Portugal Travel Guide
What you need to know; the Bare Bones
Language: Portuguese
Currency: Euro
Politics: Democratic Republic
Population: 10 million
Area: 92,000 km2
Getting Through Customs
UK & US passport holders do not need Visas for stays up to 90 days. Children (those under 18 years of age) must either be in the company of a parent/guardian or met at the airport by parent/guardian or be carrying a letter of authorisation from parent/guardian which should include details of who is responsible for the 'child' during their stay.
Children may be prevented from leaving the country if the above conditions are not met.
Health & how to maintain it
UK passport holders are entitled to emergency medical treatment in state hospitals or medical centres only. US passport holders should make careful checks before departure to establish what level of insurance cover is required, how payment for treatment will be made and how payments made are reimbursed.
Medical treatment can be massively expensive. All travellers are advised to take out ample insurance cover.
Driving
Portugal has a very high rate of motor accidents and deaths so BEWARE.
Road quality is indifferent in many parts of the country. The locals tend to drive very fast and this coupled with the road quality causes problems. Fines for breaking the law are heavy and may be imposed as on the spot cash payments.
US visitors with a valid US driver's licence may drive for up to six months.
UK passport holders should carry either their UK drivers licence or International Driving permit. You must also carry the vehicle logbook (or rental agreement) insurance and MOT certificates plus any other relevant documents you can think of!
If driving your own car you must carry a red warning triangle for use (at the rear of the vehicle) in the case of breakdown. Seatbelts must be worn, both front and back. Children under 12 may only travel in the rear seats. Expect to pay tolls for using the motorway system.
US visitors should check with the AAA and UK visitors with the AA or RAC to verify local driving laws especially with regard to bringing your own car into the country.
Keeping out of Trouble
Don't do drugs. Being caught in possession of, or using drugs may make an individual liable to heavy fines or seizure of belongings. Dealing in narcotics carries much heavier penalties.
Be careful of personal possessions at all times. Portugal has a low crime rate but pickpocketing and other such petty theft is on the increase in the main tourist areas.
Common sense is the best protection.
Travellers or holidaymakers may be asked to produce ID. The best bet here is to carry a photocopy of the important parts of your passport. Try to keep your passport in a safe place i.e. Hotel safety deposit box.
Customs
US citizens are advised to contact the Portuguese Embassy in Washington DC to verify restrictions on import/export of goods to and from Portugal.
Cash and Plastic
Exchange of traveller's cheques is easy and all the 'big' credit cards are readily accepted as are ATM cards from the major providers.
The Best Time to Go?
Anytime is good in Portugal. Atlantic breezes moderate the Mediterranean climate. In the North West, it is somewhat milder and wetter and the interior plains can be very hot and dry in the summer. Lisbon's high season max temperature is approximately 27C and the winter average is approx. 13C. Not all the country is always so warm and in the Sierra del Estrela, it is possible to Ski from January to March.
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