Language: Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken and understood.

Passport/Visa Note: All visitors must hold tickets and/or documents for their return or onward journey, and at least €74.82 plus €39.90 per day of stay, unless holding proof of paid accommodation. (Equivalent in convertible currency accepted.). The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that allows the holder, in principal, to travel freely within the borders of all.

Health: There are no health risks attached to travel to Portugal. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is necessary for entry for anyone travelling from an infected area and destined for the Azores or Madeira. Health facilities are good and reciprocal health agreements exist with most European countries, including the UK, whose citizens receive free emergency care at state hospitals. Dental care and repatriation costs are not covered under this agreement. Medical insurance is therefore advised.
Tipping: Service charges are usually added to hotel and restaurant bills, but it is customary to leave an additional 10%. Bar staff and taxi drivers also expect tips, which are usually the rounding up of the bill to the nearest Euro.

Safety: Travel to Portugal should be trouble-free, but there is a rising incidence of petty theft and pick-pocketing in tourist areas, so reasonable care should be taken.

Communications: The international access code for Portugal is +351. There are no area or city codes required. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Portugal is well covered by three GSM mobile phone networks. Internet cafes are available in most towns and resorts.

Duty Free: Travellers over 17 years arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g smoking tobacco, or a proportional mix of these products; 1 litre spirits with alcohol volume higher than 22%, or 2 litres spirits or aperitifs made of wine less than 22%, or sparkling wines or liqueurs, or 2 litres of wine, or a proportionate mix of these; perfume up to 50g or 250ml eau de toilette. Travellers over 15 years do not have to pay duty on 500g coffee; 100g tea; medicines for personal use and gifts or souvenirs to the value of €175 per adult or €90 for children under 15 years. Providing goods are bought for personal use, there are no restrictions on carrying tobacco and alcohol between the 15 original countries of the EU (including the UK), with the exception of Finland, Denmark and Sweden.