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About Portugal

 Below is some general information about Portugal:

  • Average temperature in May: 62 degrees Fahrenheit

  • European Emergency Number: 112

  • Electric current: 230 / 400 volts, on a 50-hertz frequency

  • Subway - Every day from 06:30 am to 01:00 am

  • Trains – Every day from 05:00 am to 01:00 am

  • Buses – Every day from 05:30 am to 12:30 am. Night service from 12:30 am to 05:30 am

  • Shopping Centers – Every day from 10:00 am to 12:00 am

  • Pharmacies

In general, pharmacies are open on weekdays between 9am and 7pm (some close for lunch from 1 to 3 pm), and on Saturdays between 9am and 1pm.

  • Embassies - Monday to Friday 09:00 am to 03:00 am

  • Banks - Monday to Friday from 08:30 am to 03:00 am

  • Official currency – Euro. There are coins of: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1 and 2 euros. The bills can be distinguished by their size and color and have the following face values: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros.

  • Currency Exchange

You can exchange money at banks, which are open from 8.30 am to 3 pm five working days a week; at bureaux de change; and at automatic currency exchange machines (these are for currency sale transactions only).

  • Credit cards

In Portugal, the most commonly used credit cards are: Visa, American Express, Diners Club, Europay / MasterCard, JCB and Maestro. 
If your Visa or MasterCard credit card is lost or stolen, contact the following telephone numbers for assistance: 
- Visa: Tel. 800 811 107 
- MasterCard: Tel. 800 811 272

  • Tipping

Service is included in the bill in restaurants, though it is customary to leave an additional tip of about 5% of the total.

  • How to say in Portuguese: Good morning = Bom dia | Thanks = Obrigado | Breakfast = Pequeno-almoço | Bathroom = casa-de-banho | Coffee = café | Beer = Cerveja | Wine = vinho | Juice – sumo | Subway = metro | Bus = Autocarro | Lunch = almoço | Dinner = Jantar

  • Costs

In Portugal, the local currency is Euro and there are ATMs everywhere. You can withdraw up to 400 € (twice). But it is not necessary to walk with a lot of money as most credit/debit cards are accepted. Be sure to authorize your bank credit card prior to travel and check for international fees. To have an idea of the costs of some things in Lisbon: lunch in a normal restaurant - 10 €, ticket for subway - 1,5 €, express - 0.65 €, bus ticket (Ticket purchased on board) 1,85 €.

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