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Tourist scams and rip-offs in Portugal: how to avoid them
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Portugal is a generally safe and tourist-friendly country, but visitors should watch for pickpocketing in busy areas, overcharging in tourist restaurants, and unofficial taxis at transport hubs. Common issues are petty street crime and inflated prices rather than violent threats. Use official ranks, visible menus, and licensed transport to stay safe.
Updated September 2026
Common scams in Portugal and how to avoid them
1. Pickpocketing in crowded areas
How it works: Thieves work in groups around trams, Metro, and busy squares like Lisbon's Baixa, often using distraction, bumps, or a map to cover hands while lifting wallets and phones.
How to avoid it: Keep bags zipped and in front, phones out of back pockets, and avoid showing valuables in dense crowds.
2. Unofficial drivers at airports
How it works: Unlicensed drivers approach arriving passengers inside the terminal offering rides at inflated fixed prices, often without a meter or official credentials.
How to avoid it: Walk to the official taxi rank outside arrivals and insist the meter runs. Use licensed cars only.
3. Tourist-menu overcharging
How it works: Some restaurants in tourist centers present menus without prices, add unrequested bread, olives, or cheese, and charge a heavy cover at the end of the meal.
How to avoid it: Check menus have visible prices before ordering and decline dishes you did not order.
4. Fake petition and bracelet tricks
How it works: People approach with a petition or offer a bracelet or flower, then demand payment once you touch it or sign, sometimes working as a pickpocket distraction.
How to avoid it: Do not make eye contact, decline any item handed to you, and walk away firmly.
5. Poor-rate exchange booths
How it works: Exchange booths near main squares advertise zero commission but apply poor rates with wide spreads, while some add service fees, costing far more than ATMs.
How to avoid it: Withdraw euros from a bank ATM instead, and decline dynamic currency conversion at the machine.
6. Fake ticket sellers at stations
How it works: People near Metro and tram stops offer to sell tickets or collectively swipe cards at inflated prices, sometimes claiming machines are broken or pass you an invalid card.
How to avoid it: Buy only from official ticket machines, metro ticket offices, or the official app.
Official tickets for the top sights in Portugal
Skip street sellers: book official tickets and tours with free cancellation.
From the airport to the city centre
Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)
Fair taxi price (official, daytime): €15 - €20. Use the official taxi rank outside arrivals. Confirm the meter runs. Fares vary with traffic; agree no fixed price with unlicensed drivers who approach you inside the terminal.
Best alternative: Aerobus (Line 1) or Metro (red line to Alameda, then change) (€4, about 25 min)
Public transport: tickets, validation and fines
- Single ticket
- €1.50 (Single journey Viva Viagem card or 1 zone fare on Metro, tram or bus in Lisbon.)
- Validation rules
- Validate your ticket in the card reader at the station entrance before boarding, or at the front of buses and trams. Untouched tickets are invalid. Metro gates will not open without validation.
- Fine without a valid ticket
- €120. Fine for travelling without a valid ticket, applied on the spot by inspectors.
- Paying by card
- Contactless bank cards work on most Lisbon buses, trams and Metro gates with automatic daily capping on some systems.
Tipping and service charges
Tipping: Around 5 to 10 percent is appreciated in restaurants, rounding up the bill. Not expected in taxis, though rounding up is common. Optional for tours.
Cover and service charges: No automatic cover charge in most restaurants. Service is normally included in the bill. Watch for tourist-area menus without prices and items added without asking.
Cards, ATMs and currency exchange
Use ATMs attached to banks. Always choose to be charged in euros and decline dynamic currency conversion. Independent street ATMs often charge higher fees. Notify your bank before travel.
Areas where extra care is advised
- Lisbon Baixa and Alfama: Busy with pickpocketing on trams and narrow streets; keep bags closed and phones secure in crowds.
- Around Porto's São Bento station: Reports of bag snatching and pickpocketing around the station and Clérigos area at night; keep belongings secured.
Emergency number
112
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Frequently Asked Questions about Portugal
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Based on widely reported traveler experiences and official advice. Prices are approximate and change; check current fares on arrival. Updated September 2026.