Skip to main content

Living Costs

Currency

Portugal is one of the European Union countries belonging to the Euro Zone. Euro notes are issued in the following denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros. The following coins are used: 1 and 2 euro coins and 1, 2 , 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent coins.


Tips on money withdrawal

  • The ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) in Portugal are known as Multibanco or MB and are widespread in the country. The machines operate similarly to ATMs worldwide. You can use either a debit card or a credit card at the ATMs. The most widely accepted are American Express, Visa, Visa Electron, and Mastercard. 
  • The cheapest way to call home is by buying an international SIM card, which you can pick up in most convenience stores from 5 Euros upwards. The card gives you a special pin number and will give you up to two hours of international calls on your mobile phone. 
  • Try shopping in the markets for your fruit and vegetables. It is usually much cheaper than in the bigger supermarkets. 
  • Always try to give the right money. Loose change is a rare commodity, especially in smaller shops.

Average Costs

Monthly Expenses
 
Random prices
Housing in Lisbon €300 - €900   Meal at CATÓLICA-LISBON - cafeteria €3.79
Meals, groceries, and other essentials €150   Expresso €0.65
Public transport (monthly pass for metro and buses/trams)  €36.20  

Cinema

Cinema with student discount

€6.95

€6.25

Other living expenses €100   Big Mac Menu €5.50
      Beer €1 - €1.5
      Cartão Viva (rechargeable with either bus, metro or train ticket) €0.50
      Bus ticket €1.85
      Metro ticket €1.45
      Urban train ticket €1.25 - €2.45
      "Dish of the day" in a Portuguese restaurant €5 - €8
      Average dinner €15 - €20
      Entry to a nightclub €12
ALTA DIGITAL