Page 360 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Europe

358  THE IBERIAN PENINSULA

Practical & Travel Information Health Issues
For non-emergency medical
The Portuguese are a hospitable people, and in Lisbon, treatment, details of how to
Oporto, and the Algarve the choice of hotels, restaurants and contact an English-speaking
entertainment is vast, and English is widely spoken. Elsewhere, doctor can be found in English-
visitors will usually find help easily available, with locals keen language newspapers, such
as Algarve Resident.
to show off their region. Pharmacies (farmâcias) can
Travel and communication networks in Portugal have dispense a range of drugs that
improved greatly in recent years. For national travel there are would require a prescription in
efficient rail and bus services. Cities have buses and trams, many other countries. They
and both Lisbon and Porto have a metro as well. open from 9am to 1pm and
3pm to 7pm (not Sat), and carry
a sign with a green illuminated
Tourist Information the nearest Portuguese embassy cross. No vaccinations are
The country is divided into or consulate as this may change. needed for Portugal, although a
tourist regions, separate from its Citizens of the EU need only a typhoid shot and polio booster
administrative districts. All cities valid passport to enter Portugal. are recommended.
and large towns have a posto de
turismo (tourist office), where you Personal Security Facilities for the Disabled
can obtain information about the
region, lists of hotels, and details Violent crime is rare, but visitors These are limited, although
of regional events. Visitors can should take sensible precautions the situation is improving.
also consult Portuguese tourist after dark, especially in Lisbon, Wheelchairs and adapted
offices abroad. Oporto, and the Algarve. To restrooms are available at
Most state museums open report a crime, contact the airports and major stations,
from 10am to 5pm and are nearest police station. Ask for an and ramps, reserved parking,
usually closed on Mondays. Many interpreter if necessary. Theft of and elevators are becoming
museums and sights also close documents, such as a passport, more common. Lisbon has a
for lunch for one or two hours. should also be reported to your special taxi service, but you
In Lisbon, the convenient consulate or embassy. Many have to book well in advance.
Lisboa Card entitles visitors travel insurance companies insist
to free public transportation, on policy holders reporting thefts
and free or reduced entry to within 24 hours to substantiate Language and Etiquette
museums. It can be bought at any subsequent claim. Written Portuguese looks similar
the airport, the city’s tourist to Spanish, but its pronunciation
offices, and some hotels, travel is very different. The Portuguese
agents, and major sights. It is Emergency Services do not take kindly to being
valid for up to three days. The number to call in an spoken to in Spanish, so it is
emergency is 112. Ask for either useful to learn a few basic
polícia (the police), ambulância phrases before you go. It is polite
Visa Requirements
(an ambulance), or bombeiros to address strangers as senhor or
There are currently no visa (the fire brigade). For emergency senhora and, when introduced to
requirements for American, medical treatment, you should someone, to shake their hand.
Canadian, Australian, and New go to the emergency room Although dress is generally
Zealand nationals for stays up to (serviço de urgência) of the relaxed, especially in the more
90 days. It is worth checking with nearest main hospital. tourist-oriented areas, when
visiting religious buildings,
arms and knees should be
The Climate of Portugal kept covered.
LISBON
In the south of the country,
especially along the sheltered °C/ºF Banking and Currency
coast of the Algarve, winters 28/82
are very mild, but July and 23/73 The currency in Portugal is the
August can be extremely hot. 19/67 17/63 14/57 14/57 euro (see p23). Money can be
Between April and October, 12/53 8/46 changed at most banks, hotels,
the north is pleasantly warm, and bureaux de change (câmbio).
though rain is not unusual. 9 12.5 7.5 5 Banks tend to offer a good rate
Winters in the north can be hrs hrs hrs hrs of exchange. Traveler’s checks
very cold, especially in the 47.5 0 65 95 can often be expensive to cash,
mountainous inland regions. mm mm mm mm although they are a safe way of
The best times to visit are month Apr Jul Oct Jan carrying money. Most major
spring and fall.
credit cards can be used to
make withdrawals from ATMs.

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