Portugal combines Algarve beach weeks, Lisbon city breaks and Porto wine trips — all on the euro, with strong card acceptance but still plenty of cash moments.
Compare before the rush
Run our live comparison for your GBP spend, then open the euro guide and Portugal country guide.
May bank holidays and half-term flights tighten delivery slots — see how far in advance to buy holiday money if you are cutting it fine.
Beach clubs, tuk-tuks and tolls
Algarve resorts use cards in supermarkets, but beach bars, tuk-tuk rides and some toll roads are smoother with euros in your pocket. Keep €10 and €20 notes rather than relying on ATMs at peak checkout times.
Fly-and-drive tips
Many UK routes land at Faro via Gatwick or regional hubs — skim UK airport guides and prebook airport parking* if you drive.
Cards vs cash
Our travel money cards vs cash guide applies here: mix both, decline paying in pounds at foreign tills, and compare your euro order before you fly.
Next step: See how much euro you receive from UK providers for your Algarve budget.