What credit cards are most widely accepted in Portugal?
November 4, 2008 by admin
Filed under Questions and Answers
ecolink asked:
We are traveling from the United States and want to be prepared. Are credit cards accepted at most restaurants? Shops? Hotels?
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We are traveling from the United States and want to be prepared. Are credit cards accepted at most restaurants? Shops? Hotels?
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Michelle M on Thu, 6th Nov 2008 5:15 am
AMEX and VISA yes, yes and yes. Call the credit card company ahead of time and tell them to note on your acount you will be traveling abroad because sometimes they could put a hold on your card when it is used overseas, thinking it may be stolen. Have fun!!
boogie on Sun, 9th Nov 2008 9:42 am
I’d say VISA and MasterCard and American Express are accepted at many places
Bonitinha on Wed, 12th Nov 2008 2:55 am
In all of them!! some small Shops don’t accept Visa, but only Visa Electron, Maestro, Amex….don’t must of it you won’t have any problem!! Take care!!Welcome to Portugal!
addonai on Thu, 13th Nov 2008 8:23 pm
Visa, Electron, Maestro, Mastercard, all are accepted in Portugal. There’s no big problems of that kind in portugal
Orla C on Fri, 14th Nov 2008 6:53 am
Visa. But I’d recommend checking that you can use your ATM card at the machines in Europe, then you can just access cash in euros and it’s debited to your own account back home. Cheaper than credit cards …
s0cal queen on Sat, 15th Nov 2008 6:27 am
Portugal is part of the Eurozone and uses the euro as its currency (symbol: €). ATMs accepting international cards can be found everywhere, and currency conversion booths spring up wherever there is a steady flow of tourists (although the closer they are to tourist attractions, the worse the rates they offer).
In smaller (non-high-street) shops you can try some haggling, especially if you offer to buy multiple items. You might want to check your change, though: although not a widespread practice, some shopkeepers might “accidentally” overcharge tourists.
Tipping in restaurants is optional – if you are not too happy with the service, don’t tip. 10% is a good value tip, although most people would just round up the total bill to the next euro. Keep in mind that whilst tipping, the Portuguese themselves almost always simply leave the coin portion of their change, not considering actual percentages. Waiters are viewed (and paid as) professionals in Portugal. A ‘tip’ is considered a note of appreciation, not a means to make up for a tiny salary.
MIG on Tue, 18th Nov 2008 3:52 am
yes, all cards. look for the the decal/sticker at the entrance door first or ask.
José Ferreira on Thu, 20th Nov 2008 9:09 pm
All of them.
But check first before you spend something (see at the door, ask the people who work there)
Some shops can accept also US dollars and british pounds (“under the counter”, if you know what i mean…)
PS – If i were you, i would go now buy euros, before dollar go down again!