I am planning a trip to Portugal and Spain: we are coming from Africa where I earn US$cash - is that the best way to bring money for a month`s travel or would it be better to put it into Nationwide and draw from there?
Thanks for your help.
1
jbrunopt
Hi! Here you can use your credit/debt cards as well: VISA, VISA ELECTRON, MasterCard, American Express, Maestro are widely used in both countries.
2
gwenmccauley
Hi Patricia
Put it in the bank and use your debit card. I travel extensively in Portugal, especially the Algarve, and nobody is interested in non Euro denomination cash.
ATMs are everywhere. Be aware that some of the larger banks have some 'local only' ATMs. So always pick one with a Multibanco sign on it which means you're plugged into an international network.
I typically don't change any money in advance. As soon as I land at the airport I find the nearest cash machine and get funds out. I find that the ATMS have a 200Euro limit but that's always been enough for my need.
But be aware, these networks are satellite based. Twice now the entire network has dropped while I've been in the Algarve. So always keep a little stash of cash for emergencies. One time we went to Loule for a morning of browsing in its great farmer's market and lovely shops. We'd planned to get cash from a machine and spent the day wandering around looking for one that worked ...with no luck. All the tourists were in the same boat. Fortunately we had enough for a coffee and snack but there wasn't a lot of spending going on otherwise!
That is very rare, fortunately. Have fun on your trip.
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