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Common Travel Scams in Portugal (and How to Avoid Them)
If you’ve been Googling travel scams in Portugal, you’ve probably seen a mix of horror stories and “it’s totally safe” comments… which isn’t exactly helpful when you’re trying to figure out what to actually watch out for. So here’s the honest answer.
I’ve been to Portugal multiple times, traveling through Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, and I’ve never personally experienced a scam. I’ve used Uber without any issues, taken solo day trips, and overall, it’s one of the places where I’ve felt the safest traveling.
But I was still curious, so I asked on my Portugal Facebook page what scams people actually encounter. And while many said “none,” a few specific situations came up again and again.
This post isn’t here to scare you. It’s just a simple guide to the few common scams to be aware of, so you can travel confidently and enjoy your trip.
Taxi Scams (Especially at Airports)
If there was one thing that came up again and again, it was this: taxis, especially from the airport.
Overcharging for Short Rides
Several people mentioned being charged €30, €40, or even over €100 for journeys that should have cost much less, especially from Lisbon Airport into the city center.
In some cases, the same route was later done with Uber or Bolt for a fraction of the price.
Hidden Fees and Extra Charges
Another common issue was unexpected add-ons. Things like:
- extra charges for luggage
- airport fees
- unclear pricing that suddenly increases at the end
These small extras can add up quickly if you’re not aware of them.
Fake or Unofficial Taxis
A few comments also mentioned drivers approaching tourists inside or just outside the airport, offering rides.
These aren’t always official taxis, which makes it much easier to overcharge without any accountability.
How to Avoid It
The good news is this one is very easy to avoid this in Portugal.
- Use Uber or Bolt instead
- Stick to official taxi ranks if you do take a taxi
- Ask for an estimate before getting in
- Use public transport (this is what I’d do)
Car Rental Scams
Car rental was the second most mentioned issue, especially at airports and with cheaper rental companies. Again, not something everyone experiences, but it came up often enough to be worth knowing about.
Forced Extra Insurance
One of the biggest complaints was being pressured to buy additional insurance at pickup, even if it had already been paid for online.
Some people said they were told their existing insurance “wasn’t valid,” leaving them feeling like they had no choice but to pay more.
Price Changes at Pickup
Another common issue was the final price being much higher than what was originally booked.
This could be due to:
- added fees
- upgrades you didn’t ask for
- or unclear terms during booking
Damage Claims After Return
A few people also mentioned being charged for damage they didn’t cause after returning the car.
This can be tricky to dispute if you don’t have proof of the car’s condition.
How to Avoid It
This is one area where being prepared makes a big difference.
- Take photos and videos of the car before and after
- Read the terms carefully before booking
- Be aware that insurance upselling is very common
Car rental in Portugal can still be a great option, especially for exploring places like the Algarve, just go in knowing what to expect.
“Helpful Stranger” Scams (Metro & Tickets)
This one is more subtle, but a few people mentioned it happening around metro stations in Lisbon.
Ticket Machine “Helpers”
The situation usually looks like this: you’re standing at a ticket machine, trying to figure it out, and someone approaches offering help.
It seems friendly, but in some cases, they:
- sell you a used or empty travel card
- charge much more than the actual price
- or try to rush you into paying without checking
How to Avoid It
This one is easy to avoid once you know about it.
- Politely decline help from strangers
- Take your time using the machine
- Just tap your bank card at the ticket barrier
If you’re unsure, it’s always better to ask official staff rather than someone hovering nearby.
Tuk Tuk and Tourist Transport Overpricing
This one came up quite a few times, especially in Lisbon and Sintra. It’s not always a “scam” in the strict sense, but it’s something many people felt wasn’t worth the price.
Inflated Prices
Tuk tuks are everywhere in Lisbon, particularly around the most touristy areas.
Several people mentioned being quoted high prices or paying much more than expected for short rides. In some cases, there’s no clear pricing unless you ask upfront.
Value vs Experience
A lot of comments weren’t about being tricked, but more about regret. Things like:
- the ride being noisy
- not covering as much as expected
- costing far more than walking or using public transport
It might look like a fun experience, just know what you’ll get before your trip to Portugal.
How to Avoid It
If you do want to try it:
- Always agree on the price before starting
- Consider it more of a “tour experience” than transport
In many cases, you’ll see more (and spend less) just exploring on foot.
Pickpocketing in Busy Areas
This was mentioned a few times, although not nearly as much as taxis or car rentals.
Still, it’s something to be aware of, especially in more crowded areas.
Where It Happens
The most common places mentioned were:
- busy streets in Lisbon
- tram routes and viewpoints
- crowded tourist areas
Basically, anywhere with lots of people and distractions.
How It Works
Like in most major cities, it usually comes down to distraction.
People mentioned:
- groups working together
- someone getting close while you’re distracted
- situations where your attention is pulled elsewhere
It’s not unique to Portugal, but it can happen.
How to Avoid It
This is mostly about basic awareness.
- Keep your bag zipped and in front of you in crowds
- Avoid putting valuables in back pockets
- Stay aware in busy areas
Tour and Booking Scams
This didn’t come up as often as taxis or car rentals, but there were still a few mentions, especially around tours and pre-booked experiences.
No-Show Tours
A couple of people mentioned booking tours in advance, only for the guide or driver not to show up.
This seems to be more of an issue with less established providers rather than well-known platforms.
Unreliable Booking Experiences
There were also a few comments about:
- unclear communication after booking
- last-minute changes
- or not getting what was originally advertised
Again, not extremely common, but frustrating when it happens.
How to Avoid It
This one mostly comes down to doing a bit of research beforehand.
- Book through trusted platforms with reviews
- Check recent feedback, not just overall ratings
- Be cautious with deals that seem unusually cheap
Most tours in Portugal are well-run, but it’s always worth double-checking before you book.
Is Portugal Safe for Tourists?
After going through all these comments, one thing is clear: most people didn’t experience any scams at all.
That matches my experience too. I’ve traveled around Portugal multiple times, including solo day trips, and always felt safe.
Of course, a few situations do come up, especially with taxis and car rentals. But overall, scams aren’t widespread and are usually easy to avoid once you know about them.
Portugal is still one of the safest and easiest countries to travel in Europe.
If you’re more worried about what makes you stand out as a tourist, check out my post on how not to look like a tourist in Portugal. Avoiding some of those things can help you feel even more confident while traveling.
Read more about Portugal:
- 15 Things to Know before Traveling to Portugal
- Top 10 Landmarks in Portugal You Must Have Seen
- What NOT to Do in Portugal: 17 Tourist Mistakes to Avoid
- These 19 Interesting Portugal Facts Will Blow Your Mind
- Spain and Portugal Itinerary: 10 Days You Won’t Forget
- Spain and Portugal Itinerary: 14 Unforgettable Days
- Amazing 10-Day Portugal Itinerary by Train
- 15 Best Souvenirs from Portugal to Remember Your Holiday
- Top 10 Things to Do in Lisbon for First Time Visitors
- 11 Incredible Day Trips From Lisbon Portugal
- Lisbon and Porto Itinerary: 7 Epic Days in Portugal
- 7 Best Day Trips from Porto by Train
- Ultimate Algarve Itinerary For Different Trips
- Best Time to Visit Algarve Portugal for a Perfect Holiday
- 10 Absolute Best Things to Do in Lagos, Portugal
- Drinking Age in Portugal: What You Need To Know
- All Portugal Destinations
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