Practical info

Portugal is part of the Schengen Area, so entry requirements follow Schengen rules.

Passport & Entry Requirements

• A valid passport or travel document is required for all non‑EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
  It must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date and issued within the last 10 years.
• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens may enter Portugal with a national ID card or passport.
• Nationals of certain countries may require a Schengen short‑stay visa (up to 90 days within a 180‑day period).
  Travellers holding a valid residence permit or long‑stay visa from another Schengen State do not need an additional visa.

For the most accurate and up‑to‑date information, travellers should contact the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in their country before travelling.

Emergency Care

Emergency medical treatment is available to everyone in Portugal. Public hospitals and health centres provide urgent care, while private facilities will charge for services.

EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens

• Medical care is available under the same conditions as Portuguese citizens when presenting a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
• Without an EHIC, you may need to pay upfront and request reimbursement later in your home country.

Non‑EU Travellers

• It is strongly recommended to have international medical insurance covering your stay.
• Some countries have bilateral healthcare agreements with Portugal; travellers should check with their national health authorities before departure.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies (“farmácias”) are widely available and marked with a green cross.
They provide prescription and over‑the‑counter medicines. Emergency pharmacies operate on a rotating schedule.

Smoking Regulations

Smoking is prohibited in:

• Enclosed public spaces
• Public transport
• Healthcare facilities
• Schools and educational centres
• Indoor restaurants and bars (unless designated smoking areas exist)

Currency

Portugal uses the Euro (€).

Currency converter

Cash & ATMs

ATMs (“Multibanco”) are widespread in cities, shopping areas, and small towns. They are reliable and support most international cards.

Currency Exchange

You can exchange money at:

• Banks
• Currency exchange offices
• Some hotels and travel agencies

Payments

• Credit and debit cards (especially Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted.
• Some small businesses may require a minimum amount for card payments.
• Tipping is not obligatory, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% in restaurants, taxis, and hotels is common.

Mobile Data

• EU mobile plans work in Portugal under Roam Like at Home rules, meaning your usual data and call rates apply.
• Non‑EU travellers may face roaming charges; a local prepaid SIM card is often the most economical option.

Wi‑Fi

Free or low‑cost Wi‑Fi is widely available in:

• Hotels
• Cafés and restaurants
• Shopping centres
• Public buildings such as libraries

Phone Calls

• To call abroad from Portugal: 00 + country code
• Portugal’s country code: +351
• Domestic calls require no prefix; all numbers have 9 digits.

Electricity

• Voltage: 230V, frequency 50Hz
• Plug type: European standard (Type F, two round pins)
  Most hotels can provide adaptors if needed.

Portugal is considered one of the safest countries in the world. Basic precautions—especially in crowded tourist areas—are recommended.

Emergency Number

112
This number works across the EU and connects to police, fire, and medical services.
Multilingual support is available.

Tourist Support

Portugal offers:

• Tourist police units in major cities
• Assistance services for reporting crimes
• Clear signage and multilingual information in tourist zones

As always, keep personal belongings secure and avoid isolated areas late at night.

Portugal (mainland) operates on:

• Western European Time (WET) in winter
• Western European Summer Time (WEST) in summer

This corresponds to UTC+00:00 in winter and UTC+01:00 in summer.

January is wintertime in Portugal, bringing cooler temperatures and a higher chance of rain, especially in the northern regions such as Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Even so, the climate remains relatively mild compared to most of Europe.

Typical Conditions in January

• Temperatures:
  • Coastal north (Porto & Vila Nova de Gaia): usually 8–14°C (46–57°F)
  • Interior regions: colder, often 3–10°C (37–50°F)
• Rainfall: January is one of the wettest months, so a waterproof jacket or umbrella is recommended.
• Wind: Light to moderate coastal winds are common.
• Sunlight: Days are shorter, with around 9–10 hours of daylight.