Portugal travel info

Electricity

The electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used.

Language

Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken and understood.

Money

The 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; digital wallets such as Apple and Google Pay are supported.

Tipping

Service charges aren't usually added to hotel and restaurant bills but it's customary to leave a 10 percent tip. Bar staff and taxi drivers also expect tips, which usually entails rounding up the bill to the nearest euro.

Health

There are no major health risks in Portugal, and the country has good healthcare facilities. Travellers should get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before visiting, or a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if they're UK residents, so that they're covered for necessary state healthcare while there. Dental care and repatriation costs aren't included in this, so it's a smart move to get travel insurance as well.

Safety

Generally, safety isn't a problem for travel in Portugal but visitors should exercise a reasonable degree of care. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs and thieves are very skilled and often work in groups. Travellers should be especially vigilant in public areas such as beaches, restaurants, hotel lobbies, restaurants, transportation hubs (including bus and train stations), and all tourist sites and attractions.

If possible, travellers should only carry the travel documents, cash and belongings they'll need for the day, and leave all other items in a hotel safe. They should also pay attention to their surroundings and avoid wearing or carrying things such as expensive watches, jewellery or cameras.

Vehicle break-ins are frequent, with rented vehicles being a target of choice. Visitors should leave nothing in view in their vehicle, use secure parking facilities and beware of any person who waves at them to stop on the highway.

It's best to never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers, and to be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put travellers at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Every year, people drown in the sea and in swimming pools in Portugal. For safety reasons, travellers should avoid swimming at beaches that connect to or from rivers as they can have strong undercurrents. They should also avoid swimming at any beach without lifeguards, and avoid diving into unknown water as hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death.

Hiking in Madeira and the Azores can be challenging; travellers should choose paths that suit their fitness and experience.

Local customs

Family plays a huge role in Portuguese society, often coming over work, and it's quite common for employers to hire family members because they trust them and feel comfortable around them. Appearance also matters a lot, with locals taking pride in dressing well for any occasion. Since Portugal is predominantly Roman Catholic and has conservative values, foreigners who come across as too loud or over-the-top might not be well-received. Similarly, being late or not following proper etiquette is generally seen as rude.

Doing business

Business culture in Portugal tends to follow a clear hierarchical structure, where authority is respected and subordinate employees are expected to follow instructions. Building strong business relationships is key, and trust between colleagues (and personal connections) plays an important role.

While business etiquette is formal, it's also fairly relaxed. It's customary to address people as 'Senhor' or 'Senhora' unless told otherwise, and it's important to show respect to those in positions of authority. Meetings should always be scheduled in advance, as impromptu visits are rare.

When it comes to dress, Portugal has a strong emphasis on looking smart and professional. The general business hours are from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM, and then from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

Duty free

Travellers over 17 years arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarrilos, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 4 litres of wine, 16 litres of beer and 1 litre of spirits over 22 percent or 2 litres of liquor less than 22 percent volume; 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette; other goods up to the value of €430 for air and sea travellers.

Communications

The international access code for Portugal is +351, and WiFi is available in most hotels, cafes and restaurants throughout Portugal. Travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones or use eSIMs if their cellular providers support it on their networks.

Passport & Visa

All visitors, except EEA member states, must hold tickets and documents for their return or onward journey, and proof of paid accommodation (equivalent in convertible currency accepted). The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All of these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. It's highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US nationals do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. A passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay is required.

UK nationals do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. A passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay is required.

Canadians do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. A passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay is required.

Australian nationals do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. A passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay is required.

South African nationals require a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay, and a Schengen visa.

Irish nationals do not require a visa to visit Portugal. A passport valid on arrival is required.

New Zealand nationals do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. A passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay is required.

Useful contacts

Institute of Portugal Tourism, Lisbon: +351 211 205 050 or www.visitportugal.com

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Embassies / consulates in other countries

Portuguese Embassy, Washington, United States: +1 202 350 5400.

Portuguese Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 207 235 5331.

Portuguese Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 729 0883

Consulate General of Portugal, Sydney, Australia: +61 2 9262 2199

Portuguese Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 341 2340

Portuguese Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 412 7040

Portuguese Consulate, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 9 255 2569

Embassies / consulates in Portugal

United States Embassy, Lisbon: +351 21 727 3300

British Embassy, Lisbon: +351 21 392 4000

Canadian Embassy, Lisbon: +351 21 316 4600

Australian Embassy, Lisbon: +351 21 310 1500

South African Embassy, Lisbon: +351 21 319 2200

Irish Embassy, Lisbon: +351 21 330 8200

New Zealand Consulate, Lisbon: +351 21 314 0780