Useful Information
There are many things that are useful to know when visiting or moving to Portugal.
Useful Information & Numbers
There are many things that are useful to know when visiting or moving to Portugal. Following is a listing of some of the most important information and numbers:
British Embassy: British Embassy Portugal, Rua Sao Bernado 33, Lisboa 1249-082
Tel: +351 21392 4000, Fax: +351 21392 4185, Email: ppa@lisbon.mail.fco.gov.uk
For other embassies see www.embassyworld.com
Currency: The currency used in Portugal is the Euro. One Euro is divided into 100 cent.
Dialling code: When you call Portugal you need to dial +351. To phone abroad dial 00 and the country’s code and the number you wish to reach.
Disabled service: There are generally good services for disabled people in public places like toilets and parking spaces, and in the airports and some shopping malls you can also find wheel chairs and get assistance on request. Besides, there is a dial-a-ride disabled bus service in both Lisbon and Porto.
Driving: Portuguese drive at the right side of the road, and usually vehicles approaching from the right has priority, except when the signs tell the contrary.
Electricity: The local current is 220 AC and the connection is made by a two-pin plug
Emergencies: The national emergency number is 112 and connects you to fire, police and ambulance services.
For non-emergency health care you should go to the local Health centre (Centro de Saude) normally open from 8 am to 8 pm.
Eating hours: The Portuguese usually have lunch between 12 and 2 pm and dinner at some point between 7 and 10 pm
Language: The language is Portuguese and many Portuguese speak English as well and some speak Spanish a well.
Opening hours: Although it varies from different regions and cities, shops are generally open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 7 pm and Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm. In some resort areas you will find supermarkets open on Sundays also, but usually shops are closed that day. Except the hypermarkets like “Pingo Doce” or “Continente” that are open everyday of the week. The big shopping malls are in general open from 10 am to 11 pm and some until midnight.
Banks: are usually open from 8.30 am to 3 or 4 pm. Click here for information on opening a Bank account.
Post office: Post offices are called “Correios” and are usually open Monday to Friday from 8.30 to 6 pm and closed during the weekends
Pharmacies: The "Farmácia” is normally open from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 1 pm and then again from 3 pm to 7 pm . In every area is one pharmacy that is open all night and on Sundays.
Police: There are two police forces in Portugal – the Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR) and the Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP). The GNR will deal with most matters, and pass you on to the PSP if necessary.
Pubic holidays: Almost everything is closed on: January 1, April 25 (Freedom Day) Good Friday, May 1 (Labour Day) June 10 and 11 (Portugal Day and Corpus Christi) August 15 (Assumption) October 5 (Republic Day) November 1 (All Saints Day) December 1 (Restoration of Independence Day) December 8 (Immaculate Conception) and December 25 (Christmas Day)
Time: Portugal and Madeira is Greenwich mean (GMT) time, The Azores are one hour behind Portugal Continental
Visas: Europeans and national of Australia and New Zealand require only their passport or identity Documents. They may remain for a period of up to 90 days. American and Canadian nationals may stay for a period of up to 60 days with a valid passport. Other nationals should check with their Portuguese Consul in their respective country prior to their visit as visa regulations changes.