Multiple US citizens ask frequently if they can bring USD to Europe and to Portugal and pay their meals, hotels, gifts, tours, souveniers, etc in American Dollars? The answer is only one: No. At least, not in Portugal.
All payments you make in cash must be in Euro currency. You can use your credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express or other), but you will be paying the amounts in local currency Euro, and then your bank will convert into USD and you will be charged in USD at your local bank’s currency.
It may happen once in a while, on very touristy shops and places, where they can excepcionally accept USD. But don’t be wrong, they will use a much higher conversion rate than the official one used by your bank.
When traveling to Europe, take some Euro cash with you. 20EUR, 50EUR and 100EUR bills are the best option. Then you can also withdraw money from ATM’s with your card, there are plenty of ATM’s in Portugal, basicly everywhere.
Gonzalo
Founder/Owner of The Lisbon Guide, one of the major blog references in Portugal, established in 2014 and receiving every year 250.000 visitors from all over the world, looking to provide the best experiences in Portugal. In partnership with Portugal Magik for all private tours and transfers across Portugal, Gonzalo loves a good seafood meal at Monte Mar Cascais, and all from Michelin Chef Avillez. Favorite Hotel in Lisbon/Portugal, Penha Longa Resort by Ritz Carlton.
For over 15 years, Gonzalo have been helping thousands of travelers yearly to plan a perfect trip to Portugal. Based in Lisbon/Cascais and working in this field for over 20 years, with multiple ongoing projects. Also an avid TripAdvisor user level 6 with more than 300.000 readers worldwide.
Many years working also as a Private Guide of Lisbon, Sintra, Fatima, Porto, Douro Valley, Evora, and other locations in Portugal.
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