A little local know-how goes a long way in Portugal. Here is all the essential advice and information you will need during your stay.

Personal Security

While crime in Portugal is very low, pickpockets are fairly common in major cities. Take care in crowded tourist areas and aboard Lisbon’s trams, particularly the 28 and 15. Keep your valuables in a safe place when in your accommodation and with you at all times.

If you have anything stolen, report the crime within 24 hours to the nearest police station and take ID with you. Get a copy of the crime report to make an insurance claim. Contact your embassy if you have your passport stolen, or in the event of a serious crime or accident. The number to dial in an emergency is 112. Ask for the required service – polícia (police), ambulância (ambulance) or bombeiros (fire brigade). In Lisbon visitors can report assaults, thefts and lost property to the Lisbon Tourist Police.

The Portuguese are generally accepting of all people, regardless of their race, gender or sexuality. Homosexuality was legalized in 1982 and in 2010, Portugal became the eighth country in the world to recognize same-sex marriage. Portugal prides itself on being a tolerant country; homophobic attitudes are very much the exception, not the norm. Having said this, some rural areas remain conservatively Catholic, and public displays of affection may be met with hostility. If you do feel unsafe, the Safe Space Alliance pinpoints your nearest point of refuge.

Women may receive unwanted attention, especially around tourist areas. If you feel threatened, head straight for the nearest police station.

Lisbon Tourist Police

§ 213 421 623

Safe Space Alliance

∑ safespacealliance.com

Health

Portugal has a world-class health system. Emergency medical care in Portugal is free for all EU citizens. If you have an EHIC or GHIC, be sure to present this as soon as possible. You may have to pay after treatment and reclaim the money on your insurance later. For visitors coming from outside the EU, payment of hospital and other medical expenses is the patient’s responsibility, so it is important to arrange comprehensive medical insurance before travelling.

Seek medicinal supplies and advice for minor ailments from pharmacies (farmácias), identifiable by a green cross. Pharmacists can dispense a range of drugs that would normally be available only on prescription in many other countries. Each pharmacy displays a card in the window showing the address of the nearest all-night pharmacy.

Smoking, Alcohol and Drugs

Smoking is banned in most enclosed public spaces and is a fineable offence, although some bars still allow it.

Portugal has a high alcohol consumption rate; however, it is frowned upon to be openly drunk. In cities it is common to drink on the street outside the bar of purchase.

All drugs have been decriminalized in Portugal since 2001, but possession of even small quantities is considered a public health issue and will result in a warning or small fine. Be aware of drug dealers brazenly plying their wares in city centres.

ID

By law you must carry identification with you at all times in Portugal. A photocopy of your passport should suffice. If stopped by the police you may be asked to report to a police station with the original document.

Local Customs

As the pressure of tourism grows in Portugal’s cities, small efforts to integrate are appreciated. Try to use simple Portuguese phrases and greetings appropriate to the time of day.

A much-loved aspect of Portugal is the slow pace of life. Avoid impatience as a pedestrian, at events and when making social engagements.

Visiting Places of Worship

Most churches and cathedrals will not permit visitors during Sunday Mass. Generally, entrance to churches is free; however a fee may apply to enter special areas, like cloisters.

Portugal retains a strong Catholic identity. When visiting religious buildings dress modestly, with your knees and shoulders covered.

Mobile Phones and Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is not yet widespread in Portugal, although it can be found in some restaurants and bars, specifically those aimed at tourists.

Visitors travelling to Portugal with EU tariffs are able to use their devices abroad without being affected by roaming charges. Users will be charged the same rates for data, calls and texts as at home.

Post

The postal service is run by CTT (Correios de Portugal), which offers a wide range of services at prices lower than the European average. Stamps are sold in post offices, newsagents and on the CTT website.

CTT

∑ ctt.pt

Taxes and Refunds

VAT is usually 23 per cent. Under certain conditions, non-EU citizens can claim a rebate. Either claim the rebate before you buy (show your passport to the shop assistant and complete a form) or present a customs officer with your receipts as you leave.

Discount Cards

Most major cities offer a visitor’s pass or tourist discount card for exhibitions, events and museum entry. Some, like the Lisboa Card and the Porto Card, even cover the cost of public transport within the city for a set number of days. These cards are not free, and though they may often seem like a bargain, it is worth carefully considering how many of the offers you are likely to take advantage of before purchasing one for the duration of your stay.

Lisboa Card

∑ lisboacard.org

Porto Card

∑ oporto.ticketbar.eu

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At a Glance

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

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Time zone

CET/CEST

Central European Summer time (CEST) runs from the last Sun in Mar to the last Sun in Oct.

Tap water

Unless stated otherwise, tap water in Portugal is safe to drink.

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