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Common in Portugal

Scam in PortugalCards and ATMs

High ATM fees and poor exchange rates in Portugal

Euronet ATMs in some tourist areas.

How it works

Some areas have many Euronet ATMs. These charge high fees and offer poor exchange rates. This is a cost trap rather than a claim that the machines steal card details.

Warning signs

  • The machine is branded Euronet.
  • The screen shows an extra withdrawal fee.
  • The machine offers to convert the withdrawal into your home currency.

How to avoid it

  1. Read the fee and currency screens before confirming.
  2. Compare with another ATM if the charge looks high.
  3. Choose to be charged in euros rather than accepting the machine's currency conversion.
  4. Check your own bank's overseas withdrawal charges.

If it happens to you

Keep the receipt and check the transaction with your bank if the amount differs from what you accepted.

  1. Move to a safe, busy place. Do not chase a thief or confront a group.
  2. Call 112 if anyone is injured, you are being threatened or there is immediate danger.
  3. Block stolen cards and contact your card issuer about any unauthorised payments.
  4. Save receipts, messages, transaction details and any photos. Write down what happened while you remember it.
  5. Report the incident to police. Ask for a report or reference number for insurance or bank follow-up.
  6. Contact your insurer, rental company or embassy as needed. Ask your embassy or consulate about replacing stolen travel documents.
Where it happensEuronet ATMs in some tourist areas.

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in PortugalPoor rates at tourist exchange counters: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the high ATM fees and poor exchange rates scam in Portugal?

Some areas have many Euronet ATMs. These charge high fees and offer poor exchange rates. This is a cost trap rather than a claim that the machines steal card details.

How can I spot it early?

The machine is branded Euronet. The screen shows an extra withdrawal fee. The machine offers to convert the withdrawal into your home currency.

How do I avoid high ATM fees and poor exchange rates in Portugal?

Read the fee and currency screens before confirming. Compare with another ATM if the charge looks high. Choose to be charged in euros rather than accepting the machine's currency conversion. Check your own bank's overseas withdrawal charges.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Keep the receipt and check the transaction with your bank if the amount differs from what you accepted.

Where in Portugal does this happen?

Euronet ATMs in some tourist areas.

How common is this scam in Portugal?

Common. Portugal is relatively safe, but pickpocketing is the most common crime against visitors. Other risks include theft from rental cars, street scams in Lisbon, and poor value at some ATMs, exchange counters and music venues.

Who can I report it to?

PSP — Public Security Police: report theft, robbery or fraud in major urban areas. Approach an officer or visit a police station. GNR — National Republican Guards: report incidents outside major urban centres and in rural areas. Approach an officer or visit a police station. Emergency services: call 112 for urgent police, fire or medical help. Your bank or card issuer: use its official app or contact number to freeze cards and report unauthorised transactions. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport or other travel documents are stolen. Your insurer or rental company: contact them through official channels after a covered loss or theft from a rental car. Keep the police report, receipts and photos.

What number do I call in an emergency in Portugal?

Police, fire and medical emergencies: 112.

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