MB Way — set it up early, used for everything
Nov 21, 2025Chiado · Experience date Mar 17, 2026
MB Way is Portugal's ubiquitous mobile payment system, linked to your Portuguese bank account. Used for: splitting restaurant bills, paying at food markets and small shops, online purchases (many Portuguese sites prefer MB Way over card), and peer-to-peer transfers to Portuguese contacts. Register with your Portuguese phone number (+351) and bank account through your bank's app. Once set up, MB Way works as well as any international wallet — cashback and rewards on some bank accounts.
Contributor: Anna Kowalski Get your NIF first — nothing works without it
Nov 15, 2025Marquês de Pombal · Experience date Jan 17, 2026
The NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is the foundation of your financial life in Portugal. You need it before opening a bank account, signing a rental contract, registering a phone contract, or accessing public services. EU/EEA citizens: visit any Finanças office (tax authority) with your passport and a Portuguese address — you get the NIF the same day. Non-EU citizens need a fiscal representative first. Don't delay — get your NIF within the first week of arriving.
Contributor: Amira Hassan ATM network in Portugal — Multibanco is everywhere
Nov 13, 2025Avenida da Liberdade · Experience date Mar 12, 2026
Portugal's Multibanco ATM network is one of Europe's best: machines are everywhere, accept almost all foreign cards, and allow you to pay utility bills, buy phone credit, and make government payments in addition to cash withdrawals. Foreign card fee: typically €2–4 per withdrawal, depending on your home bank's charges. Wise and Revolut cards have minimal ATM fees. Avoid currency conversion pop-up on ATMs — always choose to be charged in EUR, not your home currency.
Contributor: Anna Kowalski Millennium BCP — most international-friendly high-street bank
Nov 12, 2025Marquês de Pombal · Experience date Nov 13, 2025
Millennium BCP is Portugal's largest private bank and arguably the most accessible for expats. Their 'Conta Base' (basic account) can be opened with just a NIF and passport. English-language service available at major Lisbon branches (Av. da Liberdade, Praça do Marquês de Pombal). The app is available in English. Monthly fee: €7.50 unless you maintain €500 average balance. Includes a Visa debit card with contactless and MB Way integration.