To make a holiday trip to or through Portugal can be a delight. It is a smaller country to its neighbour Spain and therefore has a more personal and endearing character. The major resort areas, such as the Algarve, offer the holidaymaker as many attractions as anywhere in Europe. Throughout Portugal there is a chain of Tourist Offices manned by bilingual staff to assist the tourist. As the Portuguese are by nature hospitable they are keen and proud to share their country with foreign visitors.

Click on a link below for further information:

Accidents	Duty Free	Rent a Car
Airports	Electricity	Security
Banks	Emergency	Shops
Buses	Exchange Rates	Student Information
Car Hire	Insects	Tax (IVA)
Chemists	Language	Telephones
Coaches	Lost Property	Time to Travel
Consulates	Markets	Trains
Lisbon Embassies	Museums	Urban Travel
Commercial Hours	National Holidays	Visas
Disabled Facilities	Post Office
Driving	Private Art Galleries

Accidents
Breakages in apartments and villas must be reported and paid for. In the event of a serious road accident, wait for the police to arrive. Meanwhile, obtain the other driver's name, address, his insurance company details and the number of his policy. Insist that the police take statements from both parties and that both are breathalysed.
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Airports
The international airport is at Faro. Throughout the country there are a number of small airports with limited facilities. It is possible to travel from the international airports to many of these smaller ones but it is important to first check, as these services are variable. At Faro Airport a bus can be boarded outside the Terminal that will take you to the centre of the city. The local buses, numbers 17 and 18 will also take you to and from the airport, a distance of 11 kms. Taxis are also usually recommended.

Airport Information Faro Airport (General) 289 800800
Flight Enquiries 289 818982
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Banks
Open Monday to Friday 08:30 - 15:00; closed Saturdays, Sundays and National Holidays. You'll need your passport to exchange travellers cheques. Look for the sign “câmbios”. Commission is charged per transaction regardless of amount.
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Buses
Clean, reasonably comfortable and cheap. Local services often infrequent by day and non-existent at night. Avoid long, boring journeys within the Algarve by booking express regional services. Good choice of Algarve-Lisbon bus companies and departure times. The Faro-based EVA (info in Portuguese, English, German and Dutch) run good local and regional services, and also frequent services to Lisbon and Spain, and the Rede Nacional de Expressos run a comprehensive national service. Both have good on-line routes and timetables.
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Car Hire
Cars from reputable companies are clean, recent models. Drivers must be at least 21 and have had a licence for at least one year. Hire price always includes third party insurance. A government tax of 17% is a compulsory extra. Optional extras: collision damage waiver, theft insurance, personal insurance.
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Chemists
Open 09:00 - 13:00; 15:00 - 19:00. One chemist stays open after hours on a rotating basis and the address of the open pharmacy is listed on all other chemists' doors.
Chemists (farmácias) will advise on minor matters. There are reciprocal arrangements within the EU on free treatment in clinics and hospitals. When requesting treatment, show your passport, or an E111 or E112 form. Health clinics (centro de sáude) deal with less serious problems. For emergencies, there are 24-hour hospitals in Faro, Portimão and Lagos. Private doctors (British, German and Dutch as well as Portuguese) will give more personal treatment, but without insurance it can be expensive.
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Coaches
There is the national network of Rodoviária Nacional (RN), and competing private operators who run quick non-stop services on the more popular routes and often to destinations not covered by trains. The RN tends to be slower but its prices are cheaper. Many private operators offer more facilities on longer runs such as toilet, video, air-conditioning and snacks. Prior to a long trip it is best to check what the coach facilities are before boarding. You will find that in major tourist areas or cities there are excellent local excursions by coach. In almost all cases tickets are purchased in advance.
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Consulates

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Lisbon Embassies

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Commercial Hours
The normal shopping hours are from 09.00 hrs. until 19.00 hrs on Mondays to Fridays. Saturdays is from 09.00 hrs. until 13.00 hrs. There are some shops that extend their hours and their days of opening. Shopping Centres are open from 09.00 hrs. to 23.00 hrs all week except for certain Public Holidays.
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Disabled Facilities
There is a great a lack in past design and facilities to provide their needs. Happily, awareness is now showing and this is evident with the appearance of special parking spaces in public areas, special toilets at airports, stations, and centres of entertainment. In Lisbon (217 585 676) and Porto (226 006 353), there is a dial-a-ride disabled bus service. Also in Lisbon (218 155 061), Braga (253 684 081), and Coimbra (239 484 522), there are taxi services for disabled persons.
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Driving
Portugal drives on the right side of the road. Except when otherwise indicated all vehicles approaching from the right have priority. The driver already on a roundabout normally has the right of way

Speed Limits
Built-up Areas 60km
Out of Town 90km
Trunk roads 100km
Motorway 120km

Insurance is compulsory and normally provided with a hire car.
EU licences are valid at all times. Other foreign driving licences are valid for up to six months.
Seat belts are obligatory for the driver and front passenger.

Alcohol is readily available and cheap - but the maximum legal blood alcohol level is currently only 50mg per 100ml, and from October 2001, is reduced to just 20mg per 100ml. If you drink and drive and are caught, you will be immediately locked up and in court the next morning.
DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!
Portugal has the highest road accident rate in Europe. The standard of both road building and driving is much lower than in Northen European countries, and you need to be continually alert and cautious. Be especially aware of vehicles suddenly emerging from side roads, and of maniac overtaking.

ZERO TOLERANCE!
High-profile police patrols are becoming ever more vigilant and ever less tolerant of bad driving, speeding and drink driving. Besides risking your life and those of others, you also risk heavy penalties if you break the law.
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Duty Free
There are no no duty-free allowances for transport of goods within the European Union.

If you are planning to bring home Portuguese delights such as port, table wines or regional aguardentes or liqueurs, look no further for a good deal than the cheapest local supermarket, where you can generally buy at prices lower than the airport "duty free" shop.
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Electricity
220 volts AC with Continental two-pin plugs is usual. Earthing can be erratic in older buildings.
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Emergency
By calling anywhere in Portugal on 112 you will be connected to Fire, Police and Ambulance services. Every Fire Brigade also maintains one or more ambulances for emergencies. Chemists can give advice on simple health problems and suggest appropriate treatment. They are also permitted to sell many medicines without a doctor's subscription. A green cross on white background denotes a chemist. A red cross on a white background denotes a Red Cross station. In most towns there are Emergency Treatment Centres (SAP) that will provide medical assistance 24 hours a day.
Security in cities and towns is handled by the Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP), rural areas by the Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR), and the traffic by Brigada de Trânsito. On motorways and several major roads there are SOS phone boxes for help in accidents or breakdowns.

Ambulance, Police, Fire Tel: 115
Ambulance, Police, Fire
European standard number - multi-lingual Tel: 112
Hospital (Faro) Tel: 289 803427
Hospital (Portimão) Tel: 282 415115
Hospital (Lagos) Tel: 282 763034

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Exchange Rates
Local currency is Euros. Money can be changed at Banks, Bureau De Change (cambio) or at one of the currency exchange machines in the streets. These facilities will offer a better rate than in Hotels and Receptions. Banks are open from Monday through to Friday, from 08.30 hrs. to 15.00 hrs. Eurocheques are a cheaper method than Travelers Cheques in obtaining cash. All well-known Credit Cards are usually accepted.
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Insects
Ants are out and about all over the Algarve during the warm months and will home in on any scraps of food left lying around. They are easily deterred by insecticide powders which can be bought from supermarkets. Use repellants to deter mosquitoes from zeroing in on exposed flesh at sundown and after dark.
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Language
When written the Portuguese language has a visual relationship to both Spanish and Italian. When spoken it takes on another character. Although today the language has been influenced by modern means of communication, the educated form can be likened to "Dickensian English" in its style. It is courteous in content and suitable flowery in description. Spoken Spanish can be understood by the Portuguese but is best avoided. Anybody with knowledge of some Portuguese history will be able to understand the reason. The inhabitants have a wonderful ability to learn foreign languages and you will find that the English language is normally readily understood. This has been helped by the fact that all foreign films on TV and Cinemas are shown in their original language with subtitles.
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Lost Property
To report or inquire about air travel baggage gone astray in transit, phone Faro airport lost property office 289 818302. Property lost in Portugal should be reported to the nearest GNR police station.
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Markets
In Quarteira a market is held every Wednesday, Loulé every Saturday, Portimão every first Monday of each month, Lagos every Saturday, most Sundays in Almancil and Moncarapacho, and most Thursdays in Boliqueme and on Mondays in Tavira.
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Museums
Although the majority of the museums and art galleries are State owned there are a number of private Foundations and individually owned exhibition places. This fact is particularly evident when wishing to see contemporary art where they tend to reflect the taste of the owner. State Museums charge a small entrance fee that is usually waived on Sundays and Public Holidays. They are open from Tuesday through to Sunday and pensioners receive a 40% discount on the entrance fee. Sometimes there is no charge at all for pensioners on showing your ID. Opening times are normally from 10.00 hours to 17.00 hours, but sometimes closed during lunchtime.
In Lisbon there is an excellent ticket system for tourists provided by Carris kiosks. The holder of this ticket can visit 26 of the main museums in the city and enjoy free public transport during the time period. They are available for one, two, or three days.
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National Holidays
January 1st New Year’s Day
April 25th Revolution Day
May 1st Labour Day
June 10th Camões and Portugal Day
August 15th Ascension Day
October 5th Republic Day
November 1st All Saints Day
December 1st Independence Day
December 8th The Immaculate Conception of our Lady
December 25th Christmas Day

Other Public Holidays which fall on different dates are: Good Friday, Shrove Tuesday and Corpus Christi. It is traditional for each municipality (concelho), to reserve one annual day as a holiday for its commerce. This day is principly used as an excuse for celebration. You will find restaurants open but most shops closed.
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Post Office
The word Correio denotes a Post Office or mail services. First class mail is denoted by the words "correio azul" and associated with the colour blue. The Post Office also offers an express service named EMS that records the delivery. A registered letter is "correio registrado", and postage stamps are called "selos".

Post Offices are normally open from 08.30 hrs. until 18.30 hrs. from Monday to Friday but this is only a general rule as they vary from district to district. In some towns main Post Offices will also be open on Saturdays mornings or the whole day. Outside and inside many Post Offices, there are stamp vending machines that indicate the cost for each type and the weight of the item being posted.

Visitors wishing to receive mail when in Portugal may use the "Poste Restante". Items should be addressed as follows:

(Last Name), (First name)
Poste Restante
(Postal Code Number) Town
Country

Collection of items will be made against proof of identity of the receiver and there is a charge per item.

Major Post Offices also have the facility of sending and receiving Fax. There is also a system for receiving and sending e-mail by renting a Computer Unit.

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Private Art Galleries
Throughout the country there are many galleries exhibiting contemporary art for sale for all tastes and pockets. There is normally no charge to enter these galleries or their exhibitions.
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Rent a Car
In all major towns there are a number of companies providing rent a car service. Proof of identity and a valid current Driving Licence is required. The minimum age to hire a car is 21 years old but some companies' place the age higher. Make sure that all needed documents relating to the hired vehicle and the driver are always available in the vehicle as Traffic Police often check these legalities on roads.
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Security
Theft from cars, locked or otherwise, is depressingly common. When driving you need your licence and other documents, but don't leave them in the car when parked. Be every bit as security conscious in villas and apartments as you would be at home. When you go out, be sure to lock up.
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Shops
Open 09:00 - 13:00; 15:00 - 19:00, Monday to Friday. On Saturdays open 09:00 - 13:00. Closed Sundays, except some supermarkets, mini-mercardos and out of town hypermarkets and malls.
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Student Information
Young people between the ages of 12 and 25 may purchase a "Cartão Jovem". This card offers the bearer special discounts on public travel, travel insurance, and discounts to certain shops and museums. A useful advantage is this card also provides a discount on Youth Hostels within Portugal. Bearers of the International Student Identity Card (ISDC), receive the same advantages as the "Cartão Jovem".
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Tax (IVA)
This tax that is the same as VAT is known as IVA in Portugal, and is at present 17%. Persons from outside the European Union (EU) and visiting for less than 180 days, can reclaim this tax by requesting a form named Isenção de IVA. This form is presented to customs when leaving the country.
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Telephones
Public telephones are to be found in the street in major towns and in the Post Offices. This national service is run by a State owned company named Telecom (TLP). Telephones can be used according to the two ways of paying other than with cash. One is by a card named "Credifone" and the other is by "TLP Card". The former is accepted throughout the country and the latter only in Lisbon and Porto. Cards can be purchased at shops displaying signs advertising their sale.

International calls can be made direct and the dial code for Portugal is "351". A caller must first dial "00", then his country dial number, then the area code without the prefix "0", and lastly the subscribers' number. Call charges are cheaper between 22.00 hrs. and 08.00 hrs., and at weekends. Hotels normally charge a surcharge for an outgoing call. Within Portugal you can call direct to any subscriber first dialling the area code if the destination of the call is outside the area in which the call is being made. An area code is indicated by the prefix of "2" - example "289" - where "89" indicates the telephone area of Faro.

Mobile phones in Portugal use the GSM telephone service. Visitors using this system will have the benefit of Roaming. Portugal's international dial code number for mobile phones is "268". To contact a mobile phone number from a fixed phone you use the same method described above for dialling outside your area.

National Emergency is 112
National Enquiries is 118
International Enquiries is 179
Pre-paid Calls is 172

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Time to Travel
It is safe to suggest that the whole year is a good period to visit. Mainland Portugal has an attractive climate with long hot summers, and mild pleasant winters. In the north winters are obviously cool and wet, whilst in the Algarve temperatures seldom ever fall below freezing. Inland areas have hotter summers and cooler winters except for mountainous regions that even enjoy snow. Madeira Island and the Islands of the Azores enjoy a temperate climate the year around.
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Trains
Portuguese trains (Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses) are clean, efficient, comfortable, very cheap and run right on-time. Trains are one of Portugal's secret gems, and well worth exploring. If you intend to travel from the Algarve to Lisbon, take the train - it's far cheaper and much more fun than the bus. The route pass through some spectacular scenery, particularly in the hills and valleys of the lower Alentejo, and the adventure is completed by a ferry journey across the river Tejo into the heart of Lisbon. Consider paying the little bit extra for 1º class, where you have soft reclining seats and aircon. CFP have a comprehensive on-line presence in both English and Portuguese covering national and international routes, timetables and fares.
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Urban Travel
In the towns of the Algarve there is limited means of transport. Taxis are mainly used and they are painted in a cream colour. In urban areas they charge according to the taximeter. Outside these areas the charge is per kilometre and this includes the cost of thedrivers return trip. Luggage over 30 kilos is charged at a fixed rate. All taxis drivers have in their possession their printed rates in two languages.
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Visas
Traveling nationals of the EU (European Union), Australia and New Zealand, require only their passport or Identity Document. They may remain for a period of up to 90 days. American and Canadian nationals may stay for a period of 60 days with a valid passport. Other countries are subject to Visa controls and it is recommended that a potential visitor should check with the Portuguese Consul in their respective country prior to travel.
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