Money and Costs
Currency
euro (€)
Daily Costs
Budget: Less than €50
- Dorm bed: €15–22
- Basic hotel room for two: from €35
- Lunch special at a family-run restaurant: €8–10
- Second-class train ticket from Lisbon to Faro: from €23
Midrange: €50–120
- Double room in a midrange hotel: €50–100
- Lunch or dinner in a midrange restaurant: €22–40
- Admission to museums: €3–8
Top End: More than €120
- Boutique hotel room: from €120
- Dinner for two in a top restaurant: from €80
- Three-day surf course: €150
Bargaining
Gentle haggling is common in markets (less so in produce markets); in all other instances you’re expected to pay the stated price.
Money
ATMs are widespread. Most, but not all, accommodation providers and upper-end restaurants accept credit cards.
ATMs
ATMs are widespread. Check to see what your home bank will charge you for withdrawals.
Cash
Portugal uses the euro (€). There are notes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, and coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and €1 and €2.
Changing Money
There are plenty of exchange offices and banks to change cash.
Tipping
- Bars Not expected unless table service is provided, then around 10%.
- Hotels One euro per bag is standard; gratuity for cleaning staff is at your discretion.
- Restaurants On average 10%, up to 15% in pricier places.
- Snack bars It's courteous to leave a bit of spare change.
- Taxis Not expected, but it's polite to round up to the nearest euro.