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Banks |
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Normal
Hours:
8.30am-3.0pm
Monday to Friday
Weekends: Closed all day
Commission
Charged per transaction regardless of amount
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Climate |
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The
Algarve has a warm climate with over than 3,000 hours sunshine a
year, more than the Costa Brava, Mallorca or French Riviera.
Summer
temperatures are however below the extremes of those in the
Mediterranean countries and see breezes keep temperatures down in the
evenings. The
ideal time to visit is spring, in April and May the countryside is lush and
green with a profusion of wild flowers. But to see the almond trees in
blossom you need to visit Algarve in January or early February. |
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Clothing |
| Take
light clothes in summer, plus a jersey or two for cool evenings. In
winter it is wise to take a warm jacket or coat, though during daytime you
are likely to need no more than a jersey, if that. Casinos and
some luxury restaurants prefer men to wear jacket
and tie. Elsewhere casual wear is the norm.
Whatever time of year you go, remember to take
sunglasses. |
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Currency |
The
Portuguese currency is the Euro.
Travellers'
cheques are the safest way to carry money. If lost or stolen
they can be replaced. The exchange rate for traveller's cheques
are more favourable than they are for cash.Eurocheques,
with card are widely accepted in hotels and good restaurants.
Automatic
cash dispensers generally available. Nearly
all restaurants and shops change traveller's cheques, but the commission
tends to be higher than the bank rate.
Major
credit cards are accepted by larger hotels, restaurants and shops, and
most petrol stations. |
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Driving |
- EU
driving licences or international driving licences are valid in Portugal.
- Have
your documents with you.
- Drive
on the right-hand side of the road
- Seat
belts must be worn.
- Car
speed limits:
*
In built up areas 50km/h
* Side roads 90km/h
* Highways 100km/h
* Motorways 120 km/h
- Alcohol
limit: 0.5 gm/l, which is lower than in UK. Any fines must be
paid on the spot.
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Electricity |
| The
supply is 220/240 Volts AC.
Plugs have two round pins and most British and
American appliances will need an adaptor. The larger hotels will
usually supply these
|
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Emergencies |
Dial
112 free from anywhere to contact :
- Police
- Fire
brigade
- Ambulance
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Health |
- Vaccinations:
No vaccinations are officially required for visitors from EU or
USA
- Pharmacies:
will advise on minor matters. There are reciprocal arrangements within
the EU on free treatment in clinics and hospitals. When requesting
treatment, show your passport, or an E11 or E12 form.
- Hospitals:
in Faro , Portimao and Lagos
- Health
Clinics:
deal with less serious problems
- Private
doctors:
British, German and Dutch as well as Portuguese will give more
personal treatment but without insurance it can be expensive
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Insects |
| Ants
are out and about all over the Algarve during the warm months and
will home in on any scraps of food left lying around. They are easily
deterred by insecticide powders which can be bought from
supermarkets. Use repellants to deter mosquitoes from zeroing in on
exposed flesh at sundown and after dark |
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Language |
| Portuguese
is the official Language of Portugal. Knowledge of Spanish or French will
help to understand written Portuguese, but the pronunciation is not as
easy.
On
the coast English is widely spoken, but north of N125 you are likely
to need at least a smattering of Portuguese.
Mastering
even few key words is invaluable:
I
don't speak Portuguese: Nao falo portugues
I
don't understand: Nao compreendo
Yes/No:
Sim/Nao
Where
is..?
Onde e..?
When..?
Quando..?
How
much does it cost..? Quanto
custa..?
Do
you have a room..? Tem um quarto
livre?
Good
morning: Bom dia
Good
afternoon: Boa tarde
Good
night: Boa noite
Hello:
Ola
Goodbye
: Adeus
Please:
Por Favor
Thank
you:
Oprigado/Oprigada
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Lost
Property |
To
report or inquire about air travel baggage gone astray in transit, phone
Faro airport lost property office (289) 818302.
Property lost in Portugal
should be reported to the nearest GNR police station |
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Tipping |
Although
restaurant bills normally include service it is quite common to leave a
bit extra, particularly if you think the service warrants it.
Hotel
bills include service but doormen will appreciate a few escudos.
If you knock on the door of the local priest to see a church, or the
sacristan to go up a tower, it is customary to leave something towards the
upkeep of the church buildings.
A taxi driver will be delighted with a tip
but won't necessary expect one. |
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Transport |
By
air : TAP Air Portugal and British Airways operate a regular service
direct to Faro Airport from Heathrow, Gatwick and all major UK
airports.
The flight takes approximately 2 1/2 hoursTo
book a flight or find out more click
here |
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Visas
and Passports |
|
All
the visitors to Portugal from Europe, United States of America and
Australia need only their passport for up to 3 months visit.
EU
residents may use excursion passes or visitor's passports.
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Water
|
Mains
tap water is treated for health reasons, so it is okay to drink but it
doesn't taste good. Drink bottled mineral water.
As
the Algarve is in a low rainfall area there is a shortage of
water, and so it is important not to waste tap water.
Water
cuts are not as common as they used to be, but may come without notice
during the summer.
Many
apartments and villas are equipped with reserve tanks to tide you over a
short period.
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