Practical tips for Americans traveling to Portugal
- Mar 1
- 4 min read
Planning a trip to Portugal? You're in for a wonderful experience. Portugal is one of the easiest countries in Europe to travel through. I've been coming there my entire life and still spend several month a year in the Algarve (South of Portugal). There are a few things that are useful to know before you arrive, especially when traveling from the US. These practical tips will help you feel more prepared and make your trip a little smoother.
Can you drink the water?
Yes, you usually can. The tap water in Portugal is safe to drink and the quality is actually very good.
The main reason people prefer bottled water is the taste. Many people find that Portuguese tap water has a slightly different taste compared to what they are used to at home.
If you are staying in a very old building, especially in historic city centers, you may want to check with your accommodation. Some older buildings can have older pipes, and in that case bottled water might be a better choice. For most travelers though, tap water is completely fine.
Paying with credit cards
Credit cards are widely accepted in Portugal, especially Visa and Mastercard. However, American Express is not accepted everywhere.
I always recommend bringing cash with you. Having some euros is still useful for small cafés, local bakeries, markets and smaller restaurants, especially outside the main tourist areas.
A debit card is also a good idea to have as a backup.
If you are planning to rent a car, I have also written a guide about car rental companies in Portugal that accept American Express.
Do you need to tip in Portugal?
Yes, tipping is appreciated in Portugal.
You may read online that tipping is not common in Europe, but in reality, most people do leave a tip when they receive good service.
It is not expected in the same way as in the United States, but it is a nice way to show appreciation.
When I go out for dinner, I usually round up the bill and leave around a 5 to 10 (but defenitely more towards 10%) percent tip if I enjoyed the food and service.
At a simple local coffee shop, it is very common to just leave some small change on the table.
If the service was excellent, leaving a little extra will always be appreciated.
Do you need a car to get around?
It depends on where you are staying.
If you are visiting Lisbon or Porto, you can easily get around without a car. Both cities have good public transportation and are very walkable.
However, if you want to explore more of Portugal, renting a car is highly recommended.
Portugal is not as densely populated as many Northern European countries, and public transportation becomes much more limited once you leave the larger cities.
A car gives you the freedom to discover beautiful beaches, small villages, wineries and hidden places that are difficult to reach by public transport.
If you are planning to visit places like the Algarve, Alentejo, Douro Valley or central Portugal, having your own car will make your trip much easier. I have already listed my favorite car rental companies in Portugal, including which ones accept American Express.
Is Portugal expensive?
Portugal is generally not an expensive country, especially compared to many destinations in the United States and Northern Europe.
Of course, like anywhere else, you can spend a lot of money if you choose luxury hotels, high end restaurants and exclusive experiences. But in general, Portugal offers excellent value.
One of the best things about Portugal is that you can still enjoy many authentic local experiences without spending a lot.
Local bakeries, small cafés and family run restaurants are often where you will find some of the best food at very reasonable prices.The further you travel away from the big tourist areas, the more affordable it becomes. Places inland are usually much cheaper than popular coastal destinations.
Climate in Portugal
Portugal has a wonderful climate, but it can vary quite a lot depending on where you go.
Many visitors are surprised to learn that Lisbon, the Algarve, Madeira and the Azores all have different weather patterns.
Lisbon or the Algarve?
Both are fantastic, but they offer very different experiences.
Lisbon is a must visit for first time visitors. The city has beautiful historic neighborhoods, amazing viewpoints, great restaurants and a lively atmosphere.
The Algarve is the place to go if you are looking for sunshine, beaches and beautiful coastal scenery. It is generally warmer and sunnier than Lisbon, especially outside the winter months.
The good news is that you do not have to choose. Lisbon and the Algarve are easy to combine in one trip. The drive between them takes about three hours, making it a perfect combination for many visitors.
Final thoughts
Portugal is a wonderful destination for American travelers. It is safe, welcoming, easy to explore and offers incredible value.
With a little preparation, such as bringing the right payment cards, knowing when to tip and understanding when a rental car is useful, you can focus on enjoying everything Portugal has to offer.
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