Portugal Practical information
Before leaving
Visa
Citizens of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland do not need a visa to enter Portugal: a valid identity card is sufficient. Minors must also show that they have parental permission to travel.
For trips of less than 3 months, some countries simply need a valid passport (see Portuguese consular services for the list of countries).
For all other States, a visa is required. Apply for this at the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your own country.
Health
No vaccinations are required to enter the country.
It is nevertheless advisable for adults and children to have all their boosters up to date: Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and diphtheria-tetanus-poliomyelitis (DTP).
A rabies vaccination is also recommended:
- if your trip involves a number of outdoor activities.
- in the case of activities close to wild animals like bats.
Precautions:
It is advisable for nationals of the European Union to obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) online. This will give you financial support for any medical care. You can apply for this online.
For nationals of countries not belonging to the European Union, check what cover you have with your health insurance.
Electricity
230 volts
Plug type F/C
Frequency: 50Hz
European plugs with two round pins
Bring an adapter if coming from outside Europe
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Currency:
The euro is the currency used in Portugal.
1 USD = 0.92 EUR*
* Exchange rate provided as a guideline only
Where can you change your money?
You can change your money in international banks and airports.
You can change your money in banks, between 08.30 and 15.00, or in the bureaux de change. Some cash machines also allow you to buy currency.
Tips
It is customary to leave a tip equivalent to 5 to 10% of your total bill. It is also common to tip taxi drivers, by rounding up your journey amount.
On-site
Travel
Airports connect Portugal's main cities.
You can also travel throughout Portugal by train. Some companies connect cities, others travel more extensively in the regions. Tourist tickets allow you unlimited travel for several days, on all types of trains.
A large network of comfortable buses serve the more remote areas of Portugal. The Rflex card gives you lower cost travel.
Portugal's road network is in very good condition. Note that you drive on the right. If you are travelling by car, you must have identification documents, a valid driver's license, proof of insurance and vehicle documents with you (vehicle registration or equivalent), and be able to prove ownership of the car or show the hire contract. The minimum age to rent a car is 21. You must have been in possession of a licence for over a year.
Portugal's major cities have an underground train system. You can also use taxis, recognisable by their beige colour.
Key numbers
In Europe, 112 is the number to call for emergencies of any type.
Services for foreigners and borders: 808 202 653
Language
Portuguese is the official language of Portugal. Mirandese - with the status of an official language - is spoken in some regions (northern Portugal).
A few phrases to remember :
Hello: Bom dia (morning)/Boa tarde (afternoon)
Goodbye: Adeus
Thank you: Obrigado
Please: Por favor
I don't understand: Não entendo
Doctor: Médico
The bill: Conta
How much is this: Quanto é?
Toilets: Casa de Banho
Turn left: Vire à esquerda
Turn right: Vire à direita
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