VISITOR INFORMATION

Climate and clothing
Lisbon has a moderate Atlantic climate with little variation in temperature. In September the weather usually pleasant. Light clothing during the day and warmer clothing in the evening is recommended.


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,
the Portuguese Consulate or 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 (10% is customary in taxis, restaurants and bars).


Exchange
Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops and restaurants. Traveler's cheques
and currency can be changed at hotels or banks (open Monday to Friday
from 08:30 to 15:00). Automatic changing and cash dispensing machines (ATMs) 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
Smoking in all public places and transports is forbidden by law


Shops
Shops in Lisbon 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 are open
during lunch hours, and close late at night, including weekends. 

Main shopping areas:
Praça do Comercio, Rua do Ouro, Rua Augusta and Rua da Prata
Rossio Square, Avenida da Liberdade and the Chiado area leading to Bairro Alto (all downtown Lisbon).

Principal shopping malls: Colombo (the biggest in Europe), Vasco da Gama, Amoreiras and , 
El Corte Inglês.


Sales TAX
Sales TAX (VAT) is included in prices quoted. For non EU residents, tax free shopping
is available in many shops providing significant savings.


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 a large freeway (highway) network from North to South and from West to East (into Spain). 

Valid driving licenses from EU countries, the EUA, Canada and other major countries are accepted in Portugal during a six month period.


Public Transportation
Wide and inexpensive transportation is available in cities. Lisbon city and suburbs provide, bus, underground metro, elevators, and electric trams. Trains and an express bus service connect the main towns of the country.


Dinning
There is a wide variety of restaurants and cafes in Lisbon ranging through the elegant
and sophisticated to the casual and inexpensive. Take-away and fast food is also available.
Restaurants, bars, some with live shows and discos on the river Tagus, at Rocha Pier and at the Expo 98 site, are very popular at night especially during weekends.

Normal meal times:
Breakfast: from 07:30 to 10:00 
Lunch: from 12:30 to 15:00 
Dinner: from 19:30 to 22:00


Entertainment
Lisbon has a variety of theatres and venues which cater to most tastes. Opera, ballet, plays,
concerts, etc, take place on a regular basis all year round. Portuguese Fado and folklore
shows are very popular as is the international show at “Casino Estoril”. There are also many cabarets, discos and other nightspots. 


Recreation
Excellent golf courses, tennis and squash courts, water sports and horse riding are available. For greater relaxation, there is a wide choice of interesting museums and monuments as well sunny beaches and colourful towns and villages to visit.


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.