Language: Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken and understood.
Currency: 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 travelers 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.
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.
Duty Free: Travelers 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 liter spirits with alcohol volume higher than 22%, or 2 liters spirits or aperitifs made of wine less than 22%, or sparkling wines or liqueurs, or a proportionate mix of these, and 2 liters of wine; perfume up to 50g and 250ml eau de toilette. Travelers 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.
Tourist OfficeInstitute of Portugal Tourism,
Lisbon: +351 211 205 050 or www.visitportugal.com
EmergencyEmergencies: 112
Embassies
Portuguese Embassy,
Washington,
United States: +1 202 328 8610.
Portuguese Embassy,
London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7235 5331.
Portuguese Embassy,
Ottawa,
Canada: +1 613 729 0883.
Portuguese Embassy,
Canberra,
Australia: +61 (0)2 6290 1733.
Portuguese Embassy,
Pretoria,
South Africa: +27 (0)12 341 2340/1/2.
Portuguese Embassy,
Dublin,
Ireland: +353 (0)1 412 7040.
Portuguese Consulate,
Wellington,
New Zealand: +64 (0)4 475 9453.
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 21 392 9440.
New
Zealand Embassy,
Rome,
Italy (also responsible for Portugal): +39 06 441 7171.
