Portugal’s official currency is the Euro (€), and while credit/debit cards are widely accepted, having some cash on hand is always helpful—especially in small shops, cafés, markets, or remote areas.
If you’re arriving in Lisbon with US Dollars, here are your best, safest, and most convenient options for currency exchange.
✅ Recommended Places to Exchange USD in Lisbon
1. 🏦 Banks (With Exchange Services)
Some major banks in Lisbon may exchange foreign currency for clients, but most require:
Your passport
A bank account (in some cases)
Advance notice or appointments
💡 Best for larger amounts, but not ideal for short-stay tourists.
2. 🏬 Official Currency Exchange Offices (Casas de Câmbio)
These are your best bet for fast and reliable exchange in Lisbon. Look for licensed shops with clear signage and exchange rates displayed up front.
✅ Trusted Exchange Offices in Central Lisbon:
Nova Câmbios (Chiado & Baixa)
📍 Rua Garrett 72 or Rua Augusta 287
✔️ Competitive rates, no hidden fees
🕒 Open Mon–Sat, typically 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Unicâmbio (Various Locations)
📍 Inside Armazéns do Chiado mall, Lisbon Airport, and train stations
✔️ Convenient, transparent service
🧾 ID/passport required for transactions
Euro Net Exchange (Baixa Area)
📍 Rua dos Douradores 178
✅ Offers good walk-in rates for USD/EUR
3. ✈️ Lisbon Airport (Humberto Delgado Airport)
There are exchange counters like Unicâmbio inside the arrivals area. While convenient, rates here tend to be less favorable due to airport markups.
💡 Good for small amounts if you need cash immediately on arrival.
🛑 Avoid These Common Pitfalls
❌ Do not exchange money in the street or unlicensed shops
❌ Avoid tourist-trap exchange counters with 0% commission but terrible exchange rates
❌ Always check the final amount in Euros before confirming the exchange
💳 Better Alternative: Use Your Debit Card at an ATM
Many visitors get better rates by withdrawing cash directly in Euros from an ATM, using a debit card from a bank that doesn’t charge high foreign transaction fees.
✔️ Look for Multibanco (MB) ATMs — widely available, secure, and user-friendly 🚫 Avoid ATMs labeled “EuroNet” or “Global Exchange” — they often apply dynamic currency conversion with unfavorable rates
✨ Portugal Magik Makes It Easy
When touring with Portugal Magik Private Tours, your guide can:
🏦 Take you directly to a trusted exchange office
💸 Help you locate the best-value ATMs
🧭 Offer advice on how much cash you’ll realistically need (hint: not much)
🛍️ Suggest when cash is better than card (e.g. local markets, toll bridges, or cafés in small towns)
