More people than ever are coming to visit Portugal, especially to see Taylor Swift in Lisbon. I’ve been seeing some posts in the Taylor Swift Lisboa Facebook Group asking about carrying money, so I thought I’d share some tips I’ve picked up as an immigrant here:
- Join Facebook Groups
I HIGHLY recommend travelers to look into Portugal travel Facebook groups like this one to be prepared on navigating the city and finding good tips for travel and activities.
- Cash vs Card?
Lisbon is a modern city, you won’t have a problem using a Mastercard/Visa here. Cards like American Express and Discover are not widely accepted. That being said, cash is still king, and it’s preferable, especially if you’re planning on buying or visiting any street vendors.
When it comes to carrying cash and accessing an ATM, BE AWARE that the Portuguese ATMs are tricky for foreigners (mostly because they have many more features than other ATMs). If you need to pull money, avoid EuroNet ATMs due to high fees and DO NOT accept the conversation rate – hit cancel twice! Otherwise you’ll be charged fees as high as 13%!
If you refuse the rate, then the conversation fees will be your bank’s standard rather than the ATM’s. There are currency exchanges in the train stations and airports of course if that’s what you prefer. Just know that airport currency exchanges typically charge higher fees as well.
- Safety in Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is generally an extremely safe city, but there has been an uptick in reports of pickpocketing from tourists so just be aware. Pickpocketing becomes even more common during major events that bring in short-term travelers (like Taylor Swift in Portugal). Although it’s not as widespread as many major cities in Spain and France, pickpocketing does exist.
It’s a very hilly city (as is most of Portugal), so bring good walking shoes, drink water, and take breaks! Choose function and hydration over style and passing out!
- Do people speak English in Portugal?
English is SUPER common in Lisboa, and most people are multilingual in some language (French/Spanish/Italian) too. As a tourist, it’s likely you’ll be able to get by as an English speaker, but in the situations where you need to try a different language, DeepL is a better translator than Google.
Please don’t assume Spanish is similar to Portuguese (it’s not, and it’s really rude to assume – ask first what language to speak), and know that most translator apps carry Brazilian Portuguese, not European. Brazilian Portuguese isn’t the same as European Portuguese (you can use it, but some pronunciations/grammar/words/terms are not the same).
If you’re looking to learn European Portuguese and pick up some phrases before your visit, Portuguese with Anita is a great resource!
5. How to find unique experiences in Lisboa
If you’re looking for experiences during Taylor Swift in Lisbon, Portugal, this Facebook group has some great suggestions or head to this blog to experience Lisbon by every Era.
Airbnb has really great experiences too that you can book directly on their platform! Boat/wine tours, and there are walking tours priced as pay-what-you-can (though it’s highly recommended to leave tips for your tour guide – most of them are great and I have no problem giving them high tips for their work!). Food tours, wine tours, boat tours, all sorts of tours are available in the city and they are so fun!
6. What should I pack for Lisbon in May?
Lisbon is a coastal city, which means you’ll experience moderate weather overall. It can rain randomly, so bring shoes and a light jacket that you’d be comfortable wearing in the rain.
The weather has been fairly mild and nice (I think it’s nice lol – temperature is relative to each individual) and it’s not quite high mosquito season yet, but still bring sunblock and bug spray if you need to.
Other than that, packing layers are going to be the best option for your visit to see Taylor Swift in Portugal! It can be chilly at night or early mornings and beach weather in the day. Weather can even change depending on which Lisbon neighborhood you’re staying in! The metro/train can be hot while outside is cool – so truly, layers are important.
When it comes to planning your Eras Tour outfit, wear shoes that you can walk and stand in for hours! The stadium is open air but it’ll probably be warmer than the outside temperatures due to nearly 100k Swifties dancing and singing the entire night.
7. Portuguese culture of kindness
Many Portuguese people are WONDERFUL – they are kind, friendly, helpful, and so willing to provide friendship, conversation and support. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask! Be kind, polite, and respectful and you will be welcomed!
8. Public transportation in Lisboa
Portugal tends to have a fair number of transportation strikes on a regular basis (airport, train, bus, etc). Sometimes getting through the airport (arriving or departing) is super fast, sometimes it takes 4 hours, depending on events. If you keep up to date on that via other FB travel groups, it might help with your trip. It’s expected that the public transit is going to be your best option for getting to/from The Eras Tour, especially because there are no public holidays that weekend.
9. Uber, Bolt, and other transportation companies
Uber and Bolt are very common if you don’t want to use the bus/train/walk. Tuk tuk tours are also fun ways to explore and travel around the city – really nice when you’re tired from all the walking!
10. Have fun!
Portugal is beautiful with incredible history. If you decide to travel out of Lisbon, Porto is only a few hours away, as is Algarve, and Spain, and so many places. There’s always a market, fair, festival happening somewhere in the country to enjoy.
Have a great European adventure, fall in love with life, vibe with our Swiftie community, and make a core memory of love, light, and joy! Can’t wait to see you all next week!!!
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Note from Taylor Palmer at Roam Away From Home: A special thank you to the guest author of this blog, Jenny Lee – host of the Let’s Get Real podcast! She originally posted this in our Taylor Swift Lisboa Facebook Group. It was so helpful and accurate that she agreed to share it on our site as well!