What you need to know about money in Lisbon
What Currency Does Lisbon Use Now
Pack your bags and buckle up, folks – Portugal is calling! Before we arrive in beautiful Lisbon, a quick trivia round for you. Let's talk Moolah, Bread, Doe – you know, the good ol' cash! Any guesses? Well, Lisbon, much like the rest of Portugal, has been using the Euro (€) since swapping out the Portuguese Escudo in 2002. Mind the decimals - one Euro is divided into 100 cents.
Credit and Debit Cards in Lisbon
Let's move a tad from the metallic clink of coins. Do you often find yourself reaching for a swanky plastic rectangle at the checkout line? If so, you're in luck, buddy! Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Lisbon, which means you can easily swipe or tap away at most restaurants, shops, and hotels. Visa and MasterCard are the most common, but international darling American Express is making its presence felt. Just remember, the less common your card, the less popular it will be. Your Discover card might find itself largely unwelcome.
Using Cash in Lisbon
But hey, an adventurer like you loves to blend in, right? Mingling with the locals, trying the street foods, rummaging through flea markets – such thrills demand cash! Yes, there are some places in Lisbon where only cash is king. Street vendors, traditional shops, and small eateries may sometimes turn down your flashy card. Even car parks and tolls prefer coins. So keep a stash of Euros handy and feel like a local!
ATMs in Lisbon
Now, if you've run into a cash crunch – don't panic. Mighty ATMs, known as Multibancos, stand guard at various points across the city. Plus, guess what? They operate 24/7. With English instructions, they're a breeze for tourists. However, remember this little nugget of wisdom – fees might nibble at your account if you're not careful. While Portuguese banks don't charge fees for cash withdrawals, your home bank might. A quick call before you fly out to check their foreign withdrawal policies can save some pennies!
Bank Hours
Ah, the fabled brick and mortar institutions. For bank hours, picture the siestas. Lisbon banks usually open from 8.30 am to 3 pm during weekdays. Yes, you heard it right; it's a 'banker's lunch' rather than a 'banker’s hours' thing here. Plus, they're closed on weekends. Hence, plan your bank visit accordingly or be best friends with the amicable ATMs.
There you have it - your financial guide to Lisbon, neatly wrapped with a bow. So dive in, dear wanderers! An unforgettable journey awaits in this city of seven hills!
