Welcome to Portugal 😊

Are you dreaming of golden beaches, warm sun, and delicious food? Look no further than Portugal! This colorful country on the Iberian Peninsula is a gem waiting to be discovered.

Lisbon is the dazzling capital city, with its cobbled streets, charming trams, and stunning viewpoints. Marvel at the historic architecture, explore the authentic neighborhoods, and indulge in some of the world's most delicious pastry treats.

Those seeking a more relaxed pace can head south to the Algarve, famous for its beautiful coastline and year-round sun. From surfing to sunbathing, hiking to horse riding, there is something for everyone here. For history buffs, the city of Porto is a must-see, filled with medieval streets, port wine cellars, and stunning views over the Douro River.

Portugal is also a foodie paradise, with fresh seafood, hearty meat dishes, and incredible wine waiting to be devoured. Try the world-famous pastéis de nata (custard tarts) or indulge in traditional dishes like bacalhau (salt cod) and cozido (a meat and vegetable stew).

Don't miss the chance to experience the warmth and hospitality of the Portuguese people, who will welcome you with open arms. Come and discover this hidden gem for yourself!

Quick Facts About Portugal

Currency: Euro
Population: 10.3 million
Languages: Portuguese
Capital: Terceira Island

Money and Finances

The currency in Portugal is the Euro (EUR). Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 2 euros. Banknotes are available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros.

ATM Network

ATMs can be found throughout Portugal, with many in urban areas and popular destinations. Most accept international bank cards and provide instructions in multiple languages.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in Portugal, especially Visa and Mastercard. AMEX is accepted in some places, but less frequently than the other two. You may incur a fee for credit card usage in smaller establishments.

Internet and Phones

Portugal has an average internet speed of 19.2 Mbps for downloads and 3.5 Mbps for uploads. There are no reports of government interference in internet use.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

The major telco companies in Portugal are MEO, Vodafone, and NOS. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around 20-30 euros per month. There are no reported sim compatibility issues.

Dialling to Portugal

To call Portugal from another country, dial the country code +351 followed by the area code (without the leading 0) and the phone number. The area codes used within Portugal are 21 (Lisbon), 22 (Porto), 23 (Castelo Branco), 24 (Santarém), 25 (Guarda), 26 (Coimbra), 27 (Viana do Castelo), 28 (Leiria), and 29 (Viseu).

Transport Around Portugal

Air Travel

Portugal has three major airports: Lisbon Portela Airport, Porto Airport and Faro Airport. Lisbon Portela Airport is the largest airport in Portugal and is located in Lisbon, the capital city. Porto Airport is the second largest airport and is located in Porto, in the north of Portugal. Faro airport is situated in the southern part of Portugal, in the Algarve region.

Train Travel

Portugal has a good intercity train network, operated by Comboios de Portugal. Some popular intercity routes include Lisbon to Porto, which takes approximately 3 hours and costs €25-€50 depending on class of ticket. Lisbon to Faro takes approximately 3 hours and costs €20-€40. There are also high-speed trains (Alfa Pendular) which operate between Lisbon, Porto and Braga at slightly higher prices. Train travel in Portugal is generally reliable and affordable.

Metro / Local Trains

Portugal has a number of modern metro systems in its larger cities, including Lisbon, Oporto, and Porto. The Lisbon Metro is the largest and most extensive, with four lines running throughout the city. The Oporto Metro has six lines and connects the city to the suburbs. The Porto Metro is smaller but still provides good coverage of the city centre. Fares for the metro start at around €1.50 per trip.

Buses

Portugal has a good bus network, operated by many companies such as Rede Expressos. Buses typically connect to smaller towns and villages where there is no train station. Ticket prices start at around €5 for shorter journeys and go up to around €30 for longer journeys. For example, a bus from Lisbon to Porto takes approximately 3 hours and costs around €20. Buses are generally reliable and comfortable.

Rideshare

Rideshare companies such as Uber and Bolt operate in Portugal, providing affordable and convenient options for travel within and between cities. Prices vary depending on distance and time of day, but generally start at around €5 for shorter trips and go up to around €50 for longer trips. Rideshare services in Portugal are generally reliable and safe.

Driving by Car

Driving in Portugal is relatively easy, with well-maintained roads and highways. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on highways. Portugal uses right-hand drive and cars drive on the right side of the road. However, traffic can be heavy in cities and parking can be difficult to find and expensive. It is recommended to use public transport or rideshare services in urban areas.

Local Customs

In Portugal, tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated, especially in the service sector. Generally, people greet each other with a handshake, and close friends and family members may also kiss each other on the cheek. When speaking with strangers, it is common to use formal titles such as 'Senhor' (Mr.) or 'Senhora' (Mrs.). Men and women generally address each other with equal respect and do not use titles based on gender.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Portugal's health system is based on a mix of public and private healthcare providers. While public healthcare is generally of good quality, waiting times for non-emergency treatments can be long. Private healthcare is readily available but can be expensive. Medical costs for a general consultation can range from 30 to 70 euros, while hospitalization can cost several thousand euros. It is recommended that travelers have comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical coverage before visiting Portugal.

COVID Situation

Portugal has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with over 800,000 confirmed cases and more than 16,000 deaths as of August 2021. The country has implemented strict measures to control the spread of the virus, including lockdowns and travel restrictions. Vaccines are available to the general public, and the government is working to vaccinate as many people as possible.

Common Health Risks

Travelers to Portugal should be aware of the risk of tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, and take appropriate precautions when in wooded or grassy areas. There is also a risk of food poisoning from contaminated water or food. Malaria is not a risk in mainland Portugal, but travelers to the Azores or Madeira should take precautions against mosquito bites and consider antimalarial medication if visiting rural areas.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Portugal, the legal drinking age is 18. Public consumption of alcohol is allowed but subject to restrictions in certain areas, such as near schools or hospitals. Drunk driving is heavily penalized and may result in imprisonment or license suspension.

Recreational Drugs

While Portugal has decriminalized the possession and use of drugs for personal use, including cannabis, the sale and trafficking of drugs remains illegal and carries very heavy penalties. Drug use is viewed as a public health issue and those caught with small amounts may be sent to mandatory rehabilitation programs instead of being charged with a crime.

Pre-Marital Relationships

There are no laws in Portugal that specifically criminalize pre-marital relationships, and pre-marital sex is widely accepted and practiced.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

In 2010, Portugal became the eighth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. Discrimination against LGBTQ people is illegal, and there are anti-discrimination laws that protect individuals from being discriminated against in employment, education, and housing.

Firearms / Guns

The use of firearms is heavily regulated in Portugal. Only licensed gun owners are allowed to possess firearms, and there are strict regulations governing their safe storage and transport. The carrying of firearms in public places is generally prohibited, although exceptions may be made for those with valid reasons, such as law enforcement officials or private security personnel.