| Country Name |
Portugal |
| Geographical Area |
92,391 sq km (35,672 sq miles) |
| Population |
10,605,870 (July 2006 est.) |
| Capital City |
Lisbon |
| People |
Portuguese and other |
| Language |
Portuguese
English and French are second languages in Portugal. |
| Religion |
94% Roman Catholic, Protestant |
| Government |
Parliamentary democracy, head of the government is the prime minister, head of the state is the president |
| Head of Gov. |
Prime Minister: José Socrates; President: Anibal Cavaco Silva |
| Visas |
Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada or the US may stay for up to 90 days without a visa. |
| Health Risks |
Sunburn, heat exhaustion |
| Clothing Suggestions |
SUMMER: May through September – casual clothing made of lightweight fabrics and good walking shoes are essential. Sunglasses and a sun hat are also recommended.
WINTER: Mid- November through Mid-March – A wardrobe of matching coordinates, made of man-made fibers and/or wool, which allow for minimum and maximum warmth for varying temperatures is suggested. A topcoat with zip-out lining is also advised.
SPRING/FALL: Mid-March through April and then October through Mid-November – Lightweight wool or topcoat are suggested.
DINING: Informal attire, except for some selected restaurants, which require tie and jacket for men.
CASINOS: Formal attire is recommended.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES: Comfortable shoes and a hat are recommended.
CHURCHES: Casual, but conservative attire is recommended.
CRUISES: Casual daytime attire is suggested. For occasional special gala evenings cocktail dress and tie and jacket are suggested. |
| Time Zone |
GMT/UTC; 5 hours ahead of EST |
| Banking / Exchange |
Banks are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.
to 3 p.m. and closed on major holidays. |
| Currency |
Euro |
| Electric Current |
The standard electrical current throughout Portugal is 220 AC, 50 cycles. |
| Credit Cards / Traveler Checks |
Visa cards are widely accepted throughout Portugal. Mastercard/Eurocard and American Express are also useful.
TRAVELERS CHECKS:
Traveler’s checks are widely accepted throughout Portugal and may be exchanged easily at most banks. |
| Shopping |
General Trade Stores Shopping Hours
Mon-Fri: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
and 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sun: Closed
NOTE:
Shopping centers in large cities may remain open from
10 a.m. to 11 p.m. all week. |
| Weights & measures |
Metric |
| How to shop Tax Fee |
1. Shop in any of the stores that display a TAX-FREE FOR TOURISTS window sticker and ask for a Tax-Free Shopping Form. With this form you can later claim your VAT (Value Added Tax) Refund. The VAT is included in the selling price.
2. When you leave Portugal, make sure your purchases and receipts are readily available for inspection. Allow plenty of time for this process when you arrive at the airport. A Customs official will stamp your form as long as the purchase was made within in the previous six months. Without this stamp, a form is not valid and VAT refund cannot be made.
3. A VAT refund will be mailed to you or placed in a credit card account. |
| National Airport |
Lisboa (Lisbon) LIS |
| Major Tourist Attractions |
Aveiro, The Azores, Coimbra, Faro, Lisbon, Porto, Viseu |
| Tipping Suggestion |
Almost all dining establishments will include services in their prices. However, it is customary, all though not expected, to leave a tip in bars, hotels, restaurants, and taxis. A tip of 5%-10% is appropriate. |
Destinations
Italy
