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Portugal Travel Planning

🇵🇹 Portugal Travel Essentials

🚗 Driving SideRight-hand side
🔌 Socket & VoltageType C & F plugs, 230V / 50Hz
📱 Country Code+351
🚨 Emergency Number112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
🚰 Tap WaterSafe to drink across the country
🕐 Time ZoneWET (UTC +0), WEST (UTC +1 during daylight saving)
💱 CurrencyEuro (€)
🗣️ LanguagesPortuguese (official); English widely spoken in tourist areas
🛂 VisaSchengen visa required for some nationalities; UK, US, AUS, NZ can stay up to 90 days
💰 TippingNot expected, but rounding up or 5–10% is appreciated
🚌 TransportMetro, buses, trams, trains (CP), domestic flights
📲 Travel AppsCP (Comboios de Portugal), Google Maps, Moovit, The Fork
🔌 Adaptor NeededYes – Type C or F plugs if from outside Europe
🤝 Etiquette TipsGreet with a handshake or cheek kiss; be polite and dress modestly in churches

🌤️ Seasonal Weather Guide for Portugal

Season Months Average Temps (°C / °F) Notes
☀️ Summer Jun – Aug 25–35°C / 77–95°F Hot and dry, especially inland and in the Alentejo region
🍂 Autumn Sep – Nov 15–25°C / 59–77°F Mild and pleasant; grape harvest and fewer crowds
❄️ Winter Dec – Feb 5–16°C / 41–61°F Cooler in the north, but still mild along the coast
🌸 Spring Mar – May 15–25°C / 59–77°F Ideal time for sightseeing, wildflowers in bloom

🗣️ Useful Portuguese Words & Phrases

Phrase Meaning / Use
👋 OláHello / Hi
🙏 Obrigado / ObrigadaThank you (male/female speaker)
🙋 Por favorPlease
😅 DesculpeExcuse me / I’m sorry
🤔 Quanto custa?How much does it cost?
🚻 Onde fica a casa de banho?Where is the bathroom?
🧾 A conta, por favorThe bill, please (in restaurants)
💬 Não falo portuguêsI don’t speak Portuguese
🇬🇧 Fala inglês?Do you speak English?
👋 Adeus / TchauGoodbye
Images of Portugal.

Planning a trip to Portugal? This article shares 12 essential tips to help you prepare, from understanding local transport and currency to what to eat, wear, and pack.

Whether you’re exploring Lisbon, Porto, or venturing further afield, these practical insights will help you make the most of your visit.

Map of Lisbon

Discover Lisbon, a city of stunning viewpoints, historic landmarks, and vibrant neighbourhoods.

Our guide covers the top things to see and do, where to stay, what to eat, and how to get around, helping you plan the perfect visit to Portugal’s capital.

Portugal Travel Planning Guides.

​Explore Porto, Portugal’s vibrant second city, renowned for its historic charm, stunning river vistas, and the celebrated Port wine. Wander through the colorful Ribeira district, cross the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, and immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural tapestry.

Our comprehensive guide offers insights into top attractions, accommodation options, culinary delights, and practical travel tips to help you plan the perfect Porto adventure.

Episodes about visiting Portugal coming soon!