Money isn’t the sexiest aspect of travel, but without it you don’t get very far. Get acquainted with Italy’s notes and coins, plus a few other crucial bits of information, and you’ll minimise the chances of awkwardness, theft or abuse. Here’s what you need to know.
Changing Money
Most major banks have offices in the Baixa, and there are currency-exchange facilities at the airport (open 24 hours) and at Santa Apolónia train station (daily 8:30-8:30). Large hotels and some travel agencies also offer exchange facilities, but the rates are usually relatively poor. Throughout the city you will find automatic currency-exchange machines (equivalent to ATMs in the United States), but they only take European money cards; Cirrus and Plus networks cannot be accessed in Lisbon or anywhere in Portugal.
Costs
Lisbon is still not as expensive as other international capitals, but it is not the extraordinary bargain it used to be. Transportation is still cheap in Portugal when compared with the rest of Europe. Gas prices are controlled by the government, and train and bus travel are inexpensive. Highway tolls are steep but may be worth the cost if you want to bypass the small towns and villages. Flights within the country on the state-owned TAP airlines are costly.
Currency
The basic currency unit in Portugal is the Euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 eurocents. The smallest coin in circulation is 1 cent, and the largest bank note in circulation is 100 EUR (bank notes of 200 and 500 EUR have limited circulation).The euro can be used in 11 other European countries, including Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Spain.
Tipping
Service is included in cafe, restaurant, and hotel bills, but waiters and other service people are poorly paid, and you can be sure your contribution will be appreciated. However, if you received bad service, never feel obligated to leave a tip. An acceptable tip is 10%-15% of the total bill, and if you have a sandwich or petiscos (appetizers) at a bar, leave less, enough to round out the bill to the nearest 100. Cocktail waiters get 20-50 cents a drink, depending on the bar.
Taxi drivers get about 10% of the meter, but more for long rides or extra help with luggage, and there is an official surcharge for airport runs and baggage.
Hotel porters are tipped 50 cents a bag; same for room service or a doorman who calls you a taxi. If you stay in a hotel for more than two nights, tip the maid about 1 per night. The concierge should be tipped for any additional help he or she provides.
Tour guides should be tipped 1-3; ushers in theaters or bullfights, 50 cents; barbers, at least 1; hairdressers, at least 1 for a wash and set. Washroom attendants are tipped 50 cents.
