Many people speak and understand English, but Portuguese is the country’s official language.
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Portugal’s official currency is the euro. You can exchange money at banks, automatic currency exchange machines and exchange bureaus, all of which are easily found in main cities and tourist destinations. ATMs are also easy to find. Most places accept traveler’s checks and major credit cards.
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Portugal’s international country code is 351. To call another country from Portugal, dial 00 followed by the appropriate country code. Most resorts and towns have Internet cafes.
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Even though service charges are usually included in restaurant and hotel bills, you are still expected to leave a 10 percent tip. Taxi drivers and bar staff are usually tipped by rounding up the bill.
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Beware of pickpockets and petty theft in tourist areas. Use your common sense and keep your valuables hidden; otherwise your trip to Portugal should be trouble-free.
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Traveling to Portugal doesn’t come with any specific health risks. If you’re going to the Azores or Madeira and have come from an area infected with yellow fever, you’ll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Make sure you’re covered by health insurance.
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Portugal’s electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz and uses two-pinned, round plugs.
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A New England native but explorer at heart, Melisse has lived in four U.S. cities, spent a summer in Hawaii, made her way through wine-producing regions in Australia and New Zealand, and traveled around Europe while studying abroad in London. She is the Content Manager for the U.S. and Canada at Cheapflights.