Public Transportation

The joint fleet of the two public transportation companies Carris (buses and trams) and Metro (underground) covers the entire city with regular bus and tram routes as well as underground lines.

Taxis

The city is served by 3,500 taxis, and a taxi ride from the airport to the city centre should cost between € 8 and € 15. The usual urban taxi fares are:Day: € 2 + € 0.40/kmTelephone booking: € 0.8 Night, weekend and holidays: € 2.5 + € 0.48/km

Taxis are widely used by the locals, and in comparison to the taxi fares in other countries, the Lisboa taxis are still to be considered a rather inexpensive means of transportation.



Climate

The average maximum daily temperature and average minimum temperature in the Lisboa area in June - July are 22ºC / 64 F (high) and 12ºC / 52 F (low). Please take in consideration that Lisboa is located by the river and the ocean, and therefore can be windy in the late afternoon or evening. A sweater or a ladies pashmina may be necessary.


Currency

Portugal is a member of the European Monetary System, and the previous currency Escudo was replaced by the €uro on 1 January 2002.


Electric Current

Portuguese standard is the European type 2 pin sockets with 220 volts AC at 50 cycles. The phase 380 volt current is normally available in meeting rooms and exhibition halls.


Exchange

Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops and restaurants. Travellers’ cheques and currency can be changed at exchange bureaux or at hotel receptions. Automatic changing and cash dispensing machines linked to international networks are also widely available.


Health Requirements

With the exception of vaccination certificates for persons coming from areas where yellow fever is endemic, at the present there are no special health requirements.


Hotel Check in/out Policy

Normal check in time at hotels is 15h00. The established check out time is 12h00. Should you need guaranteed occupancy before 13h00 on the day of your arrival, the previous night should be reserved.


Medical Care

Clinics and hospitals provide 24 hrs emergency service.The national emergency phone number is 112. Hotels have a doctor on call through the reception. Reciprocal E.C. cover is available at out-patient departments, otherwise private consultation fees are charged.


Sales Tax

Sales tax (VAT) is included in prices quoted. For non E.U. residents, tax free shopping schemes are available in many shops, which give substantial savings to visitors.


Shopping

Fine leather goods, lead crystal ware, porcelain, vintage wines, golden and silver filigree, pottery and textiles are considered excellent buys in Portugal.The pedestrian streets of the city centre, “a Baixa”, bordered by the magnificent Praça do Comércio, facing the River Tejo, and the “Chiado” area leading to Bairro Alto, are popular shopping areas.

Shops are open from 09h00 to 13h00 and 15h00 to 19h00 Monday to Friday, and 09h00 to 13h00 on Saturdays. Major shopping malls stay open from 10h00 to 23h00, including weekends. The main shopping centres are Colombo, Amoreiras, Vasco da Gama and the Atrium Saldanha, all within easy access by underground network (metro).


Smoking

The Portuguese law, in accordance with Regulations in force in the majority of European Countries and the USA, does not allow smoking in any public transportation or in any closed public areas. (Some restaurants, bars and discotecs may have a designated smoking area).


Tipping

Tipping is optional, but adding 10% to the amount is regular practise in taxis, restaurants and bars.