While the total volume of foreign card purchases in Portugal grew in early 2026, the average value per transaction has declined.
Key facts
- •The average value per foreign transaction in Portugal fell to 35.70 euros in the first half of 2026.
- •Total foreign card purchase volume reached over 3.7 billion euros, a 6% increase.
- •Retail spending accounted for approximately 1.4 billion euros of the total expenditure.
- •British tourists led all markets with 518 million euros in total spending.
- •North American tourists average 45 euros per transaction, exceeding the average spend of British visitors.
Foreign tourists in Portugal are spending less per transaction, with the average value reaching its lowest point since 2019. Data from Turismo de Portugal indicates the average spend per foreign transaction was 35.70 euros during the first half of 2026. Despite this decline in individual transaction value, the total volume of purchases made with foreign cards rose by 6% to surpass 3.7 billion euros.
By the numbers
Spending by Sector and Region
Retail remains the primary driver of foreign expenditure, totaling approximately 1.4 billion euros in the first half of the year. Restaurants followed with over 1 billion euros, while accommodation accounted for roughly 735 million euros in electronic payments. Spending remains geographically concentrated, with 35.7% of expenditure occurring in Greater Lisbon and 21.6% in the Algarve. Northern Portugal accounts for 1.9% of total foreign purchases.
British and American Consumption Patterns
British tourists are the leading source market, completing 16 million electronic transactions totaling 518 million euros. While North American tourists rank second in total volume, their spending patterns differ; they average 45 euros per transaction, which is higher than the average for British visitors.
Advertisement
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Euronews Business.
