VISITING PORTUGAL
HOW TO GET THERE
International Airports: Lisbon, Porto, Faro (Algarve)
Most EU, North American and UK countries have direct flights into Lisbon all year round, while cheap flight operators run a daily service from the UK to Lisbon and Faro.
ONCE YOU HAVE LANDED
Every one of these airports have rental car outlets but also a quality public transport system with buses and trains taking you to your destination of choice.
VISAS
South African citizens do require a Schengen Visa to visit Portugal
TIPPING
If you're satisfied with the service, tip 5% to 10%. Bills at pricier restaurants may already include serviço (service charge). After a snack at a bar or café, some shrapnel is enough. Taxi drivers are not generally tipped, but 10% for good service would be appreciated.
ELECTRICITY
220 volts AC, 50Hz. Some areas provide 110 volts and in certain southern regions 230 DC is used. Continental two-pin plugs are in use
CREDIT CARDS
American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted, as well as Eurocheque cards. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services that may be available.
BANKS
Banking Hours are generally Monday-Friday 08:30-15:00 (certain banks in Lisbon are open until 18:00). In the Algarve, the bank in the Vilamoura Marina Shopping Centre is open daily 09:00-21:00.
VAT
Value-added tax (VAT - called IVA in Portugal ranges from 8% for basics, such as books and food, to 17-19% for luxury goods and for most things a foreign visitor would purchase. The tax is already factored into the sales price of virtually every item and service. Tourists from any non-EU country can receive an IVA refund with a minimum purchase of €60 in one shop. Look for shops displaying the sign Europe Tax-Free Shopping Portugal. The shop assistant fills in a cheque for the refund (minus an administration fee). When you leave Portugal you show your goods, cheques and passport at customs for a cash, credit card or postal-note refund. This service is available at the airports of Lisbon, Porto and Faro (postal refund at Faro only). If you are leaving overland, contact customs at your final EU border point.
TELEPHONE
Country code: 351
Mobile telephone roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies. Coverage exists across the whole country.
TIME
GMT (GMT + 1 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
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1st January |
New Year |
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19th March |
Father´s Day |
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25th April |
Carnation Revolution |
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1st May |
Labour Day |
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10th June |
Portugal Day |
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15th August |
Assumption of Mary |
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5th October |
Republic Day Portugal |
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1st December |
Portuguese Restoration War |
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8th December |
Feast of the Immaculate Conception |
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25th December |
Christmas |