In a country that has everything, you will find here the perfect destination for your holidays. So, if you are travelling to Portugal, these are the useful information that you should take note.
A small country, but with so much to offer. So, whether you prefer the beach, the mountain or the city, travelling to Portugal is the guarantee of incredible vacation days, that will stay in your memory forever.
Before that, pay attention to this useful information that always comes in handy.
Currency
Portugal is part of a group of 19 European Union countries, in which Euro is the official and common currency.
If you need to change currency, you can do so at banks, which are open to the public from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, on weekdays, but also at exchange offices.
The country has an excellent national network of ATMs – MB (Multibanco), which allows cash withdrawals 24 hours a day; ATM specific terminals allow the use of international cards.
Language
The country’s official language is Portuguese. The Portuguese people are used to receiving tourists, so if you do not speak the language, you can communicate mainly in English.
Security
According to the Global Peace Index, Portugal is the safest country in the European Union and the third safest country in the world. That is why this is a place where you will feel good and comfortable.
Occasional thefts occur to tourists, the result of an exponential increase in the number of foreigners visiting the country, but nothing that deserves extraordinary concern.
Also, although some European Union countries suffer threats and terrorist attacks, Portugal is on the list of the few countries not directly impacted by this problem.
Passports and visas
Citizens of the European Union, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland can enter Portugal without difficulty, requiring only an identity card.
If you are a minor, in addition to your identification document, you must present an authorization from your parents or legal guardians.
For stays of up to 90 days, it is necessary to present the passport valid for more than 3 months after the stipulated departure date for visitors from the following countries: Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil , Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, South Korea, Costa Rica, Dominican (Republic), El Salvador, United States of America, Georgia, Granada, Guatemala, Honduras, Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Israel, Japan, Macedonia (formerly Republic Yugoslav of), Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova (Republic of), Monaco, Montenegro, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Kiribati, Samoa, Saint Lucia, Holy See, Saint Kitts and Nevis , San Marino, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, East Timor, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Special Administrative Regions of the People’s Republic of China in Hong Kong and Macau and Territorial Authority from Taiwan.
Citizens from other States not mentioned in this list need a visa to enter Portugal – you may make your arrangements in the Portuguese Consulate or Embassy in the respective country, for stays up to a limit of 90 days.
According to the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement, passengers with origin or destination in another Schengen state, if it is an internal flight, do not need a new visa.
Health
In case of an accident or illness during your visit to Portugal, any citizen of one of the 27 countries of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland must present the European Health Insurance Card (issued in the country of origin) and the passport or identification document.
Citizens of countries outside the European Union with bilateral agreements with Portugal (Andorra, Brazil, Cape Verde, Québec, Morocco and Tunisia) must request the certificate of entitlement in the country of residence to have access to healthcare from the National Health Service (SNS).
The remaining foreign citizens who do not fall into these categories and need to use the SNS care network in Portugal, should:
- Have a valid identification document;
- Have a document proving valid health insurance.
The conditions are the same as for the Portuguese: some procedures are free; others may involve the payment of moderating fees. In the case of non-presentation of the referred data, visitors must pay the full amount of care provided.
Travel Insurance
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Emergency Card
This document is intended for anyone in or coming to Portugal and can be downloaded from the official websites of the promoting entities.
It contains useful information for emergency response teams in the event of an emergency, namely identification data, contact details, the insurance company, diseases, allergies and medication.
Public transport
Air transport
Portugal has 5 main airports that also serve as a stopover for many companies, due to the privileged location of the country:
- Lisbon: Portela Airport;
- Porto: Dr. Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport;
- Faro: Faro Airport;
- Madeira – Funchal: Cristiano Ronaldo Airport;
- Azores – Ponta Delgada: João Paulo II Airport.
Rail transport
CP – Comboios de Portugal offers a train network that covers the entire Portuguese mainland, in addition to ensuring international connections to Vigo, Madrid and Paris.
You can buy your train tickets on the trainline website or app: https://trainline.tp.st/GO7kqeq8
Road transport
- Buses;
- Taxis;
- Lisboa Subway and Porto Subway;
- Private transportation apps (Uber, Bolt, Cabify, Free Now).
Fuels
Fuel prices in Portugal vary according to the cost of a barrel of oil in international markets.
Tolls
Portugal has a complete road network composed of Highways (AE), Main Itineraries (IP), Complementary Itineraries (IC), National Roads (EN) and Municipal Roads.
Driving on highways involves paying tolls of two types: traditional toll booths and those that are exclusively electronic. At toll booths, payment is made in cash or by bank card or via Via Verde, a toll system in which the payment is made by bank debit and which implies the existence of a specific identifier. Electronic tolls are duly identified, and the payment system is exclusively electronic, so visitors with vehicles with foreign registration must sign up online.
Electricity
The electric current in Portugal is 230/400 volts, at a frequency of 50 hertz, and the current sockets follow European standards.
Telecommunications
Mobile phones
There are four networks that provide this service – MEO, Vodafone, NOS and NOWO, with roaming agreements with most international companies and good coverage at a national level. You can buy rechargeable cards at any speciality store, stationery store or kiosk.
Phones
Visitors will be able to use the public telephone booths using coins or specific cards that are for sale at MEO stores, at Post Offices and some kiosks and stationery stores.
The country code is +351.
Internet
In several public and private spaces, you can easily find wireless areas properly marked, where you can access the wireless internet, free of charge.
Climate
Portugal has a Mediterranean climate, with well-defined seasons: hot and dry summers and cold and wet winters. Still, it is the mild and pleasant temperatures that make it an extremely attractive country.
Public and School Holidays
Public holidays
New Year’s Day – 1 January
Freedom Day – 25 April
Worker’s Day – 1 May
Portugal Day – 10 June
Feast of the Assumption – 15 August
Implantation of the Republic – 5 October
All Saints Day – 1 November
Restoration of Independence – 1 December
Immaculate Conception – 8 December
Christmas Day – 25 December
Moveable public holidays:
Good Friday
Corpus Christi
School Holidays
For the 2020/21 academic year, school holidays are as follows:
– Christmas – 21 December 2020 to 31 December 2020
– Carnival – 15 to 17 February 2021
– Easter – 24 March to 5 April 2021
– Summer – end of June to mid-September