Page 152 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Lisbon

150  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Personal Security and Health What to be Aware of
Violent crime is fairly rare
Lisbon does not have a serious crime problem, but in Lisbon and in Portugal
simple precautions can and should be taken. Watch generally, and the majority
out for pickpockets in busy areas and on public transport, of visitors will experience
avoid carrying large amounts of cash and don’t leave no problems whatsoever.
Nonetheless, a few sensible
valuables in parked cars. The police are generally precautions are worth taking:
helpful, but bureaucratic; reporting a crime can take avoid quiet areas such as the
time. In case of a medical emergency, dial 112 and Baixa after dark, and don’t stroll
ask for an ambulance. For minor medical complaints, alone through Bairro Alto,
consult a pharmacist first. Alfama or around Cais do
Sodré after bars have closed.
In the daytime, be alert to the
possibility of pickpockets or,
Police
police will file a report; note more rarely, bag-snatchers.
In Lisbon and other main that you will need this in order Be vigilant when withdrawing
towns in Portugal, the police to claim from your insurance cash from an ATM (Multibanco
force is the Polícia de Segurança company on your return home. or MB). Whenever possible,
Pública (PSP). A division of There is a Tourist Police carry out the transaction in
the PSP, a special Metro unit, Station in the Foz Cultura daylight and be aware of
patrols Lisbon’s rail and Metro building at Palácio Foz, in anyone standing too close
network, most notably at Praça dos Restauradores, behind you who could see your
night. In rural areas, law and manned by English-speaking PIN number. Ideally, use an
order is kept by the Guarda officers, that deals exclusively ATM together with someone
Nacional Republicana (GNR). with complaints from tourists. you know and trust, or one
The Brigada de Trânsito Rail and Metro carriages that is housed within the
(traffic police) is a division display dedicated tele- bank’s premises. Some poorer
of the GNR, and its members phone numbers for use neighbourhoods and outlying
are recognizable by their red in the event of emergencies. slums see more serious
armbands. They are respons- In all situations, try to keep daytime crime, but they are not
ible for patrolling roads. calm and be polite to the on the typical visitor’s itinerary.
If you have any property authorities to avoid delays. Other general precautions
stolen, you should contact The same applies should you include not carrying or
the nearest police station be involved in a car accident. showing large amounts of cash
at the earliest opportunity. In rural areas you may be (carry only the amount needed
Theft of a passport should also asked to accompany the for daily purchases), not leaving
be reported to your embassy other driver to the nearest possessions visible in parked
(see p149). Many insurance police station to complete cars, not leaving bags
companies insist that policy the necessary paperwork. unattended (especially at
holders report any theft to Ask for an interpreter if no outdoor cafés and restaurants)
the police within 24 hours. The one there speaks English. and holding on to valuable
equipment such as mobile
phones and cameras. Beware
of pickpockets on crowded
Metro trains. If you are robbed,
you are advised not to put up
any resistance.
Vaccinations are not needed
for visitors to Portugal although
doctors recommend being
up-to-date with tetanus,
diptheria and measles jabs.
Tap water is safe to drink
throughout the country. If you
are visiting during the summer,
it is advisable to bring insect
repellent, as mosquitoes,
while they do not present
any serious health problems,
can be a nuisance. The use
of a good sun block is also
recommended, and try to
Traffic policeman PSP officer GNR officer drink plenty of water.

150-151_EW_Lisbon.indd 150 17/10/16 11:34 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.7)
Date 5th March 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm