In general
Currency
Euro (EUR). Cards and contactless are accepted everywhere, even for small amounts; ATMs (Multibanco) are very common. A little cash is handy only for markets and the odd tavern.
Language
Portuguese. It sounds quite different from how it's written, but in tourist areas English is widely spoken (and often Spanish and French too). An 'obrigado/obrigada' and a 'bom dia' open every door.
Documents / Visa
EU citizens only need a valid ID card or passport: no visa, it's the EU/Schengen area. Travellers from many other countries enter Schengen visa-free for up to 90 days, but should check their own nationality's rules. Always carry a document and keep a separate copy.
Health / Vaccines
No mandatory vaccines. Healthcare is good throughout the country; EU citizens can use the EHIC for public care. For private treatment and any mishap, travel insurance with medical cover and repatriation is still recommended. Health helpline (within Portugal only): 808 242424.
e-SIM / Connectivity
With an EU SIM, roaming is included at no extra cost. Visitors from outside the EU should get a local SIM or eSIM (Vodafone, MEO, NOS). Excellent 4G/5G everywhere, including along the coast and in the Douro. Wi-Fi is widespread in hotels, cafés and trains.
Electricity
230V, 50Hz, type C/F (Schuko) sockets — standard European. Travellers from the UK, US and elsewhere need an adapter; European two-pin plugs fit.
Time zone
Western European Time: UTC+0 in winter, UTC+1 in summer (one hour behind Central European Time). The Azores are a further hour behind.
Climate
Mild and Atlantic. Dry sunny summers, hot inland but tempered on the coast by ocean winds (it cools in the evening, bring a fleece). The north (Porto, the Douro) is wetter in autumn and winter; the south (the Algarve) is hotter and drier. Best times: April-June and September-October, with perfect weather and fewer crowds.
Payments
Among Europe's most digital countries: cards and contactless everywhere, MB Way for phone payments. Tipping isn't compulsory: round up or leave 5-10% if you were happy. Watch the 'couvert' in restaurants — the bread, olives and pâté brought to the table are charged if you eat them (just send them back if you don't want them).
Good to know
Pickpockets: watch out on trams and metro
Portugal is very safe, but pickpocketing is common in crowded tourist areas: in Lisbon especially on trams 28 and 15, on the metro, in Alfama and the Baixa; in Porto on the Ponte Dom Luís, at Trindade station and in the Ribeira; in the Algarve in summer. Keep phone, documents and money in inner pockets, never in a back pocket or an open backpack. There are dedicated tourist police units where you can report a theft, including in English.
If you drive: electronic tolls
You drive on the right as in most of Europe; an EU licence and insurance are valid. BEWARE of the motorways: many have electronic tolls with no booth (they read your plate), and payment must be made afterwards, online or at CTT points — if you don't, a hefty fine follows. With a rental car always ask how the toll device works (usually included): it's the most common surprise of a Portugal trip. Alcohol max 0.05% (0.02% if licensed under 3 years).
Respect the ocean
Portugal's beaches are Atlantic, not Mediterranean: strong waves, rip currents and tides can be dangerous, and there are accidents, some fatal. Swim where there's a lifeguard and respect the flags (red = no swimming, yellow = caution). At Nazaré the giant waves are for watching, not challenging. On the Algarve cliffs stay behind the barriers: the sandstone crumbles.
Summer wildfires
Between July and September wildfires are frequent and dangerous, especially in the centre-north and the interior. Take care in wooded areas and follow the Civil Protection updates (prociv.pt). In Portugal starting a fire, even unintentionally (a cigarette butt, a barbecue), is a crime. To report emergencies: 112.
At the table: fish, pastéis and vinho verde
Portugal is one of the best countries in Europe for fish, at honest prices: bacalhau (salt cod, 365 recipes they say), grilled sardines, octopus, cataplana. Don't miss the pastéis de nata (the original is in Belém), the north's cool vinho verde, Douro wine and, to finish, a small glass of port or ginjinha. Lunch is around 1pm and dinner from 8pm onwards.
Book the must-sees and pick your season
For Sintra (Pena, Quinta da Regaleira), Porto's Livraria Lello and Coimbra's Joanina Library, buy a timed ticket online and go at opening: they are mobbed. The Algarve in summer (July-August) is beautiful but crowded and pricey: May-June and September are ideal. The Benagil cave can only be visited by boat or kayak, booking ahead and going early.
Useful numbers
- 112 — Single emergency number (police, ambulance, fire), 24/7
- 808 242424 — Saúde 24 health helpline (within Portugal only)
- +351 21 342 1623 — Lisbon tourist police (Porto: +351 222 092 006)
- +351 213 515 320 — Italian Embassy in Lisbon — travellers of other nationalities should contact their own embassy
💡 Portugal is best enjoyed in spring or early autumn: perfect weather, golden light and no crowds. If you rent a car, sort out with the agency right away how the electronic tolls work (the most common trap), and remember the ocean here is serious: stunning to watch, but swim only where there's a lifeguard.