Portugal is one of Europe's most beloved destinations — safe, affordable (by Western European standards), and incredibly beautiful. Tourist scams here are mild compared to many countries, but they exist. Here's what to watch for.
Lisbon Tuk-Tuk Overcharges
Electric tuk-tuks have exploded in popularity in Lisbon's hilly streets: - Prices range from €30-80 for a 1-hour tour - Some drivers quote low prices then charge more at the end - Tours often include commission stops at shops or restaurants - Quality of commentary varies wildly
How to get fair value: - Agree on the TOTAL price, duration, and route before starting - A fair price: €40-60 for a 1-hour tour (1-3 passengers) - Book through Viator or GetYourGuide for guaranteed prices - Alternative: Lisbon's tram 28 costs €3.50 and covers many of the same sights - Walking Lisbon's hills is free and arguably the best experience
Restaurant Scams in Tourist Areas
The Unsolicited Appetizer Trick
Restaurants in Bairro Alto, Alfama, and near Belém Tower bring bread, olives, cheese, and sometimes prawns to your table without you ordering them. These are NOT free: - Bread and butter: €1-3 - Olives: €2-4 - Cheese: €3-6 - Prawns or other starters: €5-15
How to handle it: - You CAN send them back — just say "Não, obrigado" when they arrive - If you eat them, expect to see them on the bill - This is a Portuguese tradition (couvert), not technically a scam — but tourists are often surprised - Locals accept couvert as normal; some high-end restaurants have excellent couvert worth paying for
Fish Sold by Weight
Seafood restaurants, especially in the Algarve and Lisbon: - Fresh fish priced per kilo (not per portion) - A whole grilled fish can cost €30-60 per person - Some restaurants don't clearly display per-kilo pricing
How to avoid surprises: - Ask "Quanto custa uma dose?" (How much for a portion?) - Confirm the weight and price BEFORE the fish is cooked - Sardinhas (sardines) are always cheap and delicious (€8-12 per portion) - Bacalhau (cod) dishes are priced per dish, not per weight — safer option
Pickpocketing Hotspots
Portugal's most common "scam" is good old pickpocketing:
Hotspots: - Tram 28 in Lisbon (extremely crowded — prime pickpocket territory) - Baixa/Chiado shopping area - Rossio Square - Porto's São Bento station area - Algarve beach festivals
How to protect yourself: - Carry minimal cash and cards - Use a money belt or cross-body bag - Keep bags in front of you on trams and in crowds - Be extra vigilant when trams are crowded - Don't leave phones on café tables
Porto Port Wine Tasting
The famous port wine lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia are legitimate businesses, but: - Free tastings usually include only the cheapest ports - "Premium tastings" (€15-30) are worth it for the quality difference - Some lodges use high-pressure sales tactics after tasting - Bottles purchased at lodges cost more than at local supermarkets
How to taste well: - Free tastings at Cálem, Sandeman, and Taylor's are good introductions - Premium tastings (€20-30) at Graham's, Taylor's, or Ramos Pinto are excellent value - Buy bottles at supermarkets (Continente, Pingo Doce) for 30-50% less - A quality port wine starts at €8-12 in supermarkets vs €15-25 at lodges
Algarve Timeshare Sellers
Beach resorts in the Algarve (Albufeira, Vilamoura, Lagos) are prime timeshare territory: - Approaches on the strip or at shopping centres - Offers of free meals, spa treatments, or golf rounds - The "presentation" takes 3-5 hours - Contracts are binding under Portuguese law
Our advice: Decline immediately. "Não, obrigado" and keep walking.
Sintra Transport Confusion
Sintra (30 minutes from Lisbon) is a must-visit, but transport is confusing: - The train from Lisbon is cheap (€2.30 each way) - But palaces are scattered across hills - Taxis from Sintra station to Pena Palace charge €10-15 - Bus 434 (tourist bus) costs €7 and connects the main sites - Some taxis quote €30-40 for what should be a €10 ride
Best approach: - Take the train from Lisbon Rossio station - Buy a bus 434 ticket at Sintra station - Visit Pena Palace first (opens 9 AM) to avoid crowds - Walk down to the Moorish Castle and National Palace - Or rent an e-bike/scooter in Sintra
Useful Portugal Tips
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Tipping: Not expected but appreciated (round up or 5-10% at restaurants)
- Lisboa Card: Good value if visiting multiple museums (€21 for 24 hours, includes transport)
- Water: Tap water is safe to drink (ask for "água da torneira")
- Pastel de nata: Should cost €1-1.50 (not €3+ as charged at some tourist spots)
- Language: English is widely spoken, especially by younger Portuguese
Emergency Contacts
- Emergency: 112
- Tourist Police Lisbon: +351 21 342 1634
- Tourist Police Porto: +351 22 208 1833
- Report online: Avoid Travel Scams
Portugal is genuinely one of Europe's safest and most welcoming countries. The food is incredible, the people are warm, and the value for money is hard to beat. Enjoy!
Stay Protected on Your Travels
Subscribe to our weekly travel safety alerts for real-time scam warnings, destination-specific tips, and expert advice delivered directly to your inbox. Join thousands of savvy travelers who stay one step ahead of scammers.
→ Subscribe to Travel Safety Alerts
Related Reading
- 25 Scam Red Flags Every Traveler Should Know — Learn the warning signs
- Airport Scam Survival 2027 — Protect yourself from arrival to departure
- Report Travel Scams — Share your experience
- Travel Insurance Scams 2027 — Protect your trip investment