VISITOR INFORMATION

Climate and clothing
Lisbon has a moderate Atlantic climate. There are no great variations in temperature. The weather in March is usually pleasant. Light clothing is suitable with somewhat warmer clothing for the evening.

Passport and VISAS
A valid passport (or identity card for European Community nationals) is required. Visas are not necessary for citizens of EU countries. Please contact your local Portuguese Embassy, Consulate or your Travel Agency for further information.

Language
The official language is Portuguese. English is widely spoken. Local Time Mainland Portugal is 1 hour behind European Standard Time [GMT]

Currency
As a member of the European Monetary System the € [Euro] is the Portuguese monetary unit. At present, the bills in circulation are: € 5,00; € 10,00; € 20,00; € 50,00; € 100,00; € 200,00 and € 500,00. The coins are as follows: € 0,01 cent; € 0,02 cents; € 0,05 cents; € 0,10 cents; € 0,20 cents; € 0,50 cents; € 1,00 and € 2,00.

Tipping
Tipping is optional, but normally 10% is customary in taxis, restaurants and bars.

Exchange
Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops and restaurants. Traveller’s cheques and currency can be changed at hotels or at a bank - these are open Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 15:00. Automatic changing and cash dispensing machines linked to international networks are also widely available.

Post and Telecommunications
Automatic direct dial telephone service is available to and from most countries in the world. Public phones accept either a pre-paid card, or coins (see signs on the booth). Credit systems such as AT&T are also available. Post offices are open Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 18:00.

Medical Care
Clinics and hospitals provide round the clock emergency service. The national emergency phone number is 112.

Electrical Current
European type 2 pin sockets with 220 volts AC at 50 cycles are used. The phase 380 volt current is normally available in meeting and exhibition rooms. Smoking Law in public transportation and in closed public areas forbids smoking.

Shops
Shops are open from 09:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 19:00 Monday to Friday, and 09:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays. In major town centres and in most shopping malls, shops stay open during lunch hours, and close later at night, including weekends. Main Shopping Areas (Lisbon Center) The Pombaline section at downtown, bordered by the magnificent Praça do Comercio, facing the river Tagus, the Rua do Ouro, Rua Augusta and Rua da Prata finishing at Rossio Square, Avenida da Liberdade, and the Chiado leading to Bairro Alto. Some of the main Shopping Centres are Colombo (one of the biggest in Europe), Vasco da Gama, Amoreiras, El Corte Ingles, etc...

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

Driving
Vehicles drive on the right side of the road. The use of safety belts is compulsory, and children under 12 must ride in the back seats. Portugal has actually a large freeway network crossing the whole country from the North to the South in Algarve, and from the Oceanfront to the border with Spain. Valid driving licenses from EC countries, the EUA, Canada and other major countries are acceptable for use in Portugal up to 6 months stay. 

Public Transportation
There is a wide inexpensive network in all towns and cities. In Lisboa, city of the seven hills, you can choose between bus, underground metro, elevators, and electric trams, within the city or to the suburbs. Trains and express bus service also links the main towns of the country.

Dinning
There are a wide variety of restaurants and cafes in Lisboa ranging through the elegant and sophisticated to the casual and inexpensive. Take-away and fast food is also available from many outlets. Restaurants, bars, some with living shows and discos along the river Tagus, at Rocha Pier and at the Expo 98 site, become very popular, especially at weekend nights. Meals Breakfast is normally served between 07:30 and 10:00, lunch from 12:30 to 15:00 and dinner from 19:30 to 22:00.

Entertainment
Lisboa has a variety of theatres and venues catering for most tastes. Opera, ballet, plays, concerts, etc, take place on a regular basis all year round. Portuguese Fado and Folklore shows are popular, and an international show at Casino Estoril, with glittering cabaret complements the many discos and other nightspots.

Recreation
Excellent golf courses, tennis and squash courts, water sports and horse riding tempt the energetic delegates. The more relaxed might choose from many noteworthy museums and monuments, sunny beaches and interesting cities to explore.

Religious Services 
Portugal is predominantly Catholic, but a wide number of other faiths (Protestant, Christian, Moslem, Jewish and Hindu, among others) are also followed. Please inquire at hotel reception for times and places of services.