Police
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Ambulance
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Tourist Police
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Risk Map & Attractions
Common Scams
Petition Scam
Individuals feigning to be deaf or mute approach tourists, asking them to sign a petition. After signing, they aggressively demand a donation, leveraging guilt to extract money.
Avoid eye contact and walk away. Do not engage with them or sign anything. Be aware that their disability is often faked to elicit sympathy.
Overpriced Restaurant Meals (The 'Menu Without Price' Trap)
Waiters present a menu without prices or recommend 'specials of the day' without mentioning the cost. Tourists are then presented with an exorbitant bill for average-quality food.
Always ask for a menu with prices before ordering. If a price isn't listed, ask for it specifically. Check online reviews for restaurants in tourist-heavy areas.
Taxi Overcharging & Meter Scams
Taxi drivers take longer, unnecessary routes to inflate the fare. Some may claim the meter is broken and offer a high 'fixed price', especially from the airport.
Use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Bolt. If using a taxi, insist the meter is on. Have a general idea of the route and cost beforehand using a map application.
Pickpocketing & Distraction Scams
Professional pickpockets operate in crowded areas, especially on public transport like the famous Tram 28. They use various distraction techniques, such as the 'bird poop' scam (spilling something on you and then robbing you while 'helping' to clean it) or creating a commotion.
Be hyper-aware of your surroundings. Wear bags on your front, use anti-theft bags, and do not keep valuables in back pockets. Avoid overly crowded situations when possible.
Fake Drug Dealer Scam
Scammers approach tourists in busy areas whispering 'Hashish? Cocaine?'. They sell fake drugs (often crushed bay leaves or flour) for a high price. While not dangerous in terms of the substance, the interaction can be intimidating and a financial loss.
Completely ignore the sellers and walk away. Do not engage in conversation. Remember that buying drugs, even if fake, is a risky activity.
ATM Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) & High-Fee ATMs
ATMs, especially non-bank ones like Euronet (often blue and yellow), offer to convert the transaction to your home currency at a very poor exchange rate (DCC). They also charge high withdrawal fees.
Always select to be charged in the local currency (EUR). Stick to official bank ATMs (Multibanco) which are widely available and do not charge high fees.
Friendship Bracelet Scam
A person will approach you, make friendly conversation, and then quickly tie a 'friendship' bracelet around your wrist. Once it's on, they demand payment and can become aggressive if you refuse.
Do not allow anyone to put anything on you. Keep your hands in your pockets if necessary and firmly say 'No' and walk away.
Restaurant Couvert (Appetizer) Charge
Waiters will place bread, olives, cheese, and other appetizers on your table that you did not order. This is a traditional 'couvert', but it is not free. If you eat them, you will be charged, often at an inflated price.
If you do not want the appetizers, politely refuse them as soon as they are brought to the table ('Não, obrigado/obrigada'). The waiter will remove them and you will not be charged.
Fake Ticket Inspectors
Scammers posing as plainclothes public transport officials will demand to see your ticket, claim it's invalid, and insist on an immediate cash 'fine'. Real inspectors are uniformed and will issue an official notice, not demand cash on the spot.
Always ask for official identification. Do not pay fines in cash. Offer to go with them to a police station or an official transport office to resolve the issue.
Rental Car Toll Device Scam
Rental car companies charge a high daily fee for the electronic toll transponder (Via Verde), which is necessary for many of Portugal's automated highways. The fee is charged for the entire rental period, even if the device is only used for one day.
If you are renting a car for a long period but only need the toll device for a short time, consider a shorter rental or a different route. Alternatively, investigate pre-paid toll options available at post offices (CTT).
Fado House Minimum Spend Scam
Some Fado houses, especially in tourist-heavy areas, will have a high, non-obvious minimum spend per person. You are only informed of this after you have been seated and ordered drinks, making it awkward to leave.
Always check for a minimum spend policy before entering or ordering. Look for reviews online or ask directly at the door. Choose Fado houses that are recommended for their authenticity rather than their location.
Safe Attractions
Belém Tower
Fortified tower located in the civil parish of Santa Maria de Belém.
Jerónimos Monastery
Former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome.
Castelo de São Jorge
Historic castle overlooking the city.
Praça do Comércio
Large, harbour-facing square.
Tram 28
Famous yellow tram route through historic districts.