Portuguese Currency

Q: What is the currency in Faro?

The currency in Faro is the euro. Each euro is divided into 100 cents. When you’re in Portugal you’ll see the symbol € written down in shops and on menus, and the currency code EUR used in exchange offices.

Q: What was the former currency of Portugal?

Portugal entered the Eurozone in 2002. Before adopting the euro , the official currency in Portugal was the escudo.

Find out what currency is used in Portugal, tips and tricks for Portuguese currency exchange, and how you can save money on your visit with the Wise euro card.

Learn about the euro card

What is the currency in Portugal?

The currency in Portugal is the euro. Each euro is divided into 100 cents.

When you’re buying currency for Portugal, look out for the currency code EUR. And once you’re in Portugal, you’ll see the symbol € used to show prices.

You’ll find Euro banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 - although the 200 and 500 EUR notes are seldom used. There are also 1 and 2 euro coins.

Cents come in coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50.

Use the Wise euro card to spend in Portuguese currency.

The Wise euro travel money card lets you top up in your local currency, and switch to euro to spend when you’re in Portugal. You’ll get the best rate for spending in euro - and can also hold and spend 40+ other currencies with the same card.

Get your Wise travel money card online for free, to send and spend money around the world at the mid-market exchange rate.

Simply top up your card and convert to the currency you need in real time using the Wise app.

You’ll always get the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden costs, and you’ll avoid foreign transaction fees while withdrawing from ATMs abroad, paying in restaurants and shops, and buying your accommodation and flights.

Learn more about the euro card

Tips for exchanging currency in Portugal.



The mid-market rate is the true exchange rate - with no sneaky hidden fees. Use an online currency converter before your trip to get a feel for what your money is worth and make sure you get a fair rate when you buy your travel money.



Being offered to pay in your own currency at an ATM is a sneaky trick and causes many travellers to pay more than they need to. Always choose to pay in the local currency - in this case, euro - to cut your costs and get the best rates available.



Currency exchange desks at airports and hotels often markup the exchange rates they use, and may charge hidden fees. Avoid this expensive option whenever you can.



Withdraw money, pay for meals in restaurants or spend in shops in euro, all at the mid-market exchange rate with the Wise debit card.

Spending money in Portugal.

Paying by credit or debit card in Portugal

In Portugal, large, upmarket, and chain shops and restaurants - as well as hotels - are likely to take card payments. However, smaller family run places may prefer cash, so carrying both is a smart move.

ATMs in Portugal

You'll be able to find ATMs - called Multibanco - in cities and towns across Portugal.

However, small villages and remote areas won't have ATM coverage, so carry cash if you're adventuring off the beaten track.

To get the best deal when spending on card or withdrawing money in Portugal, don’t forget to use the Wise travel money card to avoid sneaky exchange rate markups and excessive fees.