Portugal

SAFETY: excellent
The country is generally safe. No particular risks are reported other than petty crime (city outskirts, large cities, etc.).

TRANSPORT SYSTEM: excellent
A comprehensive, modern transport network covering the entire country (air, rail, bus, metro, tram, taxi, ferry), islands included, makes it possible to reach any destination. Hiring cars, motorbikes, campervans, bicycles and boats is easy and convenient. There are numerous direct flights from Italy.

Main airports: Braga, Chaves, Coimbra, Covilhã, Faro, Funchal, Lisbon (Portela), Porto, Viseu (Lobato).

Main ports: Leixões, Lisbon, Setúbal, Sines.

HOSPITALITY: excellent
The country (islands included) offers a wide choice of accommodation of every kind, category and price. The international hotel classification (one to five stars) applies, alongside farm stays, B&Bs, guesthouses, apartment hotels, hostels, campsites and wellness and spa centres. The range of restaurants and sports facilities is equally varied.

COUNTRY FACTS: Full name: Portuguese Republic– Location: Iberian Peninsula. Borders: Spain to the north and west, the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south (includes the Azores and Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean)– Time zone: UTC 0 (Azores UTC -1), with daylight saving time– Area: 92,000 km²– Capital: Lisbon– Population: 10,643,000– Religion: 84.5% Catholic, 2.2% other Christian denominations, 9.3% other religions, 3.9% non-religious– Languages: Portuguese and Mirandese (official) – Measurements: metric system.

CURRENCY: euro – Credit cards: the major credit cards are accepted.

ELECTRICITY: 230 V and 50 Hz– Electrical sockets: two-pin type, bring an adapter.

DOCUMENTS: identity card valid for travel abroad. There are no customs restrictions on personal luggage (Schengen) – Driving: Italian driving licence – Car: Italian third-party motor insurance is sufficient for Italian vehicles.

COMMUNICATIONS AND TELEPHONES: Int. dialling code: 00351–GSM: coverage across the whole country. Standard: GSM 900/1800 and 3G 2100 (as in Italy). Local operators: Novis Telecom, TMN and Vodafone Portugal – Internet: service available throughout the country – Web domain: .pt – Emergency numbers: single emergency number 112; roadside assistance: Porto 22 8340001 (for the north of the country), Lisbon 21 9429103 (for the south of the country).

OPENING HOURS: Post offices: Mon-Fri 9.00-12.00, 14.00-18.00 (in Lisbon 8.30-18.30) – Banks: Mon-Fri 8.30-15.00 – Shops: Mon-Sat 8.00-19.00.

RULES, LAWS AND CONDUCT: the laws on drug offences and on sexual abuse of and violence against minors are similar to those in Italy. Homosexuality is legal and same-sex unions are recognised. The legal age of consent is 16.

HEALTH: health and hospital facilities are good throughout the country. Italian citizens on temporary visits who hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) receive the care provided by the local public health service. Pharmacies are widespread and well stocked.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: 1 January, New Year’s Day; Shrove Tuesday; 25 April, Anniversary of the Revolution; Good Friday; Easter; Easter Monday; 1 May, Labour Day; Corpus Christi; 10 June, National Day; 13 June, St Anthony (patron saint of Lisbon); 24 June, St John (patron saint of Porto); 15 August; 5 October, Republic Day; 1 November; 1 December, Independence Day; 8 December; 25 December, Christmas Day.

CLIMATE: two distinct climate types: a dry subtropical Mediterranean climate in the south and a humid temperate climate in the north. Rainfall is more frequent in autumn and winter.

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USEFUL ADDRESSES IN ITALY

Embassy and Consulate of Portugal
Via Guido d’Arezzo 5– 00198 Rome– Tel. 06 844801 (consular section 06 84480200) – Web: www.embportroma.it – E-mail: emb@embportroma.it

USEFUL ADDRESSES IN PORTUGAL

Italian Embassy and Consulate
Largo Conde Pombeiro 6 – 1150-100 Lisbon – Tel. 00351 213 515320 – Fax 00351 213 154926(consular section 00351 213 515320) – Web: www.amblisbona.esteri.it – E-mail: ambasciata.lisbona@esteri.it