Below are a few hints that may help you when planning for your trip to Portugal:
VISA
A visa is required for South African passport holders
CLIMATE
The weather in Portugal is greatly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. The coastal climate is mild all year round. You will however find greater variation in temperatures inland due to the influence of the continental winds from the interior. Apart from the Algarve, nights can be cool even in summer.
CURRENCY
The currency used is the Euro.
The bills will come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. The design of the bills is the same throughout the euro zone. Coins will be worth either one or two euros or in euro cents -- 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 or 1. The coins will have a common face on one side, but on the other side, the symbol will differ from one country to another. Whatever the denomination, the same euro bills and coins can be used in all of the euro zone countries.
BUSINESS HOURS
Banks: are open from 08.30 to 15.00 from Monday to Friday and are closed on official holidays
Shops: are open from 09.00 to 13.00 and then again from 15.00 to 19.00 from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, most shops close at 13.00.
An exception are shopping centres situated in larger towns which are open Saturday, Sundays and holidays from 10.00 to 23.00.
LANGUAGE
In Lisbon, Porto, most of the Algarve and other big tourist destinations it’s fairly easy to find English-speakers however among older folk and in the countryside, English speakers are rare. Using a few Portuguese words and phrases will certainly enhance your visit.
CLOTHING
The Portuguese are conservative about dress, and except for beaches and coastal Algarve towns, its rare to see shorts and short sleeves except in tourists. Take more modest clothes for covering up in churches and very rural areas as not adhering to dress code can cause offensive. When dealing with authorities, you’ll get more help if you’re well dressed.
LUGGAGE
Passengers should restrict themselves to one suitcase each, in addition to hand luggage. For the flight, take toiletries etc. in a holdall as well as a change of clothing in the event of any delays. Should you need to take with prescription drugs it is recommended that you have a doctor’s letter with you. As porterage can be expensive we suggest you take luggage with wheels or travel light.
TOILETRIES
We recommend that you bring some kind of washing soap to do your hand washing. It is also a good idea to bring a blow up hanger, as not all hotel hangers can be removed from the cupboards. Remember to take suntan oil and protection cream. Do not forget the hat for the beach. Most hotels have hair dryers in the room. However, if you do take yours along, make sure that you have an international adaptor set.
ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
Portugal has the same voltage as South Africa (220V). The majority of electrical sockets take a two-prong plug. An adaptor- set (multi plug) is recommended.
TIPPING
If you’re satisfied with the service, a reasonable restaurant tip is 5% to 10%. The bill at an upper-end restaurant may already include a service charge. For a snack at a bar or café a bit of loose change is enough. Taxi drivers appreciate 10% of the fare.
WATER
Tap water is almost always safe to drink in towns and cities, though you should be wary in small villages. Portuguese bottled water is widely available.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Buses are cheap, frequent and connect just about every town in Portugal. Bus services are of three general types: Expresso are comfortable, fast, direct coaches between major cities, Rapidas are fast regional buses and Carreiras stop at every crossroad. Trains are generally slower than long distance buses though railway lovers consider this a plus. The trains range from the comfortable and speedy rapidos to the slow regionais. Taxis are plentiful and cheap. The majority of them are cream, while older ones are black with cream roofs. In the city, they charge a standard meter fare, with no additions for extra passengers.
SHOPPING
Shopping can be a pleasure in Portugal. Artisans still take pride in producing fine handicrafts. Good buys are port, rural handicrafts, pottery, ceramic tiles, Arraiolos rugs and wicker baskets. While many regional crafts are sold in Lisbon, there is usually a much wider and more authentic selection in the provinces.
WHAT TO EAT
Portuguese food is simple and fresh, abundant and filling, with few complicated sauces, but strong flavours with lots of garlic, olive oil and herbs. All regions in Portugal are known for particular culinary specialities. The Portuguese eat their hearty midday meal between 12.00 and 14.00 and dinner after 21.00. The tourist meal is usually not a good deal. Standard pre-meal bread, butter, cheese, olives and pate may be dished without your asking. If you do not want them send them back as you will be charged. For the “not so hungry” you can request a half portion or if the restaurant does not serve this meia-dose, share a full portion.
FLIGHTS – RECONFIRMATION
Please remember that it is essential to re-confirm your return flight latest 72 hours prior to departure. Failure to do so may result in your booking being cancelled, and all costs relating to this will be for your own account.
