TRAVEL TO PORTUGAL
Airports & airlines
Portugal has international airports at Lisbon (Airport code LIS; 218 413 500;), Porto (Airport code OPO; 229 412 534) and Faro (Airport code FAO; 289 800 800). For more information, see www.ana-aeroportos.pt. Portugal’s flagship international airline is TAP Air Portugal. The main domestic airline – but with a growing menu of European connections – is PGA Portugália Airlines. Following are details of major carriers serving Portugal:
Aer Lingus (airline code EI; 217 220 511; www.aerlingus.ie)
Air Berlin (airline code AB; 289 800 832; www.airberlin.com)
Air France (airline code AF; 808 202 800; www.airfrance.fr)
Air Luxor (airline code LK; 707 500 505; www.airluxor.com)
Alitalia (airline code AZ; 800 307 300; www.alitalia.com)
British Airways (airline code BA; 808 200 125; www.britishairways.com)
British Midland/BMIbaby (airline code BD; www.bmibaby.com)
Continental Airlines (airline code CO; 808 200 079; www.flycontinental.com)
Delta (airline code DL; 213 139 860; www.delta.com)
Finnair (airline code AY; 213 522 689; www.finnair.fi)
GBAirways (289 800 771; www.gbairways.com)
Go/easyJet Airways (airline code U2; www.easyjet.com)
Grupo SATA (airport code S4; 707 227 282; www.sata.pt)
Iberia (airline code IB; 808 261 261; www.iberia.com)
KLM (airline code KL; 204 747 747; www.klm.nl)
Lufthansa (airline code LH; 214 245 155; www.lufthansa.com)
Monarch Airlines (airline code ZB; 289 889 475; www.flymonarch.com)
PGA Portugália Airlines (airline code NI; 707 789 090; www.flypga.com)
Regional Air Lines (airline code FN; 218 425 559; www.regional.com)
Ryan Air (airline code FR; 289 889 407; www.ryanair.com)
Swiss International Air Lines (airline code LX; 808 200 487; www.swiss.com)
TAP Air Portugal (airline code TP; 707 205 700; www.tap.pt)
Transavia Airlines (airline code HV; 218 925 454; www.transavia.com)
Tunisair (airline code TU; 218 496 350; www.tunisair.com.tn)
Varig (airline code RG; 214 245 170; www.varig.com.br)
Virgin Express (airline code VS; 808 208 082; www.virgin-express.com)
WHILE YOU'RE THERE
Availability & cost of health care
Good health care is readily available and for minor illnesses pharmacists can give valuable advice and sell over-the-counter medication. Most pharmacists speak some English. They can also advise when more specialised help is required and point you in the right direction. The standard of dental care is usually good, but it is sensible to have a dental check-up before a long trip.
Crime
Compared to other European countries, Portugal’s crime rate is low, but it is rising. Crime against foreigners is of the usual rush-hour-pickpocketing, bag-snatching and theft-from-rental-cars variety. Take the usual precautions: don’t flash your cash; keep valuables in a safe place; and, if you are challenged, hand it over – it’s not worth taking the risk.
Costs
Portugal remains excellent value for money, whether you’re travelling on the cheap or trying to spend your inheritance.
Tipping
If you’re satisfied with the service, tip 5% to 10%. Bills at pricier restaurants may already include serviço (service charge). After a snack at a bar or café, some shrapnel is enough. Taxi drivers are not generally tipped, but 10% for good service would be appreciated.
Money
Portugal currency is EURO
Travellers cheques
These are a safe way to carry money as they will be replaced if lost or stolen, but are less convenient than the card-in-machine method. Amex, Thomas Cook or Visa are most widely recognised.
It’s best to get cheques in euros, and keep a record of the ones you’ve cashed in case you do mislay them. However, although travellers cheques are easily exchanged, with better rates than for cash, they are poor value because commission is so high.
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VISA:
Entering the country
Coming from within Europe, you’ll have no problems entering Portugal by land, sea or air. However, if you’re arriving from further afield, check to see if you’ll need to secure a visa before arrival.
Please contact the nearest PORTUGUESE EMBASSY to get the updated information about the VISA procedure and requirements.
Request for PORTUGUESE VISA should be done 3 Months prior the conference date.
Contact the nearest Portuguese Embassy: http://www.learn4good.com/travel/portugal_embassies.htm
for detailed information
Nationalities that DON’T require a visa to enter PORTUGAL
Andorra,
Argentina,
Australia,
Bolivia,
Brazil,
Brunei,
Bulgaria,
Canada,
Chile,
Costa Rica,
Croatia,
Cyprus,
Czech Republic,
El Salvador,
Estonia,
Guatemala,
Honduras,
Hong Kong (SAR),
Hungary,
Iceland,
Israel,
Korea (Rep),
Latvia,
Liechtenstein,
Lithuania,
Macau (SAR),
Malaysia,
Malta,
Mexico,
Monaco,
New Zealand,
Nicaragua, Norway,
Panama,
Paraguay,
Poland,
Romania,
San Marino,
Singapore,
Slovak Republic,
Slovenia,
Switzerland,
Uruguay,
Vatican City,
USA
Venezuela;
Citizens of nations that are not mentioned above require both: a PASSPORT and a VISA
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