Portugal Travel Reference Card

Works from any phone, no SIM or credit needed. Free.

Free 24/7. Press 9 for English. Non-life-threatening concerns.

Nights and weekends. Free GP advice.

English-speaking. Praça dos Restauradores, Palácio Foz.

English-speaking officers available.

Outside cities and on motorways.

Also handles road accidents and rescue.

Maritime emergencies, coastal incidents.

24/7. Suspected poisoning or overdose.

Free. Crime victims, assault, domestic violence.

Free/low cost with EHIC (EU) or travel insurance. Say: 'Tenho seguro de saúde'

English-speaking staff. €150–€500+ per visit. Faster service.

Paracetamol = Ben-u-ron. Ibuprofen = Brufen. Antihistamine = Clarityne.

Address posted on any closed pharmacy door. One per municipality.

100–120/min. Push 5cm deep, centre of chest. Hands-only if untrained.

Found in airports, malls, stations. Turn on and follow voice instructions.

Alternate until clear. Call 112 if not resolved. CPR if unconscious.

Inject outer thigh. Always call 112 even after EpiPen — effects are temporary.

Viva Viagem card works on metro, bus, tram, and ferry. Buy at any station.

Tram 28: scenic but crowded — watch for pickpockets. Validate on entry.

Andante card covers metro, bus, and some trains. Blue line to airport.

Lisbon–Porto ~3h (Alfa Pendular). Lisbon–Faro ~2h45m. Book ahead.

~20 min to city centre. Aerobus also available. Taxi ~€15–€20.

~35 min to city centre. Taxi ~€25–€35.

No direct metro. Bus 16 to city centre. Taxi ~€10–€15.

Nationwide. Cheaper than trains. Lisbon–Algarve ~3.5h.

All widely available in cities. Taxis: metered, tip not required.

Coins: 1c–€2. Notes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200. €500 rarely accepted.

Safest option. Use ATMs inside bank branches. Avoid standalone tourist-area machines.

Daily limit set by your home bank. Notify your bank before travelling.

Contactless standard everywhere. Amex less common outside cities and hotels.

You'll see it everywhere. Use contactless card instead.

Not mandatory. Round up or leave coins. 'Couvert' (bread/olives) is charged separately.

Not expected but appreciated. No need to tip Uber/Bolt.

Keep bags in front. Never use back pockets. Be alert when someone bumps you.

Someone distracts you while an accomplice takes your valuables. Walk away.

Carry a colour photocopy. Only carry original for check-in, car hire, or border crossing.

Front pocket + money belt. Carry only what you need for the day.

Don't walk while looking at phone in busy streets. Phone snatching is increasing.

Refuse politely. Walk to nearest PSP station if concerned.

Go to PSP station. Report needed for travel insurance claims.

Passport, extra cards, bulk cash. Ask reception if no in-room safe.

Mainland Portugal. Azores: UTC−1. Madeira: UTC+0. Clocks change last Sunday March/October.

Round 2-pin Schuko. US visitors need adapter + voltage converter for some devices.

Including islands. Bottled water widely available if preferred.

Many shops close for lunch. Shopping malls open continuously 10am–10pm.

24h duty pharmacy (farmácia de serviço) in every municipality.

Closed weekends. ATMs (Multibanco) available 24/7.

These are NOT free — you're charged per item. Say 'Não, obrigado/a' to decline.

Kitchens often close between meals. Arriving at 6pm may get you turned away.

Best at Pastéis de Belém (Lisbon) or any local pastelaria. Eat warm with cinnamon.

Bacalhau à Brás (shredded with egg), Bacalhau com natas (with cream) are classics.

Layered meat sandwich in spicy beer-tomato sauce. Rich and filling.

Cheap, delicious street food. Found at tascas and markets.

Best value in Portugal. Includes soup, main, dessert or coffee. Weekdays only.

Light, low alcohol, refreshing. White is most common. Perfect in summer.

Lisbon's local shot. Try at A Ginjinha near Rossio. €1.50 a glass.

Galão = tall latte. Bica = espresso. Meia de leite = flat white. Coffee is excellent.

Always specify — tap water is safe but restaurants default to bottled.

Tascas are cheapest and most authentic. Avoid restaurants with photos on menus near sights.

Right cheek first. Between women and mixed groups. Men shake hands.

Never assume they speak Spanish. Most tourism staff speak English in cities.

Central to Portuguese culture. Fado music expresses it. Acknowledge it — they'll appreciate it.

Best heard in Alfama (Lisbon) or Coimbra. Silence during performance is expected.

Carry a scarf. Some churches refuse entry to shorts or sleeveless tops.

Pharmacies, post offices, and government offices use ticket systems. Look for the machine.