Essential info for Portugal
Time: Local time in Portugal is GMT; however, from the last Sunday in March to the Saturday prior to the last Sunday in October, Portugal operates on GMT +1.
Electricity: Portugal uses an electrical current that is 220 volts, 50 Hz. The country predominately uses round, two-pin plugs.
Language: The official language is Portuguese, but English is understood and widely spoken, especially by the younger generation, and you will find that French is often an alternative, especially amongst the older generation.
Health: Expats relocating to Portugal need not worry about any health risks. For those travelling from a Yellow Fever area or headed to the Azores or Madeira, a vaccination certificate is necessary for entry.
Though health facilities in the nation have a good reputation, and low-cost emergency care at state hospitals can be obtained through the reciprocal care agreements with most European countries, it is advisable that expats negotiate for private health insurance, and organise for dental care and repatriation costs.
Tipping: It is customary to add a 10% tip in Portugal if a service charge has not already been included. Taxi drivers and bartenders also expect a small gratuity; it’s usually acceptable to round up to the nearest Euro.
Safety: For the most part, safety is not something that expats moving to Portugal need be concerned about, though in heavily-frequented tourist areas, there is a risk of pickpocketing and petty theft.
More importantly, expats should be aware of the poor standard of driving in Portugal, and should be sure to exercise caution when driving.
Local customs: Expats should always carry some form of official identification – formal legislation requires that foreigners provide documentation upon request.
Business: Business etiquette in Portugal is similar to the standards of professionalism upheld by the greater EU. Though, in areas other than the urban centres, and when dealing with an elder generation, customs of the past still reign.
Smart casual business attire is the prescribed dress, unless working in sectors that specifically require more formal dress – like banking, government and law.
Face-to-face relationships are the preferred method of communication in the business world, but etiquette is changing as electronic communication becomes more and more normalised.
Punctuality is valued, and printed materials should be in both Portuguese and English.
Business hours vary, but are typically from 8.30am to 12.30pm, and 2.30pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Communications: The international access code for Portugal is +351. There are no area or city codes required. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Portugal is well covered by three GSM mobile phone networks. Internet cafes are available in most towns and resorts. You can find free Internet, which is offered by many municipalities in rural areas: look for signs saying Espaçio, often found in libraries, tourism offices or municipal offices.
Electricity: Portugal uses an electrical current that is 220 volts, 50 Hz. The country predominately uses round, two-pin plugs.
Language: The official language is Portuguese, but English is understood and widely spoken, especially by the younger generation, and you will find that French is often an alternative, especially amongst the older generation.
Health: Expats relocating to Portugal need not worry about any health risks. For those travelling from a Yellow Fever area or headed to the Azores or Madeira, a vaccination certificate is necessary for entry.
Though health facilities in the nation have a good reputation, and low-cost emergency care at state hospitals can be obtained through the reciprocal care agreements with most European countries, it is advisable that expats negotiate for private health insurance, and organise for dental care and repatriation costs.
Tipping: It is customary to add a 10% tip in Portugal if a service charge has not already been included. Taxi drivers and bartenders also expect a small gratuity; it’s usually acceptable to round up to the nearest Euro.
Safety: For the most part, safety is not something that expats moving to Portugal need be concerned about, though in heavily-frequented tourist areas, there is a risk of pickpocketing and petty theft.
More importantly, expats should be aware of the poor standard of driving in Portugal, and should be sure to exercise caution when driving.
Local customs: Expats should always carry some form of official identification – formal legislation requires that foreigners provide documentation upon request.
Business: Business etiquette in Portugal is similar to the standards of professionalism upheld by the greater EU. Though, in areas other than the urban centres, and when dealing with an elder generation, customs of the past still reign.
Smart casual business attire is the prescribed dress, unless working in sectors that specifically require more formal dress – like banking, government and law.
Face-to-face relationships are the preferred method of communication in the business world, but etiquette is changing as electronic communication becomes more and more normalised.
Punctuality is valued, and printed materials should be in both Portuguese and English.
Business hours vary, but are typically from 8.30am to 12.30pm, and 2.30pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Communications: The international access code for Portugal is +351. There are no area or city codes required. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Portugal is well covered by three GSM mobile phone networks. Internet cafes are available in most towns and resorts. You can find free Internet, which is offered by many municipalities in rural areas: look for signs saying Espaçio, often found in libraries, tourism offices or municipal offices.
