Portugal tourism spending: Average transaction value hits lowest level since 2019

Average spending per transaction by foreign tourists in Portugal has dropped to its lowest level since 2019. According to data from Turismo de Portugal and SIBS, the average value of foreign card transactions was €35.70 during the first half of 2026.

Despite the lower average per transaction, the total volume of purchases made with foreign cards rose by 6%, exceeding €3.7 billion. The retail sector accounted for the largest share of this spending at approximately €1.4 billion, followed by the food and beverage sector with over €1 billion, and accommodation with roughly €735 million.

Geographically, more than half of all foreign spending was concentrated in Greater Lisbon (35.7%) and the Algarve (21.6%), while Northern Portugal accounted for only 1.9%.

British tourists led in transaction volume, completing 16 million electronic transactions totaling €518 million. While American tourists ranked second in importance, their total spending volume was significantly lower at €2.4 million. However, Americans exhibited different consumption patterns, recording a higher average spend of €45 per transaction compared to the overall average.