Portugal Travel information

Visa is not required to visit Portugal as a tourist.

For more information please contact Permanent mission of Portugal in United States.

Portugal uses 230V, 50Hz with sockets and plugs Type C and Type F.

Portugal uses the euro (symbol: €), code EUR.

Banknotes come in denominations of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 euro. Euro is subdivided into 100 cents. Coins come in denominations of 2 and 1 euros and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Credit cards are widely accepted within Portugal (at hotels, shops, and restaurants, travel agencies, car-rental agencies etc.). Visa, MasterCard and Maestro are the most widely accepted. American Express is less common. Diners Club is pretty rare. Discover, JCB, UnionPay and RuPay are unknown.

Automatic teller machines are everywhere in Portugal. Pretty much anywhere you look there will be an ATM. Portugal has one of the highest ATM densities in the world.

You do not need a chip & PIN card to use an ATM — your standard magnetic or chip & signature card will work fine.

Tipping is usually not expected in Portugal. However, if you are satisfied with the service provided you can show your appreciation by leaving a small ‘extra’ tip.

Internet speed in Portugal is on average 12.1 Mbps which is 15% slower than in United States (14.2 Mbps).

WiFi coverage in Portugal is high. Many hotels, hostels, cafes, restaurants and bars have it.

You can buy a SIM card for about €14.68 ($16.56), which includes 1 GB of data plan. You can choose from 3 telecoms: NOS, MEO or Vodafone.

Portugal uses different GSM mobile networks than United States so check if your mobile phone supports network technologies in Portugal .

If you don't want to buy SIM card in Portugal upon arrival, make sure to check the roaming charges with your telecom provider before your departure so there are no surprises when you return home.

To call Portugal from United States, dial + or 011 (exit code for United States), then 351 (the country code for Portugal), then the area code and the local number.

Portugal has a low crime rate (lower than United States). It is a generally a safe place to live and travel. Exercise normal security precautions.

It's recommended to follow essential security precautions like wearing a money belt, securing your bag and staying vigilant in crowds.

No vaccinations are required to enter the country, but it is recommended to perform routine immunizations for your protection and to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Advisories that are issued on a world-wide level (may not be related to Portugal).

In Portugal you drive on the right side. Most cars have manual transmission (stick).

Unless otherwise posted, the speed limits for cars and motorcycles are as follows: 120 km/h (74 mph) on motorways, 120 km/h (74 mph) on expressways, 50 km/h (31 mph) in all built-up areas and 90-100 km/h (55-62 mph) on undivided highways.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required alongside your original license. IDP can be issued by your local automobile association before you leave home.

In order to rent a car:

• you must be over 25
• must hold a full license for at least a 1 year
• almost always have a credit card (Visa & MasterCard are the best)

Minimum age to purchase alcohol is 18 years old, while to drink it is not defined.

One of the few countries in the world where all drugs are decriminalized. It means you will not go to jail and it will not be on your criminal record if you get caught. However, you could still get a fine, rehabilitation, community service or a combination of the three.

Prostitution is legal (in a way of exchanging sex for money). Brothels are illegal.