Useful Information ℹ️

Here are some useful tips and information for travellers visiting Portugal:

  1. Language: The official language is Portuguese. English is widely understood in tourist areas, but it’s always good to learn a few basic phrases in Portuguese.
  2. Currency: The currency used is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s helpful to have some cash, especially in smaller towns and rural areas.
  3. Climate: Portugal has a mild Mediterranean climate. Summers (June – September) are hot and dry, while winters (December – February) are mild and rainy. The best time to visit is during spring (April – June) and early autumn (September – October).
  4. Transportation:
    • Public Transport: Buses, trams, and trains are common and reliable, especially in cities like Lisbon and Porto.
    • Trains: CP (Comboios de Portugal) is the main train operator, offering connections across the country.
    • Car Rental: Renting a car is a great option for exploring the countryside and smaller towns.
    • Ubers vs Taxis: Ubers are much cheaper than taxis, usually half price and work 24/7.
  5. Driving:
    • Drive on the right side of the road.
    • Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways.
    • Tolls are common on highways. Make sure to ask about the toll system when renting a car.
  6. Electricity: Portugal uses the standard European 230V, 50Hz system, with type C and F plugs. Visitors from outside Europe may need an adapter.
  7. Emergency Numbers: The general emergency number is 112.
  8. How to get from the airport to Porto city center:
    Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport is located 11 km ( 6.8 miles ) from Porto’s city center. Here are your 3 options to get to the center of Porto, from the least to the most expensive.
    by Bus – you can get from the airport to various points in the city by one of the local buses operated by STCP. The lines 601, 602 and 604 leave from in front of the Arrivals hall and a single ticket costs €1.95. You can pay on board or use your Andante card ( more on that below ).
    by Metro – taking metro from the airport into the city center is by far the best way to get from the Airport to the city center. It’s very easy, cheap and it’s one of my best Porto tips. The purple line E will get you there in under 30 minutes. The journey requires a Zone 4 ticket, which costs € 2 ( + the cost of Andante card ).
    by taxi – this is the most convenient, yet most expensive option. Porto’s taxis are metered and the ride will be 20-30 minutes ( depending on traffic ) and should cost € 23-25

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