Portugal for the traveler
Essential and administrative information
Everything you need to know about Portugal for travelers - an essential guide for every question
Portugal is a country full of charm with a rich history and diverse culture. Here are some important details you should know before you travel:
Capital: Lisbon (Lisboa) - Regime: Republic -
Population: about 10.42 million inhabitants
Area: 92,391 square kilometers
Climate: Average Mediterranean
Language: Portuguese
Religions: Catholic Christians
Jewish community: about 700 Jews
Currency: Euro
Time difference: 2-hours from Israel (without summer time)
Telephone access code: +351
Internet extension: .pt
Israelis entering Portugal are not required to have a pre-entry visa (visa). The immigration authorities grant a visa for 90 days upon entering the country, but it must be remembered that the granting of the visa is subject to the sole discretion of the Portuguese immigration authorities, and travelers must ensure that they have all the necessary documents in accordance with the requirements of local law.
Phones in Portugal: what you need to know Number structure and international communication All telephone numbers in Portugal consist of nine digits. To call Portugal from abroad, dial the international access code (00 or +) followed by the country code: 351. To call abroad from Portugal, dial the international access code 00, the country code, the area code and the requested number. mobile phones SIM cards are readily available and it is recommended to purchase a local SIM card if you plan to stay in Portugal for a long period of time or for a trip to rural areas. The leading mobile companies include: Vodafone Portugal MEO NOS Vodafone offers affordable packages with excellent reception even in rural areas. Tickets are available at points of sale, including at the airport. If you need browsing data for navigation, social networks or media streaming, it is recommended to purchase a SIM card with at least 10GB. For example, such a package will be enough for a ten-day trip with moderate data usage, but for heavy usage (like watching YouTube), you may need a larger data package. Another option is an electronic SIM (eSIM) such as Airalo, but from personal experience it is possible that the network reception may be less good than with a physical local SIM card. Internet in Portugal Internet access is available in most cafes, hotels, shopping centers, and in public areas such as airports. Marked Wi-Fi networks are available in public areas such as restaurants and highways. You can also find Internet access through Netpost services in various postal centers. Using the phone while driving Portuguese law prohibits the use of a mobile phone while driving, with the exception of using headphones or a handsfree. Violation of the law may lead to additional fines and penalties.
General information about currency and financial services in Portugal Currency Portugal is one of the 19 member countries of the Eurozone, which use the Euro (€) currency. The coins are divided into denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents as well as 1 and 2 euros. The notes are available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros. All banknotes and coins can be used in all Eurozone countries. ATMs - Multibanco Portugal has a national network of cash machines called Multibanco (MB), from which cash can be withdrawn 24 hours a day. This network is considered reliable and accessible all over the country, including in rural areas. Currency exchange Currency exchange is possible at banks, hotels and vending machines (only for cash conversions). It is recommended to stock up on cash in advance, but there are options for exchanging money within Portugal as well. Credit Cards Credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club are widely accepted in major cities, although in rural areas you may encounter businesses that only accept cash. In case of loss or theft of a credit card, contact the emergency numbers of the credit companies: Visa: 800 811 107 MasterCard: 800 811 272 Banks Banks are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. In banks you can exchange money and perform other financial operations. Post offices Post offices are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Central branches and airports may also be open on Saturdays and in some cases on Sundays. Netpost services are available at many post offices, and allow internet access for a fee. For more information on postal services and opening hours: CTT.
The time differences between Israel and Portugal in 2024: Mainland Portugal and Madeira: the difference is two hours behind Israel. That is, when in Israel the time is 10:00 in the morning, in Portugal the time will be 08:00. During DST, Portugal is in the GMT+1 time zone. During winter time, Portugal is in the GMT time zone. Azores: the time difference is three hours behind Israel. That is, if in Israel the time is 10:00, in the Azores the time will be 07:00. During daylight saving time, the Azores are in the GMT time zone. During winter time, the Azores are in the GMT-1 time zone. Summer and winter time in Portugal in 2024: DST in mainland Portugal and Madeira will start on the last Sunday in March, 31 March 2024, and end on the last Sunday in October, 27 October 2024. Summer time in Israel: will begin on Friday, March 29, 2024, and end on Sunday, October 27, 2024. Winter time period: Winter time in Portugal will start on October 27, 2024 and will be in GMT (two hours less than Israel).
In Portugal, the voltage is the same as in Israel: 230/400 volts at a frequency of 50 Hz. The sockets are Type C and F sockets, suitable for plugs with two round holes, which are common in mobile phones and general charging.
If you are using devices such as a laptop, you may need to have a socket adapter to adapt the plug to the structure of the sockets in Portugal.
In Portugal, the shops are usually open from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 to 10:00 in the morning and to 19:00 in the evening. Some shops close for lunch between 1pm and 3pm, especially in small or traditional areas.
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Saturdays: From January to November, many shops close at 13:00, but in the city centers you can find shops that are also open in the afternoon.
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December: During the Christmas shopping season, stores tend to stay open on Saturdays and sometimes Sundays as well.
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Shopping centers: malls are usually open every day of the week, between 10:00 and 00:00, and they contain many international brands. In contrast, traditional shops with Portuguese products can be found in the streets of the old neighborhoods.
It is recommended to check specific opening hours on Google Maps, especially for small stores.
In Portugal, the main meals are:
Breakfast: between 7:30 and 10:00, and is usually very light, consisting of coffee (often black coffee) or fruit juice, and toast or a simple sandwich on the side. Many people eat breakfast at their local cafe rather than at home.
Lunch: the main meal, held between 12:00 and 14:30. It usually includes a soup, a main dish and a dessert or fruit.
Dinner: eaten between 19:30 and 22:30 and includes a similar menu to lunch, but sometimes lighter. Between meals, around 17:00, it is customary to eat a small cake or fruit as a snack.
Restaurants in Portugal are usually open for lunch between 12:00 and 15:00 and for evening guests between 19:00 and 22:00. In big cities and areas with nightlife, opening hours may be more flexible. Please note that sushi restaurants and fish restaurants may be closed on Mondays due to non-fishing on Saturdays and Sundays.
Tips: The service is usually included in the bill in restaurants, but it is customary to leave a tip of 5-10% in the big cities. It is also customary to round the amount to taxi drivers or tip at the same level.
For a list of recommended restaurants in Portugal, you can go to the Restaurant Guru website.
Travelers from Israel (and countries that are not members of the European Union) arriving in Portugal may benefit from exemption from VAT and special duties on products transported in their personal baggage. In order to clarify the exemption rules and quantity limits, here is a more in-depth breakdown:
Customs exemption limits:
Tobacco products:
up to 200 cigarettes or
100 small cigars (maximum weight of 3 grams per unit) or
50 cigars or
250 grams of tobacco.
Alcoholic beverages:
Up to 1 liter of spirits with an alcohol content above 22% or
2 liters of sparkling wines, liqueurs or alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content lower than 22%.
perfumes and coffee:
Up to 50 grams of perfume.
Up to 500 grams of coffee or 200 grams of coffee extracts.
Additional products:
Passengers can carry goods for personal use up to a value of €175 (for passengers under 15 the limit is €90).
Age restrictions:
Passengers under the age of 17 are not entitled to an exemption for tobacco products or alcohol.
VAT refund:
Israelis visiting Portugal can receive a refund of the VAT paid on purchases in Portugal. In order to be eligible for a refund, the following conditions must be met:
Purchases should be for personal use, not for commercial purposes.
The minimum purchase amount for a VAT refund must be €61.35 (for products with a VAT rate of 23%).
Products such as books, contact lenses, wines, etc. may be subject to a lower VAT rate.
How to get a VAT refund:
A Tax Free form must be requested at the time of purchase in the store.
Purchases must be verified at the airport, where you will need to present your passport and forms.
The refund is given for products that are in your hand luggage, not in the luggage sent.
There are companies such as Global Blue, Premier Tax Free, and Planet, which allow receiving a digital VAT refund or via a terminal at the airport.
Important information:
Make sure the stores display a sign offering tax refunds.
After making large purchases, don't forget to go to the customs desk at the airport, where you will have to go through the procedure to verify your eligibility for a VAT refund.
Transporting cash:
Passengers carrying over €10,000 in cash must report it to customs authorities, in accordance with EU regulations, as part of the fight against money laundering and criminal activities.
For more information on tax refunds and information on related issues, you can go to the official websites:
Global Blue: www.globalblue.com
Premier Tax Free: www.premiertaxfree.com
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Embassy of Israel in Lisbon, Portugal: address: Embassy of Israel Consular Department Rua Antonio Enes 16-4 1050-025 Lisboa, Portugal website: Embassy of Israel in Lisbon Reception hours: Monday through Friday, between 09:00 and 12:00. phone: (+351) 210 455 500 fax: (+351) 210 455 555 Email: info@lisboa.mfa.gov.il Services provided: Loss of passport: In case of loss or theft of a passport, report to the local police and go to the embassy for the issuance of a replacement travel document. The embassy will issue a transit certificate (for one year) or a one-time transit certificate for returning to Israel (for seven days). Required documents: Confirmation of filing a complaint with the local police. Two passport photos. Payment in local currency. Application forms for issuing a new travel document. financial hardship: You can receive money from family through Western Union or through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Illness or injury: The embassy provides a list of local doctors and hospitals and can help establish contact with the family in Israel in medical emergencies. Death of an Israeli citizen: The embassy will assist in arranging the transfer of the deceased to Israel. Arrest or imprisonment: An Israeli detainee may request that the embassy inform his family of his arrest. The embassy will ensure that the detainee receives legal representation and fair treatment. Additional information: Travel documents: the embassy can issue alternative documents according to its schedule. Additional services: the embassy cannot bear financial expenses (such as medical expenses, rescue, payments to lawyers, etc.).
In Portugal, in general there is a high sense of security, and most service providers are honest and courteous, especially outside the big cities. However, in cities like Lisbon, and especially in the Baixa area (the lower city), there is a phenomenon of theft of bags and pickpockets. In crowded areas, especially in the famous carriage number 28, pay close attention to your personal belongings. Restaurants are common hotspots for theft, especially when bags are left unattended. Regarding car rentals, do not leave visible objects inside the car while parking, to avoid break-ins. Emergency numbers: Police, fire brigade and ambulance: 112 Tourist Police: In Portugal there are tourist police stations staffed with police officers trained to assist tourists in a variety of languages: Lisbon: Palácio Foz, Praça dos Restauradores Tel: +351 213 421 623 Another station in Lisbon: Stª Apolónia Tel: +351 218 804 030 Qashqai: Largo Mestre Henriques Anjos Tel: +351 214 839 116 Porto: Rua Clube dos Fenianos Tel: +351 222 081 833 Recommendations before the trip: Insurance: It is important to purchase comprehensive medical insurance, especially if you are visiting places with special risks. Photocopying: It is recommended to take a photo of the passport and keep the photo separately from the original. You should also leave a copy with a relative in Israel. For more information: PSP Tourism Police.
Passengers entering or leaving the territory of the European Union carrying amounts equal to or greater than 10,000 euros, declare this amount to the customs authorities, in accordance with the provisions of Regulation (EC) No. 1889/2005, which has existed since June 15, 2007. This imposition is intended to strengthen the EU efforts to fight criminal activity and renew rce safety, by fighting money laundering, terrorism and other criminal practices
Health services in Portugal Hospitals and clinics: Portugal has a network of public and private hospitals. Although the State of Israel is not responsible for the medical service provided, here is a list of hospitals by main regions: Lisbon: San Jose Hospital: Tel. +351 218 841 000 Santa Maria Hospital: Tel. +351 217 968 115 Los Hospital (private): Tel. +351 217 104 400 Clinic Europa (private): Tel. +351 214 569 780 detailed: HOSPITAL GERAL DE SANTO ANTONIO PORTO: Tel. +351 222 077 500 Coimbra: HOSPITAIS DA UNIVERSIDADE DE COIMBRA: Tel. +351 239 400 400 Faro (Algarve): HOSPITAL DE FARO: Tel. +351 289 891 100 Procedures for foreign citizens: Citizens of countries outside the European Union, including Israel, visiting Portugal must have valid health insurance or pay for the medical treatments in full if they do not present proof of insurance. It is mandatory to have an identity card or passport. Pharmacy services: Most pharmacies in Portugal are open on weekdays from 09:00 to 19:00, with a lunch break between 13:00 and 15:00. On Saturdays, the pharmacies are open until 13:00. Pharmacies that are open at night are marked with an illuminated green cross, and display on their door a list of other pharmacies that are open. Smoking in public places: Since 2008, smoking in closed public places is prohibited, including government institutions, public transportation, and places of entertainment. Restaurants and bars over 100 square meters are required to mark designated smoking areas with adequate ventilation. The fines for breaking the smoking laws range from €50 to €750 for individuals, and up to €30,000 for businesses and corporations. For more details: The Portuguese Tourist Police assists tourists in various cases, including medical emergencies and thefts. PSP website
The main national holidays of Portugal for 2024 are:
Civil New Year: January 1
Good Friday: March 29
Easter: March 31
Freedom Day (Revolution Day): April 25
Labor day: May 1
Corpus Christi: May 30
Portugal Day: June 10
Feast of the Assumption: August 15
Republic Day: October 5
All Saints' Day: November 1
Independence Day (Restoration of Sovereignty): December 1
Immaculate Conception: December 8
Christmas: December 25
Holidays that can be initiated:
good friday
Corpus Christi
School holidays for the 2023-2024 academic year:
Christmas: December 19, 2023 to January 2, 2024
Carnival holiday: February 20-22, 2024
Easter: March 25 to April 5, 2024
Summer vacation: from the end of June to the middle of September
Food and drink in Portugal (2024): Espresso coffee ("Bika"): ranges from €0.60 to €0.70 in traditional coffee shops. Galleau (coffee with milk): the price is between €1 and €1.50. Beer or Coca-Cola: costs between €1 and €1.50. Cheese or ham sandwich: between €1.50 and €2.50. A full meal: in a snack bar it will cost around €8-11, in standard restaurants between €13 and €20, and in first class restaurants or fado houses €30-50. transport: Trains: Lisbon-Porto: between €31.90 and €46.05 on the Alfa Pendular (fast) train and between €25.10 and €37.15 on the InterCity train. Lisbon-Faro: between €23.50 and €31.40 on Alfa Pendular, and €22 and €28.80 on InterCity. Lisbon to Sintra or Cascais: between €1.35 and €2.25. Intercity buses: Lisbon-Porto: about €19. Lisbon-Faro: €20. Faro-Porto: €32. Lisbon-Coimbra: €15.50. Taxis: Minimum daily rate: €3.25. Nightly rate: €3.90. Baggage surcharge: €1.60. Urban transport: Lisbon Card: unlimited use of public transport and entry to sites (€21 for 24 hours, €35 for 48 hours, €43 for 72 hours). Traveling by bus in Lisbon: €2.00, by tram €3.00. Simple metro ticket: €1.50 in Lisbon and €1.60 in Porto.
When planning your trip, you can find information and advice on accessibility, assistance, and adapted transportation during your stay in Portugal. lodging: In Portugal there are many accommodation options with rooms adapted for the disabled and those with special needs. Some hotels offer accommodation with additional accommodations such as full wheelchair access. You should check with the place of accommodation in advance the level of adaptation available, and you should check on the Visit Portugal website where there is a marking for "access for the disabled" in relevant places of accommodation. Public transport: Most of the means of public transport in Portugal have places reserved for people with special needs, but not all buses are fully wheelchair accessible. In Lisbon, for example, Carris provides buses with low floors and ramps for passengers with mobility limitations. In Porto, the transport operator STCP operates a fleet of buses with disabled access. Accessibility by metro: In Lisbon: the metro includes accessible stations for passengers with special needs, as well as authorized guide dogs accompanying the blind. In Porto: all metro stations are wheelchair accessible. Airports: All Portuguese airports have special facilities and assistance services for passengers with special needs. You can get personal assistance through the MyWay service, which is intended for passengers with limited mobility. More details can be found on the ANA website. Adapted taxis: In cities such as Lisbon, Faro and Porto there are taxis adapted for wheelchairs, with boarding platforms, adapted seat belts and additional accessible service. These taxis can be ordered at the airport stations or through service centers. Accessible beaches: There are over 200 beaches in Portugal with disabled facilities, including adapted access, paths and suitable toilet facilities. These beaches are marked with a white flag with an accessibility symbol. Trains and other accessibility services: Trains in Portugal provide a special accessibility service (SIM) designed for passengers with special needs, including assistance at stations, on trains and during the journey. For more information you can contact CP. For more details on accessible tourism, you can use the Tur4all platform.
The weather in Portugal is considered comfortable and relatively temperate throughout the year, but there are seasonal changes affected by its geographical location on the Atlantic coast. Here is an extension on the weather at the relevant times for the Passover and Tishrei holidays:
March-April (Passover period):
The spring months in Portugal, March and April, are considered a pleasant season for trips. The weather is starting to warm up gradually, but there are still particularly rainy days in the north and center of the country. Lisbon and Porto enjoy average temperatures of 12-18 degrees Celsius during the day, while in the evening it is cooler, around 10-12 degrees. The Algarve region in southern Portugal is slightly warmer, with temperatures between 15 and 22 degrees during the day.
In the spring months, despite the mild weather, there are still cool winds coming from the ocean, so it is recommended to bring warm clothes for the evenings. In the mountainous parts, especially in the north of Portugal, it can still be relatively cold, and sometimes it snows in the highest places.
In the Azores and Madeira, the climate in spring is subtropical, mild and humid, with temperatures around 16-22 degrees. The weather can change quickly between sun and rain, so it's important to prepare accordingly.
September-October (Tishrei holiday period):
The autumn months, September and October, are another ideal time to visit Portugal. In September there are still relatively warm days, especially in the south of the country, when temperatures may reach 25-30 degrees in the Algarve. In the evenings, temperatures drop to around 18-20 degrees.
In October, especially towards the end, the weather cools down gradually, with temperatures of 18-25 degrees during the day, but the nights become cooler, especially in the north and in mountainous areas, where lower temperatures around 10-15 degrees can be expected.
In the islands, the weather remains hot and humid with sudden rain, and temperatures range from 20-25 degrees, making these months very pleasant for hiking.
Recommendations:
You should bring light clothes for the warm days, but also have warm clothes for the cool evenings, especially in areas like Lisbon and the north. Travelers to the mountainous areas will have to prepare for lower temperatures in the evening and sudden rain, especially in March and October.
To check an accurate and up-to-date forecast: AccuWeather - Lisbon .
The water in Portugal is considered safe to drink in most places, including the big cities and tourist areas. There is no problem drinking the tap water in most of the country, and it meets the European standards for water safety. However, in some areas, mainly in the Algarve or in small and remote villages, the quality of the water may vary, and the owners of the places will inform you if it is necessary to drink bottled water instead of tap water.
You should always check with the locals if there are any special recommendations regarding drinking water.
If you are planning a trip to Portugal, you will be happy to know that a direct flight from Israel to Lisbon will take you about 6 hours - just enough time for a good movie, a quick nap and maybe even a small meal. If you fly to Porto, you will arrive a little faster - about 5 and a half hours, so it's worth choosing a shorter movie! The return to Israel takes about the same time, so you have plenty of time to plan your next vacation while you're in the air.
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