If you are moving to Portugal you will want to familiarize yourself with the steps to opening a bank account. Portugal is a member of the euro-zone and all transactions are in euros, although prices are still sometimes given in escudos in shops, restaurants and on bills.

As an expat, you might want to keep your money with an overseas bank. You are not prevented from doing so, but you will have to have a Portuguese bank account as well.  Your utility bills and taxes will be paid automatically from a Portuguese account. It is possible to open a bank account in euros or another currency and there is no restriction on the amount of money flowing into and out of the country.

When you are ready to open up an account you will need to do so in person. Banks generally open at 8.30 am and close at 3 pm, from Monday to Friday. If you are unsure of which bank to choose for your new bank account you should ask neighbours or co-workers for recommendations or see our list of banks. You can open either a current account (conta corrente) or a deposit account (deposito a prazo). You will need to be at least 18 years old to open up an account.

The first step is to fill in a couple of forms. While every bank might have its own requirements, in general you can expect to fill in an application form, client details and acceptance of the bank's rules and conditions. You will also need your passport or identity card, tax number and card, residency card and proof of residence.

ATMs, called Multibancos, are common throughout the country. A multibanco card can be used as a debit card and a credit card; so you can use it to withdraw or deposit cash, pay bills, and check accounts. Portuguese banks are relatively modern and make use of the latest banking technology, such as internet banking, specialist accounts for paying taxes and pension top-up schemes. It is worth building up good relationships at your bank, especially with the manager (gerente).

If you need to open up your Portuguese bank account from abroad you can do so by submitting an application. Once you have your application form completed you will need to send it by mail along with a reference letter from your current bank. Minimum deposits to open accounts are typically around EUR 250.

If you write a check from a Portuguese bank account without having the sufficient funds in your account, you will be charged with fraud. The fine will be 20 percent of the amount of the check. You will also be blacklisted by the banks and will not be able to open a bank account again.

Some of the major banks:

Banco Espírito Santo - Deptº Internacional

Banco Finantia, SA

Banco Santander Totta S.A

Banif - Banco Internacional do Funchal, SA. - Dir. Internacional

Barclays Bank PLC

Caixa Geral de Depósitos

Fortis Bank - Sucursal em Portugal

Millennium bcp

SG Hambros Bank & Trust (Gibraltar) Ltd.

Banco BPI