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Portugal - Travel Guide
Introduction Most people visiting the country will be heading for the perennially sunny climate and golden beaches of the Algarve and its Mediterranean Coast in the south. More exclusive than the Spanish Costas yet less elitist than the French Riviera, the region is undeniably one of Europe's top coastal areas. But it is a mistake to think that this is all there is to this incredible country. Head off the fairways of the Algarve and into the interior of Portugal and you'll be rewarded with a picturesque countryside, similar to that of rural Greece or Spain. Or make your way to one of the former seats of colonial power - the fine capital city of Lisbon or picturesque Porto. Portugal was once one of the richest countries in the world. You can see the evidence of this faded majesty in its larger towns and cities as well as the ruins that litter the countryside. Head north and inland to discover a hidden Portugal, surprisingly green and verdant, and sparsely populated with tiny hill towns and valley villages. Portugal more than most of Europe has managed to preserve its traditional culture and you'll find the people live the way they have done for centuries. Celebrations and festivals are observed with an enthusiasm that has nothing to do with tourism and more to do with a genuine joie de vivre. To catch a taste of this traditional life, tour along the Atlantic coast's tiny fishing villages where the catch is still landed by brightly painted boats in the local harbor. Eating that day's sardines freshly cooked in sight of the vessels that landed them is an unforgettable slice of this idyllic life. But if Portugal benefits from its history and geography it is the people that truly make it one of the best touring destinations on the continent. Polite to a fault you'll always find a warm welcome no matter how far off the tourist track you might wander. Cultural and language boundaries are crossed effortlessly by genuine hospitality. A narrow strip along the western edge of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal manages to cram in an amazing diversity of art, architecture and culture and all under an incredibly clear azure sky. History & Culture Although Portugal's history is not widely known, it is of the world's longest established countries, and the territory has played transient host to Europe's great conquerors. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths and Moors all ruled here, and no doubt enjoyed the spectacular coastline just as much as today's tourists. Evidence of all these great cultures can be found in the varied territory of the country, and vestiges still remain in the day to day culture of the people. It was King Alfonso Henriques who finally established Portugal per se in 1140, taking the territory out of the control of the Muslim rulers. When established, the nation was approximately three-quarters of its current size with the Southern region of the Algarve only being added in 1249 by Alfonso III. By 1400 under the rule of Joao I the country was sending seafaring explorers to Africa and out into the Atlantic. Meanwhile, domestically the country was undergoing unrest as Joao sought to convert the entire nation to Christianity. In a movement that was to be echoed in Germany over five hundred years later, Jews were being forced to wear different clothes to the rest of the nation, and were emigrating in droves. Inspired by Henry the Navigator the explorers were wandering further and further across the oceans, predominantly to seek a passage to India and its sources of wealth but also to expand the territories of the empire through arms and establish Christianity. Madeira Island was the first of the Portuguese colonies, closely followed by the Azores - the only parts of the empire that Portugal still holds. Inevitably, Portuguese explorers reached the tip of Africa and rounded the Cape of Good Hope. More importantly than mapping the African continent, Portugal now had its route to India, with the famed explorer Vasco da Gama the first to establish Portuguese colonies on the resource rich subcontinent. Meanwhile Pedro Cabral was sailing across the Atlantic to discover Brazil and establish colonies there. Colonists backed up by the Portuguese navy's firepower slowly expanded to China, the Far East and Japan. In 1485 the Portuguese seafarer Magellan made the first circumnavigation of the Earth by sea, perhaps the greatest feat in the history of exploration and an achievement that finally opened up all corners of the world. However, by this time the Portuguese colonial fortunes were on the turn. The entrepreneurial spirit the nation had engendered in its explorers led them to line their own pockets rather than sending wealth home, and it was the Spanish and the English who reaped the main benefits of Portuguese discoveries. The country eventually went into decline and was passed from Spanish to French rule before being established as a wholly independent nation once more in 1910. Portugal took a fascist course under the premiership of Antonio de Oliveira Salazar and his political party the National Union. Regardless of its political dispositions Portugal remained neutral during the Second World War. Salazar remained in power until 1968. Salazar's eventual successor Marcello Caetano eased the political restrictions that had been put into place during his era as President. With a bout of military rule in the 1970s and the adoption of a constitution in 1976, Portugal has followed a socialist path of development with the added emphasis on political pluralism. In 1986 it joined the EU and subsequently embraced EU demands with greater ease than other member states. The socialists and center-right have contested elections fiercely over the last twenty years or so with the socialist cementing their authority in 2005, when Jose Socrates became Prime Minister. However this is beginning to change as center-right politics has become increasingly popular. As of 2007 President Anibal Cavaco Silva is the first center-right President to be elected since 1974. With a long Spanish border and a history inextricably tied to its larger neighbor it is inevitable that the Portuguese culture is often compared and confused with that of the Spanish. In truth it is hard for an outsider to distinguish easily between the two. Both countries have a proud imperial past, founded on sea faring and exploration, both are strongly Catholic, and even the languages are not totally dissimilar. However it is a mistake to assume too much familiarity between the nations. It is offensive to the Portuguese to assume they are in anyway Spanish, particularly when it comes to language. Many Portuguese do speak a version of Spanish, but only as an additional language to Portuguese. If you are a fluent Spanish speaker you shouldn't naturally assume you can converse with your Portuguese host in Spanish, it is as likely that they will know French or English just as well. The country is still distinctively rural in outlook and the population among one of the poorest in Europe, with cork and olive growing the major industry in some of the regions. However, the Portuguese are also among the most hospitable nationalities on the continent, particularly away from the tourist centers of the Algarve and the larger cities. Despite relatively low levels of education the population has a highly developed sense of culture. Traditional celebrations are entered into with an enthusiasm that has less to do with impressing tourists and more to do with celebrating Portugal's rich heritage (although the reverse might apply in the Algarve).
See & Do Portugal packs a number of world-class attractions into its diminutive frame, from the perfect beaches of the Algarve and the Costa Verde to the fascinating cities of Lisbon, Faro and Evora. And don't forget the Atlantic islands of Madeira and the Azores, magical and unique Porto The largest city in the north of the country; Porto is renowned for the famous port wineries of the Vila Nova de Gaia on the south side of the River Douro that have been producing port here for 300 years. All of the wineries happily welcome visitors, and will let you sample some of the produce before you buy. Don't leave the town without taking in some of the fantastic baroque and Gothic architecture, most notably the 12th-century Convent of Santa Clara. Algarve in the summer The best known, hyped, developed, and visited area in the country, the Algarve is what most people will think of as definitive "Portugal". Beaches, watersports, package tours and extremely late nights typify this series of resorts, scattered along Portugal's South Coast. Different from the Spanish "Costas" in that it's not quite so thoroughly developed, the Algarve is popular with everyone from partygoers, to families and retired couples seeking a quieter coastal resort. The Costa Verde Alternative The northern Costa Verde (Green Coast) is arguably the most geographically attractive part of Portugal, and certainly one of the least commercialized regions. A trip north of Porto rewards the independent-minded traveler with medieval towns and villages in stunning hill and coast locations. The already lazy pace of life drops off even further as you enter idyllic rural Portugal. This is where the country was first established and the original Celtic influence on the culture is evident in the customs and architecture of the region. Historic Évora East of Lisbon in the central plains lies the most beautiful of Portuguese settlements, Évora. There are buildings left here since Roman times, the Moorish occupation and of course the more recent Christian era. Don't miss the remains of the Temple of Diana, the Sé (a cathedral dating back 800 years) and the macabre Capela dos Ossos. This chapel of the Church of São Francisco is eerily lined with thousands of human bones and decorated with hanging mummified bodies. It was designed to give the monks who worshipped here a sense of their own mortality, the sign above the door reading "Here are our bones, we await yours". Lisbon The capital of Portugal has changed hands many times over the past couple of millennia, and the architecture traces this development: the Greeks, Romans and Moors have all left their influence on this fabulous city. Top sights include the beautiful Jerónimos Monastery with its perfectly serene cloisters and the winding old streets of the Alfama district. As well as this rich history Lisbon remains a modern and vivacious city rather than a monument to a past age. The nightlife is loud and late (the clubs only kicking into action after midnight), and the daytimes are busy and bustling. Perhaps not a city to come to for relaxation but one that is definitely worth exploring. The Sound of Portugal - Fado The traditional "blues" of Portugal is fado - the word comes from the word "fate" and the music revolves around the idea of suadade, best translated as "yearning". Fado is played on a fado guitar, a distinctive instrument with a huge (fat and round) body. The two main centers for the music are Lisbon in the south and Coimbra in the north. Both areas have their own unique style and emphasis on this soulful folk music. If you get an invitation to hear real fado, jump at it - otherwise you might have to be satisfied with the more anodyne tourist fare, though this is still worthwhile at a pinch. Atlantic Island Retreats Portugal's territories are not limited to mainland Europe but also include the island getaways of the Azores and Madeira. Madeira is a year-round destination of great beauty, most famous for the sweet Madeira wine still made and sold there. The Azores group of islands lies almost halfway to the US and is utterly beautiful. Cross-Atlantic yachters and European holidaymakers are attracted to the nine islands of the chain, each of which has its own particular character. The islands are perfectly placed for whale-watching and it's possible to charter boats to see these magnificent mammals in their natural habitat. Braga The third largest settlement in Portugal is Braga, in the far north. Braga is known as the "Portuguese Rome" because of the 300 churches dotted around the city, although ironically the city was a Celtic town before the Romans occupied the region. The Empire eventually established its regional capital here in around 250BC. It is undoubtedly one of Portugal's most architecturally rich cities with every corner of the town hiding some magnificent building from any of several great periods of architecture. Make sure that you visit the Igreja de Bom Jesus do Monte, with its impressive baroque stairway up the mountainside. Sintra Just to the north-west of Lisbon lies Sintra, an astoundingly beautiful historical town much beloved of English Romantic poets such as Lord Byron who visited it as part of his grand European tour. The town is centered around the three palaces, Palácio da Vila, Palácio de Queluz and the magnificent Palácio da Pena. All three are national monuments, famed for the richness of their treasures they have on display inside. The town is surrounded by picturesque countryside and woodlands, with walks that take you past other palaces and churches from various times in Portugal's history. Outside of peak tourist season in particular, Sintra makes a lovely break from Lisbon and provides an ideal opportunity to recharge your batteries away from the big city. Golf Many people come to this incredibly beautiful country and spend the entire time on the golf course. Mind you, who can really blame them? Portugal is one of the world's favorite holiday-cum-golfing destinations with the varied undulating terrain and fantastic weather having led to a proliferation of golf courses. In the Algarve alone there are literally hundreds of miles of fairway for holiday golfers to head for. Estoril near Lisbon is the most famous of the country's championship courses, and the course often hosts international competitions with European Tour professional players. Geography Portugal, on the western side of the Iberian Peninsula, is about 500km from north to south and only 200km across, in an almost perfect rectangle. Everything that doesn't border Spain is Atlantic coastline, and almost the entirety of this coastline consists of sandy beaches. Indeed, of the six areas generally recognized in Portugal, four are predominantly coastline. From the north, starting where the Spanish Galicia region ends, they are the Costa Verde (Green Coast), the Costa de Prate (Silver Coast), the Costa de Lisboa (Lisbon Coast) and in the far south, the Algarve. The inland areas consist of the central Planicies (plains) and the northern Montanhas (mountain) region, which starts roughly at the Serra da Estréla rising up to about 2,000m, and progressing right to the northern border and the Peneda-Gerés National Park, little visited by non-Portuguese but well worth checking out. Apart from mainland Portugal, the country also has two volcanic archipelagos in the Atlantic - the Maderia and the Azores islands. Since the reversion of Macau to Chinese rule in 1999 these island idylls are all that is left of what used to be one of the world's most far-reaching colonial empire. Both Madeira and the Azores can be reached either via ferry from Portugal or through international air links. As a general rule, the country is more densely populated (and more touristy) in the South, with the Algarve, stretching across the southern tip of the country, being the epitome of this. With a mild Mediterranean climate, warm winters and golden summers, the Algarve will attract the majority of the country's visitors in any given year. Weather The climate in Portugal is temperate, with elevation dictating the main variations in weather. The country's highest temperatures occur only in the comparatively low southern regions, where summers extend from March through October. The Algarve on the southern extreme of the country enjoys a Mediterranean climate and, while summer is undoubtedly the peak tourist season, visitors come all year round to enjoy the golf and perennially warm weather. The higher North of the country is a lot wetter than the other areas with an average 140 centimeters (56 inches) of rain annually. This has resulted in a more lush landscape but winters can be cold as well as damp and not good for visitors. Snowfall is common in the mountains of the north and central regions and there is even some skiing to be had in winter months. Transport Portugal is not a big country, it must be admitted, and distances are unlikely to be too much for most travelers, especially those content to stay in the South of the country. Nevertheless public transport is for the most part is of a high standard. Cycling is a popular way to tour the country with terrain being predominantly flat or at most gently undulating. The fantastic weather year round also contributes to make cycling a pleasure. As with everything the Algarve is the most popular region to explore in this manner. Cycling as a practical method of transport isn't as pleasant, particularly not in the big cities, which aren't designed to cater to the cyclist. You should also be wary of driving on roads at night as some roads are unlit and in a poor state of repair. Note that transport may be affected by public holidays. by train Taking the train can be one of the most rewarding ways of getting around, as the routes are often spectacular. It's not the fastest way of getting from A to B, but then you are on holiday. And the train is certainly a lot less nerve-wracking than driving on the main routes around Lisbon! The CP (Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses), or Portuguese Rail, has a great network that covers every sizeable town in the country - and some of the smaller ones, too. The regional trains are cheap and relatively cheerful, and you shouldn't need to book ahead. They'll stop everywhere, though. The Intercity (Intercidades) and Alfa (express service on Lisbon-Coimbra-Porto route) are more expensive options but worth it for speed and convenience if you're traveling great distances. Lisbon has an eccentric but effective tram service. by bus Bus travel in Portugal is likely to be a bit faster than going by train over medium distances, and is nearly always cheaper than the rail option. Bus stations tend to be right in the middle of any given town, which is another bonus when compared to train stations, which can lie a fair way out of urban centers. The popular routes, such as Lisbon-Faro or Lisbon-Porto also have express services that are much faster than the regular stopping services. Rede-Expressos has a network of national routes. by car With car rental rates among the lowest in Europe, Portugal is a good place to hire a car as long as you drive with due care, as the country has one of the worst accident rates in Europe. Many visitors find driving in Portugal somewhat trying, if not actually terrifying. Wear your seatbelt (it's the law) at all times, and try not to get agitated by Portuguese drivers - they have a bad reputation for a reason. Take special care on unlit roads in rural areas, they can often be in a poor state of repair. Points to consider:
by air Within continental Portugal there is very little need to travel by air, and the routes are fairly expensive - however, links do exist between the major centers such as Lisbon, Faro and Oporto. The main domestic carrier is TAP Air Portugal. To get to the Atlantic Islands (Madeira and the Azores) from the mainland, the main carrier is SATA Air Açores. There is no separate departure tax payable when leaving Portugal. All applicable airport charges are included in ticket prices. by boat International ferries dock and depart from Lisbon, Leixões (Oporto), and Portimão in the Algarve. Destinations include various ports in the Mediterranean as well as to the Portuguese Atlantic island groups via cruises. Companies including P&O, Cunard and Olympia run services and should be contacted independently for schedules and pricing at various times of year. There are also several internal ferry services on the rivers of the country. In Oporto, getting to the Port wineries can include a trip on one of the wineries' traditional sailing boats, each with the name of the appropriate winery on the sail. In Madeira, there are daily ferries (except Tuesdays) between Funchal and Porto Santo. In the Azores the two main ferry companies that inter-connect the islands are Transmaçor and AçorLine. Shopping Portugal is best known for its fine jewelry, hand-painted tiles and traditional ports. Keep your receipts as tax can be refunded on many of these items. What to buy The most essentially Portuguese souvenirs you will come across are the hand-painted ceramic tiles called azulejos which you will be able to find all over the country. These were originally copied from Morocco in the 15th century and are traditionally blue and white (azul means "blue" in Portuguese). The glazed tiles still cover many church and pousada (villa) walls, but the older tiles won't be found for sale (except possibly at auction). In Porto, the obvious choice is a good bottle of port, but the city is also well-known for its silver products. On the subject of precious metals, Portugal is noted for its gold filigree work, and the government enforces a high standard on the metal, so although there are less cheap items, you're more or less guaranteed to be getting gold of 19.2 carats and higher. If you visit the Atlantic Islands, be sure to pick up some of the local crochet (from the Azores) and embroidery (Madeira - check for the government tag certifying authenticity, as there are a lot of fakes around). Obviously Lisbon is where to go to get all the accoutrements of modern living - a visit to the city's largest mall, Amoreiras (on the Av. Duarte Pacheco) will get you anything you ever wanted from one of its 300 shops. The other big shopping area in the city is the Chiado - a section of the city rebuilt after having burnt down. The Chiado is chic and expensive, and aiming to take its place once again as the center of Lisboan culture Operation hours Shops are generally open from 09:00-13:00 and 15:00-19:00 Mon-Fri, 09:00-13:00 Sat. Many large shopping centers remain open from 10:00-24:00 Mon-Sun. VAT tax refund A value-added tax of 21% (mainland) or 15% (islands) is included in the price of most goods. When leaving Portugal, non EU- tourists can apply for a tax refund on goods bought. Most countries offering a tax refund specify a minimum amount that must be spent in a particular shop to claim a refund. In Portugal, the minimum purchase to qualify for a refund is EUR60.13 (mainland) or EUR57.36 (islands). To reclaim tax you need to request a VAT refund request form, when you make a purchase, which states the amount of refund due. These documents must be produced along with the goods as you leave the country and the refund will be processed and sent to you. Cash refund points can be found at Lisbon, Porto and Madeira airports. Look out for the 'Cotacambios' office. Alternatively, you can purchase goods from shops participating in the Tax-free Shopping program (look out for the Tax-free Shopping logo displayed in the window). Simply show your passport when you make a purchase and you will be given a Tax-free Shopping cheque, showing the refund you are owed. As you leave the country, customs officials will stamp your cheques. You can claim your refund from the Tax-free Shopping desk or have the refund sent to you. Food & Drink Food Although seafood and rice are both as common ingredients in Portuguese cooking as they are in Spain it's not to say that Portuguese cuisine is simply an offshoot of Spanish cuisine. For one thing there is a heavier emphasis on soups (which are often served as a main meal rather than a starter) and fewer paella-type dishes. As far as meats are concerned Portuguese cuisine involves a lot of pork. Specialties Regional differences aren't all that marked, but there are some specialties that should be noted. In the Algarve, the local dishes are centered on shellfish (especially clams) and sweet marzipan or fig pastries, although in the towns of the Algarve you are more likely to find international restaurants than anywhere else other than Lisbon and Oporto. In the landlocked Montanhas region, the only fish are eels and trout, though they are both good and widely used. However, the emphasis is more on strongly flavored veal sausages (alheirãs), game birds and smoked ham. In the other northern region, the Costa Verde, shad, whiting, lamprey and a host of other fish join the ever-present cod. Oporto's most famous specialty is its tripe dishes, an acquired taste and a possible explanation why the city is famous for its fortified wines. Look out for the great tasting soups as well. Bacalhau: By far the most common, and certainly most traditional, ingredient comes from the sea in the form of cod, which is dried and salted and needs a fair bit of preparation before it can be served. It is said that there are a hundred ways to serve bacalhau, but that's probably a conservative estimate! Look out for such delicacies as bacalhau á gomes de sá, cod with potato, egg and olives, or the ubiquitous pastéis de bacalhau (cod cakes), served almost everywhere. Sardines: A popular alternative to cod and said to be the best eating in the world without which a Portuguese barbecue would not be considered complete. Cale verde: A broth of kale and potato and often served with chouriço (a spicy pork sausage). Sopa de castanhas peladas: Bean, rice and chestnut soup, great on a cooler day. Sopa mariscos: Seafood bisque Drink Without a shadow of a doubt, the most famous wines produced in Portugal are Porto's port wines. They range from tinto (red) to aloirado claro (clear gold) in color and are subject to very strict quality control. No visit to Porto would be complete without a trip to at least one port winery. The tours are generally very informative - and the tastings at the end unmissable. Port is enjoyed as an after meal drink the world over, and the finest vintages are very expensive. Portugal's second-most characteristic wine must be Madeira. A surprising variety exists given the size of the island from which they take their name from. For those not familiar with Madeira wine, it is a fruity type of wine to be drunk at the start or end of meals. All around Portugal, however, there are a host of other wines being produced, both red (vinho tinto) and white (vinho branco). Wines range greatly in manner, taste and flavor (and, it must be said, quality) from the full fruity wines of the upper Douro valley, and the many varieties produced around Lisbon, to the livelier yet often thinner Algarve varieties. Unique to Portugal are the vinhos verde, literally the "green wines", which are light and slightly sparkling, served young and cool and a great refresher on a hot day. Finally, you might want to try a little amarguinha after dinner - a sweet almond liqueur not for the faint hearted. Portugal's main contribution to the world wine market isn't the actual booze itself, but the cork. Portugal produces about two thirds of the world's cork, so don't expect to see the plastic replacements so loved by Aussie and American mass producers Visas & Embassies The following information regarding visa requirements is intended as a guide only. Since visa regulations can change frequently we are unable to guarantee that information will be updated immediately and recommend that you contact the relevant embassy or consulate before travel. US citizens are required to have a passport to enter the country. Visa's are not required. For more detailed information contact Embassy of Portugal 2012 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC Tel: +1 (1)202-328-8610 Fax: +1 (1)202-462-3726 http://portugal.usembassy.gov/ embportwash@mindspring.com Money Currency: Euro (EUR). EUR1=100 cents. Portuguese Escudos banknotes can be exchanged at commercial banks until 2022. Coins can no longer be exchanged. Notes: EUR5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Coins: EUR1, 2 and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Cents Credit cards: All major credit cards are widely accepted. Foreign currency can be exchanged in all banks, Airports, bureaux de change and train stations. The best option is to carry a debit/credit card. Cash can be drawn from ATM machines 24 hours a day. Machines can be identified by the letters MB (Multibanco). Traveler's cheques are accepted in major establishments. Service charge is generally included in hotel and restaurant bills. An additional tip of 5-10% is customary for room service waiters in hotels and waiters in restaurants. Taxi drivers expect and appreciate an additional 10% on top of the charge of the fare. Communications Telephone
Public phones can be found in all towns and many villages. They are operated with coins, phonecards (Crediphone) or credit cards. Phone cards (Telecom Cards or Crediphone) are available at Telecom Portugal Shops, Post Offices and some convenience stores and tobacconists. The Telecom Card works best in Lisbon and Porto, while Crediphone works elsewhere. Post offices are generally open from 09:00-18:00 Mon-Fri. Central post offices and those located in airports are also open on Saturdays. Mail can be sent to you, in your name, c/o Poste Restante at the Central post office in the town you are staying. The addressee must pick mail up in person and must produce proof of identity. Most post offices will hold your mail for up to one month. In urban centers Internet access is available at libraries, Internet cafés, universities and many hotels. Public Internet access outside of the main cities might be hard to locate. Correiro da Manha and Publico are two of Portugal's more popular newspapers. The Portugal News Weekly is published in English once a week. Health & Safety Vaccinations No vaccinations are required to enter Portugal. Health Concerns The water is generally safe to drink throughout Portugal. You should always carry water with you if out in the daytime in the Algarve where temperatures can be very high and shade hard to find. A reciprocal agreement with all European Economic Area (EEA) member states means that emergency medical treatment is free for all EU citizens and those from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Norway on presentation of a EHIC (European Health Insurance Card, which replaces form E111 as of January 1, 2006), which you must obtain before you travel. EHIC is for emergency treatment, which is carried out at health centers (centro de saúde) on the mainland under the national heath care scheme. Basic hospital treatment is free but secondary examinations such as X-rays must be paid for. The EEA includes the European Union plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. UK nationals need only present their passport to receive free emergency treatment. Nevertheless medical insurance is highly recommended. Please note that in Madeira you must obtain a green receipt from a private doctor, which can be used to reclaim a partial refund at an appointed bank. The refund will cover a small proportion of the total bill and the remainder will have to be paid by you. In Portugal pharmacies are recognizable by a green cross on a white background displayed outside or within the store window. Pharmacies are generally open from 09:00-13:00 and 15:00-19:00 Mon-Fri and 09:00-13:00 Sat. At least one pharmacy in the area will operate an out-of-hours service. A listing of local pharmacies open late (until 22:00) or all night can be found on all Pharmacy doors. Alternatively, dial 118 to find out which is your nearest pharmacy on duty. Personal Safety Although Portugal has a low violent crime rate, incidents of street theft are increasingly common, especially in busy tourist areas, on public transport and in underground garages. Take especial care in Lisbon where street crime is on the increase. Basic precautions: Keep your bag or wallet fastened at all times and carry it across the front of your body or in a front pocket, never in your back pocket. Do not carry excessive amounts of cash. If possible, leave your passport, airline tickets, spare cash, traveler's cheques and any important documents in a hotel safe or safety deposit box. Travelers should ask their hotel concierge for non-recommended areas of the town where they are staying. In Lisbon in particular, car theft is on the increase. If hiring a car make sure that you park in a well-lit area with all doors locked. Do not leave valuable possessions or documents in view. Portugal also has a terrible road safety record. Cars and roads can be in a poor state of repair and you should take great care if walking in rural areas after dark or driving. Roads can be in a poor state of repair and unlit, and it isn't unheard of for oncoming traffic to be driving with no or poor headlights. Emergency Numbers Police Tel: 112 Ambulance Tel: 112 Fire Tel: 112 Phrasebook Portuguese is the official language of Portugal, Madeira and the Azores. You might also find that the majority of Portuguese speakers understand Spanish very well though they may not feel obliged to speak it. Preferably try to speak in Portuguese (be formal: ask fala portugues?), and do not assume that people in Portugal will speak Spanish, even though most can. English is spoken in many tourist areas, but is far from ubiquitous. However, younger Portuguese will speak at least some English, Spanish or French or other Romance languages. In the main tourist areas you will almost always find someone who can speak the main European languages. Hotel personnel are required to speak English, if sketchy.
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