PORTO - USEFUL INFORMATION

Climate
Porto has a semi-Mediterranean climate, although is influenced by a cooler breeze from the Atlantic which make it distinguishably cooler than other Mediterranean cities. The average temperature in May is 20 degrees.

Time Zone
Porto is located in the Western European time zone that is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

Opening Hours
Shops in Porto are generally open Mon - Fri from 9 am - 1 pm and from 3 pm - 7 pm. Larger stores such as supermarkets, department stores and shops in malls will usually stay open all day without the lunch break, and also stay open later in the evening, closing at 9 or 10 pm. On Saturdays small shops are usually open from 9 pm - 1 pm, while bigger stores stay open until 5 or 7 pm. Bank hours are generally Mon - Fri from 8.30 am - 3 pm, and post offices Mon - Fri from 8 am - 10 pm and Sat from 9 am - 6 pm.

Currency Exchange
The currency in Portugal is Euro. For all currency exchange, banks are generally the most reliable and offer the best rates. There are also exchange offices at all major airports and train stations whose opening hours are usually more convenient but the commission is more expensive.
 
All major credit cards are also widely accepted and if you have the PIN you can use these to receive cash in compatible bank machines. The same applies to bank cards which are members of any of the international banking networks or Eurocard.

Banking Services
Banks in Portugal offer a full range of services. There are many 24-hour cash points (ATMs) available. The general opening times of the banks are from Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 03.00pm. Banks are usually closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Electricity
Electricity in Portugal is 220V, 50 Hz.

Telephones
To call Porto from abroad, first dial +351 for Portugal and then 22 for Porto, followed by the local number. There can be high charges on calls made from hotels, restaurants and bars and it is generally cheaper to use a calling card. Public telephone boxes take coins or phone cards for local and international calls and in some cases also credit cards.

Tipping
Tipping is important in restaurants in Porto, and it is also customary to tip hotel staff. Service charges are not included in restaurant bills, and it is common to tip 10% or possibly more if the service was really excellent. In hotel rooms, it is customary to leave a tip for the room service, figuring a euro or two for each day of your stay if the service was decent. It is also nice to give a tip of € 1 - 2 to porters who carry luggage to your room.
In taxis, you can tip whatever amount you think is appropriate, and don’t have to give a percentage. Some people round
up the bill to the nearest 5 euro and others tip 10% of the fare.

Emergency Numbers
National emergency number for Ambulance, Police and Fire Brigade: 112

Safety Instructions
In Porto, as in any other city, you need to be alert for potential pickpockets, and take good care that your valuables are always secure. The places where most pickpocketing occurs are usually at busy tourist attractions or on crowded public transport. Also be careful at night to walk on well-lit streets and not to walk alone if possible.

Useful links:

http://www.metrodoporto.pt

http://www.ana.pt/pt-PT/Aeroportos/Porto/Porto/Paginas/HomePorto.aspx

http://visitportoandnorth.travel

http://www.visitporto.travel/