Portugal Guide

Know Before You Go...®

Portugal is a southwestern European country, located on the Iberian Peninsula. It is known for its beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture. The Algarve region, situated in the southernmost part of Portugal, is a popular tourist destination renowned for its stunning coastline, charming towns, and delicious seafood. With a warm climate and a laid-back lifestyle, Portugal and the Algarve offer a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. From exploring medieval castles to indulging in delicious pastries and wine, there is something for everyone in this stunning country. Come and experience the magic of Portugal and the Algarve for yourself.

Why Portugal?

Portugal is the oldest nation in Europe
The capital of Portugal, Lisbon, was founded by the Phoenicians
Portugal is one of the few countries in Europe that still has a monarchy
The University of Coimbra, founded in 1290, is one of the oldest universities in Europe
Portugal is the world's leading producer of cork products

History

A relaxing villa refuge on Portugal’s popular Algarve coastAndrew O’Donnelley

Transportation on Portugal

Getting to Portugal and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Entry Documents

Valid Passport: Ensure it’s valid for at least 3 months beyond departure.
Visa: Check Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs for visa requirements based on nationality.
Proof of Accommodation: Have confirmation of hotel or lodging.
Proof of Funds: Be ready to show you can cover your stay (bank statements or sponsorship letter).
Return Ticket: Show onward travel plans.
Travel Insurance: Recommended for health coverage.
Arrival Form: Complete if required.
COVID-19 Documents: Check latest travel advisories and COVID-19 requirements from reliable sources.

Departure Tax

No specific departure tax in Europe for American citizens; European countries typically include departure taxes in airline ticket prices, applying to all passengers, to fund airport services. Best to check with airline or airport website for any updates.

Driving

Non-EU/EEA tourists may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Ensure all occupants, including passengers in the back seat, wear seat belts.
Children under 12 or less than 135 cm in height must use an appropriate child safety seat.
Adhere to speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on open roads, 100 km/h on expressways, and 120 km/h on motorways.
Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless you have a hands-free system.
Overtake on the left, and keep to the right unless overtaking on multi-lane roads.
Many highways have tolls; pay attention to toll booths and consider electronic toll devices available with some rental cars.
Use headlights at all times, even during the day.
In case of an emergency, call 112 and familiarize yourself with emergency service numbers.

Portugal Weddings and Honeymoons

Vacationers don’t just stay in Portugal villas - they come to paradise to get married and celebrate their honeymoons!

Know Before You Go...® - Portugal Travel Tips

Before making their way to Portugal villas, vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in Portugal even more relaxing.

Capital:

2021Lisbon

Population:

201910.3 million

Size:

201792,212

Electric Current:

220/240

Official Language:

English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, but knowing a few basic Portuguese phrases can be helpful.

Currency:

Portugal's official currency is the Euro (€), which is used throughout the country for all transactions. The Euro is divided into 100 cents, and coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 2 Euros. Banknotes come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 Euro denominations. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Portugal, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly accepted, followed by American Express and Diners Club. Discover cards are not widely accepted in Portugal. It is always a good idea to inform your bank of your travel plans before using your card abroad to avoid any potential issues. ATMs (known as Multibancos) are widely available in Portugal and can be found in most cities and towns. They accept most major credit and debit cards and allow you to withdraw Euros in the local currency. However, be aware that some ATMs may charge a fee for international transactions, so it is best to check

Tipping and Taxes:

Tipping and taxes in Portugal are an essential part of the country's economy and culture. Here are some key points to understand about tipping and taxes in Portugal: 1. Sales Tax: In Portugal, the sales tax is known as the Value Added Tax (VAT) or Imposto sobre o Valor Acrescentado (IVA). The standard rate of VAT in Portugal is 23%, with reduced rates of 13% and 6% for certain goods and services. 2. Restaurant Tipping: Tipping in restaurants is not mandatory in Portugal, but it is appreciated. A service charge is often included in the bill, but it is customary to leave an additional 5-10% as a tip for good service. 3. Hotel Tipping: Tipping is not expected in hotels, but it is common to leave a small amount for housekeeping or porters. A few euros per day is considered a generous tip. 4. Taxi Tipping: Tipping taxi drivers in Portugal is not expected, but rounding up the fare is common. For exceptional service, a 5-10% tip is appreciated. 5. Other Services: Tipping for ot

Dress Code:

The dress code in Portugal tends to be casual and relaxed, with a mix of traditional and modern styles.

Topography:

Portugal's topography consists of rugged mountains, rolling hills, and fertile plains, with a long coastline along the Atlantic Ocean.

Telephone:

Portugal's telephone country code is +351 and the area code for the entire country is 00.

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