Consumer spending in Portugal increased by 9% over the summer holidays, both domestically and abroad, despite the average transaction value decreasing to 39 euros, down 1 euro from last year.
This data is provided by SIBS, which analyzed indicators from the Multibanco network during July and August, as well as purchases and cash withdrawals by Portuguese citizens abroad over the summer period.
In a statement, SIBS Analytics disclosed that, based on the data, consumer activity in Portugal saw a 9% rise in the number of operations and a 4% increase in value (including withdrawals and purchases) compared to the same period last year. “The average value per transaction was 38€, 2€ less than the 2024 average,” the statement reads.
Throughout July and August, one in six transactions involved foreign cards. The data indicate that the sectors experiencing the most significant growth compared to the previous year were leisure, which saw a 15% increase in operations and a 1% rise in value, and restaurants, which showed an 11% increase in transaction numbers and a 12% rise in transaction value.
The use of foreign cards in Portugal rose by 11% in the number of operations and 4% in value compared to 2024. “The average value per transaction with foreign cards was 41€, a reduction of 3€ from the same period last year,” the statement reveals. The countries with the highest spending in Portugal were France (20%), the United Kingdom (14%), Spain (12%), the United States (7%), and Germany (7%).
For Portuguese residents on holiday both within the country and abroad, there was a 9% increase in the number of operations and a 7% rise in spending value compared to the same period last year, with an average transaction value of 39€ (1€ less than last year).
Faro and Lisbon emerged as the top destinations for Portuguese travelers, each accounting for 12% of national card operations conducted over 50 km from their origin, “although Faro’s share decreased by 7% compared to the same period last year.” “In Lisbon, a growth of 1% was noted,” the report states.
Apart from Faro and Lisbon, the SIBS Analytics data also show that Portuguese citizens are beginning to choose alternative destinations for their summer vacations. Spain is the third most popular choice, accounting for the highest number of transactions (4%); Porto experienced a growth of 7%, a 3% increase over last year.
As for the share of spending abroad, the largest concentration by transaction number is in Spain (43%), followed by France (16%), Italy (7%), Ireland (5%), and Belgium (4%).
