Money :
Portugal is a member of the European Union and its official currency is the Euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. There are numerous banks, bureaux de change and ATMs available in main cities and tourist destinations. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and automatic currency exchange machines. Banking hours are generally 8.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday. Major credit cards are widely accepted, as are travellers cheques.
Time :
Local time is GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).
Electricity :
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used.
Language :
Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken and understood.
Health :
There are no health risks attached to travel to Portugal. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is necessary for entry for anyone travelling from an infected area and destined for the Azores or Madeira. Health facilities are good and reciprocal health agreements exist with most European countries, including the UK, whose citizens can receive low-cost emergency care at state hospitals. It is advisable that travellers obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before travel. Dental care and repatriation costs are not covered under this agreement, and medical insurance is therefore advised.
Tipping :
Service charges are usually added to hotel and restaurant bills, otherwise it is customary to leave a 10% tip. Bar staff and taxi drivers also expect tips, which usually entails rounding up of the bill to the nearest Euro.
Safety :
Travel to Portugal should be trouble-free, but there is a rising incidence of petty theft and pick pocketing in tourist areas, so reasonable care should be taken. Portugal has a very poor road safety record so exercise caution and drive defensively when exploring in a rented car.
Customs :
It is a legal requirement for foreigners to show some form of identification on request.
Business :
Business protocol in Portugal generally follows that of the rest of modern Europe. However, in rural areas, and when dealing with the elder generation, people may still cling onto customs of the past. Formal dress is necessary only in banking, government or law; otherwise smart-casual attire will suffice, and is often how the host may dress. However, being a fashion conscious country means that it may simply be easier to dress in a conventional formal manner. Handshakes for men and women are the common form of greeting. Face-to-face relationships are preferred but this is changing. It is a good idea to be punctual for all meetings, which may be over lunch, or a simple to-the-point meeting depending. Printed material should be available in both English and Portuguese. Business cards are often exchanged. Business hours vary but are generally 8.30am to 1pm and 3pm to 6pm Monday to Friday.
Duty Free :
Travellers over 17 years arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g smoking tobacco, or a proportional mix of these products; 1 litre spirits with alcohol volume higher than 22%, or 2 litres spirits or aperitifs made of wine less than 22%, or sparkling wines or liqueurs, or a proportionate mix of these, and 2 litres of wine; perfume up to 50g and 250ml eau de toilette. Travellers over 15 years do not have to pay duty on 500g coffee (provided purchased in a tax-free shop); 100g tea or 40g of tea extract (provided purchased in a tax-free shop); medicines for personal use and gifts or souvenirs to the value of EUR175 for adults and EUR90 for children under 15 years.
Communications :
The international access code for Portugal is +351. There are no area or city codes required. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Portugal is well covered by three GSM mobile phone networks. Internet cafes are available in most towns and resorts.
Contacts :
Emergencies: 112
