Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken and understood.
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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, bureau de change and ATMs available in main cities and tourist destinations. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureau 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 checks.
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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. 001 for the US). Portugal is well covered by three GSM mobile phone networks. Internet cafes are available in most towns and resorts.
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Service charges are usually added to hotel and restaurant bills, but it is customary to leave an additional 10 percent. Bar staff and taxi drivers also expect tips, which are usually the rounding up of the bill to the nearest Euro.
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Travel to Portugal should be trouble-free, but there is a rising incidence of petty theft and pick-pocketing in tourist areas, so reasonable care should be taken.
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There are no health risks attached to travel to Portugal. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is necessary for entry for anyone traveling from an infected area and destined for the Azores or Madeira. Medical insurance is therefore advised.
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Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used.
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