Page 385 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Portugal

issue and will result in a warning or small fine. Stamps are sold in post offices, newsagents and
Be aware of drug-dealers brazenly plying their on the CTT website. Post should take around
wares in city centres. 3–5 days to reach the rest of Europe, 7 days for
elsewhere in the world and can be tracked on
ID the CTT website, where you can also find details
of your nearest post office. There is also a choice
By law you must carry identification with you of international couriers.
at all times in Portugal. A photocopy of your CTT
passport should suffice. If stopped by the police ∑ ctt.pt
you may be asked to report to a police station
with the original document. Taxes and Refunds
Local Customs VAT is usually 23 per cent. Under certain
conditions, non-EU citizens can claim a rebate.
As the pressure of tourism grows in Portugal’s Either claim the rebate before you buy (show
cities, small efforts to integrate are appreciated. your passport to the shop assistant and
Try to use simple Portuguese phrases and complete a form) or present a customs officer
greetings appropriate to the time of day. with your receipts as you leave.
A much-loved aspect of Portugal is the slow
pace of life. This is evident as a pedestrian, at Discount Cards
public events and when making social engage-
ments, so try to stifle any impatience and Major cities offer a visitor’s pass or discount
readjust your tempo suitably. card for exhibitions, events and museum entry.
Some, like the Lisboa and Porto Cards, even
Visiting Churches cover the cost of public transport. These are not
and Cathedrals free, so consider carefully how many of the
offers you are likely to take advantage of before
Most churches and cathedrals will not permit purchasing a card.
visitors during Sunday Mass. Generally, entrance Lisboa Card
to churches is free, however a fee may apply to ∑ lisboacard.org
enter special areas, like cloisters. Porto Card
Portugal retains a strong Catholic identity. ∑ oporto.ticketbar.eu
When visiting religious buildings ensure that
you are dressed modestly, with your knees WEBSITES AND APPS
and shoulders covered.
Mobile Phones and Wi-Fi VisitPortugal
Check out www.visitportugal.com, the
website of Portugal’s tourism board.
Free Wi-Fi is not yet widespread in Portugal, Guia de Viagem Visit Portugal
although it can be found in some restaurants
and bars, specifically those aimed at tourists. This useful app shows points of interest
nearby or by category.
Visitors travelling to Portugal with EU tariffs Odisseias
are able to use their devices abroad without
being affected by roaming charges. Users will be Visit www.odisseias.com for deals in
Lisbon and Porto.
charged the same rates for data, calls and texts Lisbon Street Art
as at home.
Locate street art in the capital with
this cool app.
Post VisitAzores
This app is essential for anyone
The postal service is run by CTT (Correios de
Portugal), which offers a wide range of services travelling in the Azores.
at prices lower than the European average.
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