Portugal: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

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Portugal: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

About Portugal

Overview

Portugal, on the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain, is the oldest country in Europe, with Lisbon being four centuries older than Rome. You will find that Portugal has some of the most stunning scenery in the world, with its rugged mountains, colorful villages, ancient architecture, and golden beaches. The Algarve region, famous for its breathtaking coastal views of golden sands and turquoise water, is also home to the dramatic limestone cliffs, where dinosaur footprints are visible on the natural shelves in the coves, and fossils of marine life are embedded into the layers of the rock. 

Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, is located in the northwest part of the country, along the Douro River. This beautiful city is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious food and wine.

 

Disclaimer: Space is a precious commodity in Europe, especially in its most dense cities, so be prepared for smaller hotel rooms. The same goes for bathrooms and elevators, don’t be surprised if they feel cozier than those in the US.

 

Capital City: Lisbon

Population: 10,133,744 (2022 est.)

Currency: Euro €

Time Zone: Western European Summer Time (GMT +1)

Emergency Number: 112

Outlet: Type C/F

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Packing List

Speak the Language

Language: Portuguese is the country's official language, while English is the second most common language.

  

  • Hello - Olá
  • Goodbye - Adeus
  • Thank you - Obrigada
  • Do you speak English? - Você fala inglês?
  • How are you? - Como você está?
  • I’m fine, thank you - Vou bem obrigado
  • What’s your name? - Qual o seu nome?
  • My name is… - Meu nome é..
  • Where is... - Onde é..

      
    • An ATM - caixa eletrônico
    • The bathroom- banheiro

 

Google Translate: Google Translate: Download the Google Translate app or click here 

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Fun Facts

  • Established in 1732, Bertrand bookshop, located in Lisbon, Portugal, is the oldest operating bookshop. Although it was destroyed in the great Lisbon earthquake of 1755, it was moved to the very location it still occupies in 1773.
  • In 2021, Portugal came in 4th place on the Global Peace Index (GPI), making it one of the most peaceful countries in the world, behind Iceland, New Zealand, and Denmark. Portugal is thus one of the safest countries in the world with little violence.
  • In 2020, Portugal ranked as the 4th green country in the European Union across six categories, including waste, energy, greenhouse gases, air quality, fresh water, and natural land. Portugal was also among the first countries in the world to set 2050 carbon neutrality goals.
  • Portugal has a coastline that spans 497 miles (800 kilometers) and it's known to have 364 days of surf per year. This makes it a popular destination for surfers and beach-goers from all over the world.

Tipping

Tipping Suggestions: Tips for Guides, drivers and restaurants are not included. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them.

Guides USD $10 per person/per day
Drivers USD $3-4 per person/per day
Restaurants  USD 10% of total bill

 

FAQ

Where can I find information on travel safety? Check out the US Department of State's website for the most up-to-date information on safety while traveling.

To minimize the risk of pickpocketing it is recommended to be discreet: don’t flash anything of value, keep a firm hand on your camera, and carry shoulder bags slung across your body. Overall it’s a good idea to avoid badly lit areas completely at night and deserted inner-city areas by day.

 

Is the water safe to drink? Yes, you can drink tap water in Portugal. It isn't as nice as tap water from other parts of the world, but it's perfectly safe to drink. You'll see plenty of Portuguese people buying bottled water, but that's just because it tastes nicer.

 

Do I need a Visa? For Visa information, visit click here. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you return home and has two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.

 

What about vaccines? For vaccination information, click here.

 

Do you recommend travel insurance? While not required, we highly recommend all travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! Check out travel insurance options from our partner, worldnomads.com or from a provider of your choice.

 

What does public transportation look like? Portugal has a dense and accessible public transport network that spans the entire country, providing reliable connections to major cities and international destinations. Trains, trams, buses, taxis, and funiculars in the country are clean, efficient, and user-friendly.

 

How much should I pack? As we will be using shared transfers and spaces throughout our tour we recommend all travelers pack as lightly as possible. Please review our luggage restrictions below.

 

Is Uber or Lyft available? Uber and Lyft are available in several cities in Portugal like Lisbon, Porto, Braga, and across the Algarve.

 

What about Wifi? Internet access in Portugal is good, as is cell coverage. You might want to buy a SIM card on arrival to use during your stay for the most affordable rates.

Luggage Restrictions

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Book With Confidence

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