Some useful information 

Portugal is situated in the most western part of Europe. It covers an area of 200.000 square kilometers and has a population of approx. 10 million people.
It was founded as an independent kingdom in the Peninsula more than eight centuries ago. Lisbon is the capital of the country. The history of the city goes to the times of the Phoenicians, then the Greeks and after them the Romans. Later in time, came the Barbarian peoples of the North and finally the Arabs. In 1147, the first king of Portugal conquered the city to the moors with the help of the Crusaders, after a four-month siege. And this was as how Lisbon became a Christian Capital. From that days until now, Lisbon keeps on growing and developing. Nowadays it is a modern city, wealth of historic monuments and museums with a warm and friendly atmosphere, moderate climate and full of hospitality, which is well worth to visit.


Airport 

Lisbon has a modern airport that is close to the center of the city. Taxis are not expensive and take a maximum of 4 (four) persons. 
The usual fare from the Airport to Estoril is approximately € 25 Euro
There is also a bus transfer (express) from the Airport to Estoril. Departures every one hour from 7am to 10.30pm. Price € 7,00 Euro per person.


Banking

Bank services are available at the Airport and the vicinities of the venue - working hours: 08.30 - 15.00 non-stop. The city is also full of machines where participants may cash Euros. 


Climate and clothing 

Lisbon has an Atlantic moderate climate. There are no great variations in temperature. The weather in October is usually nice (average 18 to 20ºC) but sometimes rainy. Light clothing would be appropriate and warm cloth for the night is advisable. Also do not forget your umbrella. 


Credit Cards 

Standard international cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and most of the shops, as well as car rental agencies. The most common credit cards are VISA, EUROCARD, MasterCard, and AMERICAN EXPRESS. Diners Club is not common.


Currency 

The € (Euro) is the currency in use in Portugal. Conversion rates 
€ Euro 1=US$ 0.90 (2002.03.07) 


Electricity 

220V/50Hz. Power socket “Shucko type” (2 pin round).


Language 

Portugal is a Latin speaking country and Portuguese is the official language. 
However, many Portuguese understand Spanish, French or English.


Meals 

The food in Portugal is very good, but sometimes heavy. Prices could vary between € 15 Euro (cheap/typical restaurant) to € 50 Euro (luxury restaurant).


Museums 

Lisbon has a wide variety of very interesting Museums which are opened from 09.00 to 17.00hrs from Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays). Information available at the Secretariat.


Passport and Visa 

Nationals of the European Community only require a valid identity card. For the most of the countries a valid passport is enough. Some exceptions are still in force. Please check with your agency. 


Post office

Services are available at Central Services - working hours 09.00 - 18.00 non-stop. 


Public transportation

Lisbon Buses - Trams - Metro are available and operate on weekly days from 6 or 7 a.m. until midnight or 1 a.m. (maps and information available at the Secretariat). Tourist passes good for 1, 3 or 7 days and valid for trams, buses and the metro are available. 


Shopping hours

09.00 - 13.00 and 15.00 to 19.00. Most of the shops are opened on Saturday mornings. Several shopping centres are available from 10.00 to midnight, seven days a week. 


Time zone 

Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). As for the USA there is a difference of five hours (less) in summer and six hours (less) in winter. 


Tipping

Is generally expected in restaurants and taxis. The amount should not exceed 10% of the bill.