisbon Airport
Exchange Kiosk	Eurochange	Locations in city centre and shopping malls. Official Website.

ATM and Cash Point Use in Lisbon

ATMs are all over Lisbon, making it super easy to grab some cash when you need it. You’ll see them in banks, shopping areas, and busy streets. Most offer language options, like English, to make things easier. But watch out for fees—both your own bank and the local ATM might charge you.

The best deal I found for pulling out cash in Lisbon’s center was using ATMs connected to Millennium BCP banks. With my Monzo card, I didn’t get hit with any fees!

Tipping in Lisbon

Tipping in Lisbon isn’t a must, but it’s nice to do if you’ve had good service. At restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 10% is a good rule of thumb. In cafes, people usually just leave the small change. Taxi drivers appreciate it if you round up to the nearest euro. And if you’re staying at a hotel, a euro or two for the bellman or housekeeping is a kind gesture. So, while tipping isn’t required in Lisbon (and generally in Portugfal), it’s a good way to show you’re happy with the service.

FAQ

Is it better to exchange money in my home country or in Lisbon?

It’s usually more cost-effective to exchange some money into euros before you arrive. However, you can also find reasonable rates at local banks and currency exchange kiosks in Lisbon.

Are credit and debit cards widely accepted?

Credit and debit cards are generally accepted in most large restaurants, hotels, and shops. However, it’s good to carry some cash for smaller establishments or in case of an issue with card payments (especially with your overseas foreign cards).

Do I need to carry my passport to exchange money?

It’s generally a good idea to bring your passport or a form of ID when exchanging money at a bank or kiosk. This is a common requirement for identity verification.

What are the working hours for banks?

Banks in Lisbon usually open from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday. They’re closed on weekends and public holidays. Some banks in tourist areas might have extended hours, but that’s not super common. It’s a good idea to get your banking done during weekdays if you can.