PT · Travel guide
Portugal
Portugal's climate varies more than its size might suggest. The north is generally cooler than the south, while the Atlantic strongly influences coastal conditions. Madeira and the Azores have their own weather patterns, so check the forecast for the specific region rather than treating Portugal as having one nationwide climate.
Quick facts
- Currency
- EUR
- Main language
- Portuguese
- Calling code
- +351
- Driving side
- right
- Plug types
- Type C, Type F
Power
230 V · 50 Hz
Tipping
Service is included in restaurant bills, so tipping is customary rather than compulsory.
- Restaurants: locals commonly leave around 5 to 10 per cent when they are happy with the service.
- Taxis: rounding the fare up is common, with 5 to 10 per cent also used for good service.
There is no separate higher tipping rate that tourists need to follow. Keep tips modest and based on the service rather than automatically applying US-style percentages.
Getting around
Portugal has good rail and coach connections between major cities and many regional destinations. A car becomes more useful for smaller villages, rural areas and trips where you want to explore away from established transport routes.
Trains and coaches
Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains are useful for longer journeys between major cities, with Regional and InterRegional services extending the network. Long-distance coaches reach many towns that are less convenient by rail.
CP sells train tickets up to 60 days ahead, and discounted advance fares can make booking early worthwhile on popular long-distance journeys.
Driving and tolls
Portuguese motorways can use either conventional toll booths or electronic-only tolls with no place to stop and pay. If you hire a car, ask how electronic tolls are handled before leaving the rental desk.
Foreign-registered vehicles also need an appropriate electronic payment arrangement before using electronic-only roads. Do not assume every motorway toll can simply be paid by card at a booth.
Everyday essentials
Bread and olives on the table
Restaurants may place bread, olives, butter, cheese or similar items on the table as a couvert. These are not necessarily complimentary.
You cannot be charged for a couvert that you did not request and did not consume. If you do not want it, simply leave it untouched or ask for it to be removed.
Meal times
Lunch is commonly eaten between 12:00 and 14:30, with dinner typically from around 19:30 onwards. Many restaurants operate distinct lunch and dinner services rather than serving a full menu continuously throughout the afternoon.
Tourist areas and larger cities often have longer hours, but check ahead when eating outside the main dining periods.
Coast and beaches
Atlantic beach safety
Atlantic beaches can have strong waves and currents even when conditions look inviting. Prefer lifeguarded beaches, obey warning flags and local signs, and avoid swimming when conditions are uncertain.
Take extra care outside the official bathing season, when many beaches no longer have permanent lifeguard cover.