Useful Information

Passport & Visa Requirements

All non-EU citizens should check if it is necessary to obtain a visa, which can be obtained at the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in their own country.
To get a Visa, usually takes 30 to 90 days.

Local Time

UTC/GMT + 1 hour: (Western Europe Daylight at Summer Time)
The Local Time is according to the Universal Time Coordinated (UTC)/Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Climate

In general, the climate tends to be temperate all year, with long hot summers, mild springs and autumns, and relatively mild winters, although temperatures and weather conditions are marked by strong local differences.
The summer months bring temperatures averaging 28 º C in Lisbon, but sometimes rising above 30°C.
When you travel to Portugal visit the portuguese Meteo website to preper yoursell to the trip.

Currency

Euro (€) is the currency used in Portugal, as in the most European countries.
Banks offer normal currency exchange services and most establishments accept credit and debit cards.
ATMs, known as Multibanco, are abundant and very easy to find.

Sales Tax

Sales Tax (VAT) is included in prices quoted.
For non E.U. residents, tax free shopping schemes are available in many shops, which give substantial savings to visitors.

Tipping

Tipping is optional, but adding 10% to the amount is regular practise in taxis, restaurants and bars.

Health Requirments

People from areas where yellow fever is endemic will need to present the vaccination certificates.

Pharmacy

Pharmacies are open Monday to Friday from 9:00h to 19:00h, and Saturday mornings.
In every area you can find one that is open 24 hours. The symbol for pharmacy is a white cross on green background.

Emergency Number

In case of emergency call 112 .

Local Opening Hours

Banks are open Monday to Friday from 8:30h to 15:30h.
Shops are usually open between 9:00h-13:00h and 15:00h-19:00h in the working days and on Saturday most shops close at 13:00h.
Shopping centers are open all days from 10:00h to 23:00h.

Smoking

The Portuguese law, in accordance with Regulations of European Union, does not allow smoking in any public transportation or in any closed public areas. (Some restaurants, bars and discotecs may have a designated smoking area).

Electricity

Electricity is supplied at 230 volts and the plugs follow the European system (with two pins).