Is it necessary to have a European banking card to use an ATM in Lisbon? I'm American and don't have one.

No. You will be fine!

If you have a VISA your card will be accepted on the Visa network. Look for shops that have it and for ATM's that have it.

If you have a Visa debit card you can try and withdraw money without the cash advance fees. But if the system is offline (depending of the hours) it might not work, as it has to read the info of your account if that happens try again later. You will always have a fee of using the Visa outside your country. It's a % of the amount you use. Call your bank or card provider, they can tell you the rates (Visa can tell you also, but sometimes the cards provides offer or reduce that % as a offer to catch clients). If it's just shooping you will have that debit but not the cash advance costs that it will have if you withdraw money with a credit card.

The same with Amex and with MasterCard!

About the 6 digit. Don't worry. I'm Portuguese and I have a card with a 6 digit code. The ATM recognizes it and will ask you the 6 digits.

You should have no problems doing cash advance in a ATM. This with a credit card and with fees. I didn't had any in USA with a Portuguese card. Yes, the system can be offline and you might have to try again later. But this will be more prone to happen with a debit card.

Bring the numbers of Visa international and MasterCard International in case you have any problem,. They can make an emergency cash advance for you.

Also bring dollars with you. You can exchange them easily and if you don't have to spend them you don't. Most shops accept Visa. Some MasterCard also. (more by the day, but Visa is way too popular). Also be prepared that some people call Visa to a card even if it's MasterCard or America Express. Visa means credit card to some.

If you have any more doubts feel free to contact me. I worked for Amex and I work in a bank, worked for some time in the credit card department.

The ideal is to bring Euros. Buying them at your bank is usually cheaper than exchange them here.

Using the card (credit or debit) you will always have some charges associated to it. They are mostly Visa charges for use in a foreing country.

Have a wonderful time!

You'll be fine with Visa bank card. Just look at the ATM to make sure it has the symbol of the VISA on the machine.
I lived in Portugal for 3 months just recently and used my international bank cards without any problems.

It's almost like tonalc has written from my mind. Exactly as I would put it. Credit cards for spending. ATM cards for getting cash when you need it. Check to be sure whatever you use has the lowest possible fee for the exchange (they WILL charge you betw. 1 - 3% - just like if you were changing money) and make sure you know if your bank charges for using ATMs that are not from your bank...Call them to be sure. There's a number on the back of the card...call it, and get all the information you need.

If your card is on the Cirrus or Plus network, you'll be fine.

Be aware that European ATMs only use four-digit PINs, so if yours is longer you'll have to reset it.

Don't use your credit card (as opposed to your debit card) to get cash. It's treated as a cash advance and has an insanely high interest rate.

bring cash and a visa for bigger purchases

i came from South AFRICA on holiday, used my S.A credit card .no hassle . sure your c.c is valid?