Visit Portugal on Budget: How Post Office Travel Money Can Help?
Portugal is a beautiful country with rich history, culture and scenic landscapes. From the vibrant city of Lisbon to the renowned beaches of Algarve, Portugal has something for every traveler. However, as a popular tourist destination, costs can add up quickly if you don’t budget wisely. This is where Post Office Travel Money comes in handy.
Post Office Travel Money allows you to lock in competitive exchange rates before your trip to get the most out of your hard-earned pounds. Read on to learn the key benefits of using their travel money services for your upcoming Portugal vacation.
Post Office Travel Money in Portugal – Quick Overview
Post Office Travel Money is a foreign exchange service allowing customers to order a range of currencies online to be delivered or picked up at their local Post Office branch. This includes Euros which is the official currency used in Portugal.
One key way to save money in Portugal is securing excellent exchange rates, allowing your pounds to stretch much further. Post Office Travel Money consistently offers some of the best rates. And these are far better than most banks and bureaux de change. This means more value for your hard-earned cash abroad.
With 0% commission fees, online ordering, and easy airport or post office pickup, the entire process is smooth and convenient. You can even pre-order euros 60 days in advance to lock in rates before potential fluctuations. Avoiding costly ATM and transaction fees down the road, Post Office Travel Money paves the budget-friendly way.
With Post Office Travel Money Portugal cards, tourists can make the most of their holiday budget. These prepaid cards allow you to lock in your exchange rate early!
Also see, Best Time & Weather to Visit Portugal in January 2024
Benefits of Using Post Office Travel Money in Portugal
There are many advantages of using Post Office Travel Money currency services for your Portugal vacation:
- Competitive Exchange Rates
You can pre-order Euros online to lock in competitive rates and protect yourself against unpredictable currency fluctuations. This allows you to budget accurately before your trip.
- Avoid Expensive Airport Exchange Rates
By ordering currency in advance via Post Office, you skip expensive airport currency exchange booths that notoriously provide poor exchange rates and high fees.
- Fee-Free Purchases
Post Office Travel Money cards allow fee-free spending abroad so you keep more Euros in your pocket for sightseeing and souvenirs. ATM withdrawals are also free.
- Added Security
These prepaid currency cards come with chip and pin technology and are protected in case of theft or loss. You have the option to get travel insurance for added protection.
- Flexible Spending
Currency cards from Post Office Travel Money can be used anywhere Visa is accepted. You can easily lock, unlock and top up your card even while abroad. 15 Fun Cheap Things to Do in London – The Definitive Guide
How to get the Best Post Office Exchange Rate in Portugal?
To get the best Euro exchange rate for your Portugal trip, follow these tips:
- Order Online Early
Currencies fluctuate daily so order 1-2 months in advance to lock in the present competitive rate before prices potentially rise.
- Compare Post Office Euro Rates
Check the Post Office’s daily exchange rates against competitors to ensure you are getting the best pound to euro rate.
- Opt for a Currency Card
Post Office Travel Money Card offers better rates compared to Cash Passports. Consider getting the card.
- Set Rate Alerts
Set up a rate alert on the Post Office website to get notified when euro rates hit your target. Act fast!
Also see, Portugal Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Post Office Opening Times in Portugal
While hours can vary, most full-service post offices in Portugal are open standard hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM to 6 PM
- Saturdays: 9 AM to 1 PM
- Sundays & Public Holidays: Closed
Some post offices such as those at Lisbon and Porto airports operate longer hours for added convenience. Check the Post Office branch locator online for updated hours and locations near your Portugal hotel or vacation rental.
Top Traveller Tips for Visiting Portugal on Budget using Travel Money
1. Seek Out Portugal’s Most Budget-Friendly Destinations
Pinpointing Portugal’s most wallet-friendly destinations allows you to optimize spending.
For instance, Porto allures visitors with its postcard-perfect historic center, dynamic urban energy and vibrant culture all at a nice value. Medieval Guimarães charms too as a UNESCO site for less.
In southern Portugal, the Algarve’s 100 miles of stunning coastline, picturesque villages and authentic charm shine through at budget prices. Lagos delivers history and nightlife with fewer tourists and lower costs. Also, traveling slightly off-season in Portugal means better deals too. So, why wait? Book your Portugal Visa Appointment today!
2. Walk and Use Public Transport to Get Around
Portugal’s compact, pedestrian-friendly city centers are perfect for walking around and soaking up sights for free while getting some exercise. When covering greater distances between destinations, affordable and efficient public transport is the way to go.
Purchase passes to save over single tickets if using metro systems, buses, trains and trams often. Occasional cheap rides via Uber or Bolt help too. Take taxis as more of a convenient splurge now and then. Combining walking and public transport makes navigating Portugal a breeze without breaking the bank.
3. Take Advantage of Free Sights and Activities using Travel Money
One fabulous asset for thrifty travelers is Portugal’s sheer diversity of free things to experience. Wandering pretty plazas, relaxing seaside promenades and vibrant neighborhoods comes without a price tag attached. There are also many churches, municipal buildings and museums that offer free entry or special times.
Festivals and events range from food and wine celebrations to religious parades and incredible concerts. These are all usually open to enjoy for free as well. Savvy pre-travel research and chatting with locals once there further uncovers great freebies to take advantage of. All you need is a Portugal Visa from UK to kickstart your budget Portugal trip!
4. Eat and Drink Economically Like the Locals
Indulging in delicious local cuisine and wine needn’t drain funds in Portugal. Avoiding expensive tourist traps is key. Also, discover cheaper but authentic Portuguese eateries where residents dine. Market food halls allow self-catering tasty picnics on a budget too. Best things to do in Cascais during a holiday in Portugal
Opt for daily lunch specials when available and make this your main meal then have a light dinner. Sidewalk kiosks dish up affordable snacks like sandwiches and pastries. And Portugal’s excellent vinho verde wines offer great bang for buck.
5. Utilize Cost-Saving Lodging Options
Finding affordable accommodations enables stretching funds further. Private or dorm rooms at social hostels often provide the best values, pairing budget rates with nice amenities. Seeking out hostels with handy guest kitchens lets you self-cater some meals too.
Other money-saving ideas include:
- Camping,
- Apartment rentals (especially when shared) and
- Lean budget hotels
Avoid peak seasons when lodging prices surge. Make use of filters when searching to pinpoint the best deals within rate ranges. Want to enjoy a memorable trip in Portugal? Apply for Portugal Visa London today!
6. Craft an Affordable Portugal Itinerary
Carefully planning out your Portugal route can really impact overall trip costs. Spending longer times at more budget-friendly destinations balanced with shorter stays at pricier places keeps things affordable. It also allows fully experiencing each area instead of a stressful, expensive race between regions.
Think about what interests you the most too – history and culture? world-class wine? seaside relaxation? Focusing on your prime passions first when plotting your Portugal adventure keeps things meaningful and economical.
Conclusion
From getting the most competitive Euro exchange rates to keeping your vacation funds secure, Post Office Travel Money is an invaluable service for tourists. Avoid airport exchanges and high transaction fees. Lock in excellent rates, set spending budgets and have access to your money abroad with prepaid currency cards. Enjoy peace of mind with the Post Office’s trusted travel money offerings for a budget trip to Portugal!
FAQs
Yes, the Post Office Travel Money card and currency services accept Scottish, Irish and British pounds.
Yes, their Travel Money cards come embedded with EMV chip and pin technology for enhanced security in Portugal.
Yes, you can securely withdraw free cash from ATMs across Portugal that display the Visa logo.
Yes, as Portugal uses the Euro you will get the same standardized rate across the country regardless of location.
