Exploring Portugal’s charming towns, picturesque villages, and breathtaking coastlines feels like stepping back in time, thanks to the country’s captivating history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Portugal has so much to offer, with its captivating experiences ranging from the mediaeval castles of Sintra to the golden beaches of the Algarve. Don’t forget to explore the historic streets of Lisbon and indulge in the beauty of the vineyards in the Douro Valley. If you want to navigate this awesome country, it’s pretty important to know how to use the local cash and cash and ATMs in Portugal, where to exchange currency. If you’re looking for a guide on how to budget your trip to Portugal and make the most of the country’s stunning landscapes, rich history, and welcoming people without spending too much, then this articles is perfect for you.
You may also enjoy reading Ultimate guide on how to travel on a budget in 2025.
Where can I find ATMs in Portugal & Lisbon?
There are around 13,000 ATMs spread across Portugal. These are run by Multibanco, a shared network. It’s a breeze to get cash in Portugal with these options. They’re available in larger towns, and even in smaller ones, you’ll come across at least one or two ATMs. Just a heads up, visiting remote islands might not live up to your expectations.
You can find ATMs at:
- Popular airports,
- Hangouts and shopping spots,
- Main streets in large cities,
- Shopping centres for commuters,
- Routes for food,
- Bank branches,
- Just a couple of office buildings
It will be difficult to find ATMs in:
- Airports on smaller islands,
- Bus stops for different areas,
- The countryside,
- In smaller towns, away from the main roads,
- Religious establishments,
- Goes to hidden getaways.
Best ATMs to use in Portugal & Lisbon for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Portugal are those owned by popular banks such as:
MB Multibanco,
Novobanco,
Millennium BCP,
Caixa Geral,
Banco BPI, and
Activo.
Portugal also has ATMs from various international banks such as Santander.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Portugal & Lisbon, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in EUR).
- If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
- If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees while withdrawing cash in Portugal & Lisbon, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in EUR’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Portugal & Lisbon?
Yes, many types of foreign cards are easily accepted at ATMs in Portugal & Lisbon.
For a detailed guide, read Money and Currency in Portugal & Lisbon.
What are the ATM opening hours?
ATMs are usually open 24/7, 365 days a year.
What do they call ATMs in Portugal & Lisbon?
Common examples of ATM signage are “MB”, “Multibanco” and “ATM”.
PIN type
ATMs in Portugal typically have a four-digit PIN length, which is the most common.
Plus, a lot of stores are still stuck with outdated technology that can’t handle the new chip-and-pin cards unless they also read the magnetic stripe.
Languages at ATMs in Portugal & Lisbon
Portuguese and English are the main languages used on Portuguese ATMs, but you might also find options for Spanish, French, and German on some of them. You can access this option right from the start of the transaction.
You can use Google Translate’s camera feature to get real-time translations of your phone’s menu options to translate the ATM screen. Feel free to take your time and not rush through the transaction. Just keep in mind that these translations may not always be 100% accurate.
Do ATMs in Portugal & Lisbon work similarly as other countries?
Yes. ATMs in Portugal are pretty advanced and work just like the ones you’d find in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and India. Don’t forget to take your card with you after using these ATMs to withdraw cash, as some of them fully insert it during the transaction.
Join the discussion, read and share cash related travel experiences on ATM Fee Saver’s Community Travel Forum at Money & Travel in Europe.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Portugal & Lisbon?
ATMs in Portugal & Lisbon dispense only the official currency Euro (EUR). A handful of foreign currency ATMs allow withdrawing USD and few other currencies, however, this is not very common.
ATM withdrawal limits in Portugal & Lisbon?
Majority of the bank ATMs in Portugal have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of € 200. There is usually also a daily withdrawal limit of € 400 per day.
ATM Fees in Portugal & Lisbon?
There are many fee-free ATMs in Portugal. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Portugal do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. These are banks part of the Multibanco shared ATM network. Just make sure to ‘Decline Conversion’ twice during the transaction to avoid any extra currency conversion charges at these ATMs. So, there are many fee-free ATMs you can use in Portugal as a foreign cardholder!
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Portugal & Lisbon – something every traveller handling cash in Portugal & Lisbon should be aware of. These are:
- Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
- Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Portugal & Lisbon?
- Use the fee-free or lower fee ATMs in the country.
- Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
- Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
- Consider getting a fee-free travel card from your home country.
- Get one Visa and one Mastercard fee-free cards as some ATMs abroad accept only Visa and some only Mastercard.
- Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Portugal & Lisbon?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Portugal. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Portugal.
Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Is it safe to use Portugal & Lisbon ATMs?
Yes, usually. Many ATMs have cameras and guards stationed outside. Crime rates near ATMs are pretty low. Pickpocketing is becoming more common these days. There have been some cases in Portugal where cameras were placed near ATM keypads to figure out people’s PINs.
To be safe, use precautions such as:
- Use the ATMs located inside bank branches instead of standalone ones.
- Avoid using ATMs on empty streets or late at night.
- Keep your card visible at all times.
- Cover the PIN pad with the palm of your hand to avoid revealing your PIN to hidden cameras.
- If you find any suspicious devices attached around the keypad area of the ATM, do not use the ATM.
- Be aware of your surroundings, if you see suspicious people, move away.
- Keep two or more cards as backup.
- If also using your mobile phone for the transaction, avoid using public Wi-Fi. Use VPN for extra protection.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Portugal & Lisbon takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs here?
Yes, it is possible. There are many fee-free ATMs in Portugal. Majority of the Bank ATMs in Portugal do not charge any ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. These are banks part of the Multibanco shared ATM network. Just make sure to ‘Decline Conversion’ twice during the transaction to avoid any extra currency conversion charges at these ATMs. So, there are many fee-free ATMs you can use in Portugal as a foreign cardholder!
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Portugal & Lisbon?
Yes. ATMs in Portugal usually accept cards issued in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia.
Bitcoin ATMs?
Portugal has a decent number of Bitcoin ATMs.
Foreign bank ATMs’ in Portugal & Lisbon
Bank of America: Sorry, but Portugal doesn’t have any Bank of America ATMs.
Citibank: Regrettably, there are no Citibank ATMs available in Portugal.
Barclays: There are a few Barclays Bank ATMs in Portugal.
HSBC: No, Portugal doesn’t have any HSBC ATMs.
Standard Chartered: Nope, Portugal doesn’t have any Standard Chartered ATMs.
