TIPS

Banks

The banks are open Monday to Friday from 08.30 to15.00, but closed on Saturdays and Sundays. All banks change traveller’s cheques and sterling. When changing money or cashing traveller’s cheques, one will need his passport. The majority of hotel and self catering complexes, also have exchange facilities at reception. Most banks will give you Euros on credit cards.

Beaches

Never swim when the red flag is flying. This means that the sea conditions are too dangerous for bathing. Although officially illegal, topless sunbathing is common practice, but nude sunbathing is not permitted.

Consulates

http://www.min-nestrangeiros.pt/mne/missoes/

Credit and Charge cards

Most of the credit and charge cards are accepted in hotels, shops and restaurants. It is advisable to check first whether or not your card is accepted, when in smaller towns.

Some petrol stations may not accept credit cards or will make a small charge for taking credit card payment.

Departure Details

If on a charter flight , one should confirm his flight 24 hours before, in order to assure that there have been no changes to the departure time. Prior to leaving the hotel or apartment, one should ensure that he holds passports and flight tickets, and that the room key has been handed back to reception. If flights are later in the day, it is likely that one will still need to checkout at noon, but generally the accommodation will have a secure area where one can leave his cases.

Driving

There is substantial fine for not wearing seatbelts and speeding. Alcohol levels related to driving are lower than those in other countries, and considered a criminal offence. A hire car should always carry the car documents given on arrival, and driver his Driving Licence and Passport. One should not leave any items showing when one parks a hired car

Electricity

To use UK electrical equipment one will require an adaptor, to convert to 220 volts A.C. One can buy adaptors in any local electrical shop inexpensively.

Emergency Services

In Portugal the equivalent to the ‘999’ emergency telephone number is ‘112’.

The operator will connect you to the Police, Fire Brigade or Ambulances, according to your report of the emergency.

I.V.A

The Portuguese equivalent of V.A.T is called I.V.A and is included on all restaurant, car hire and hotel bills. On some items I.V.A is 12%, but may go up to 19%.

Medical Services

If one needs a doctor during his stay, there are medical centres. For insurance purposes, one should get a receipt for any money one pays out and inform his representative.

Post Office

Most towns and resorts have at least one Post Office ‘Correio’ and the letters C.T.T identifies these. The main post offices in Faro and Portimão are open on Saturday mornings, but all others are open generally between 09.00-12.00 and 14.00-18.00 Monday to Friday. All offices have public telephones, fax and email/web facilities.
Stamps may be obtained at most hotels, tobacconist shops or souvenir stands

Security

Most hotels have safes/safety deposit boxes which one can rent. One should not leave valuables in hired cars. If ever something is stolen, one should report it immediately to the nearest police station, and ask for a police report, in order to claim back from the insurance.

Shopping

Most shops are open 09.00-13.00 and 15.00-18.00, Monday to Friday and 09.00-13.00 on Saturdays. The best range of shops are in Faro and Portimão. Many of the markets are also good for a large range of goods. Markets are held as follows and may not be as frequent in winter:

Travel Agency - License nr 831/1996
Passenger Transporter - License nr 345/2004
International EU Transport License nr 310/2004

Sociedade por Quotas - Capital Social 100 080.00 €uros
Contribuinte nº PT 503 495 956
Matriculada na C. R. C. de Albufeira, sob o nº 01857/980515