£1 €1.16
Today
3:59 am
Same time as you
Weather in Portugal
Portugal
22°
Overcast
Wed
13
22
Thu
14
22
Fri
13
21
Sat
12
22
Sun
12
19
SPF level in Portugal
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Portugal
Language in Portugal
Tipping in Portugal
Tipping is appreciated in Portugal, but not mandatory. Service charges are not usually included in bills.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill for good service. Some people only tip if the service was exceptional.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill or leaving small change is common.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare or tipping 5-10% for good service is appreciated.
Hotel Porter
€1-2 per bag is customary.
Hotel Housekeeper
€1-2 per day for good service.
Tour Guide
€5-10 per person for a good tour is appreciated.
Safety in Portugal
Tips for British travellers
Portugal is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be aware that pickpocketing and theft from cars are common in major tourist areas, so keep sight of your belongings at all times.
Attacks or sexual assaults are a risk late at night around nightlife areas, so always use pre-arranged taxis and do not walk back to your hotel alone.
Drinks served in bars are often stronger than in the UK, and alcohol or drugs can reduce your vigilance and control.
You must provide photo ID if asked by police and it is mandatory to carry ID when driving, or you could be held until your identity is confirmed.
Check if your holiday accommodation is secure and lock all doors and windows at night and when you go out.
Bonus tips:
In Albufeira, you can be fined on the spot for breaking public behaviour rules and there are restrictions on buying alcohol from shops between 11pm and 8am in certain areas.
Only gamble in government-licensed places like official casinos, as playing in unlicensed premises is illegal and could lead to arrest, a fine, or a prison sentence.
Driving in Portugal
A UK driving license is accepted in Portugal.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Portugal drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Portugal
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Portugal uses 230V electricity at 50Hz. Plugs are typically Type C and Type F. Visitors from the UK will require an adapter.
Cards & payments
Cards are widely accepted in Portugal, especially in tourist areas and larger establishments.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1094
ATMs in Portugal
Good. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas.
Local name
Multibanco (MB)
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are readily available, especially in urban areas and tourist hotspots. Most ATMs accept major international cards. Ensure you have a four-digit PIN to withdraw cash.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the guarantee of free EU roaming for UK mobile users no longer applies. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in Portugal. Some providers may still offer inclusive roaming packages.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 20 EUR (~£17)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
Vodafone, NOS, MEO
WiFi & internet
Good. Free WiFi is available in many cafes, restaurants, hotels, and public spaces.
Average speed
45 Mbps
Internet access is readily available throughout Portugal. Many establishments offer free WiFi, especially in tourist areas. Mobile data is also a reliable option.
Health & vaccinations in Portugal
As a UK resident, you can use a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for state healthcare in Portugal. However, it's still recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance, as GHIC/EHIC might not cover all costs (e.g., repatriation).
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Generally, no specific vaccinations are required for Portugal. However, it's always wise to consult your GP before travelling. Tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is readily available.
Calling Portugal
Country code
+351
To call Portugal from the UK, dial 00 351 followed by the Portuguese phone number.
To call the British Embassy in Lisbon from the UK, you would dial 00 351 21 392 4000.
The country code for Portugal is 351. When calling Portugal from abroad, dial your country's exit code, followed by 351, and then the local number.
UK Embassy in Portugal
British Embassy Lisbon
Rua de São Bernardo 33, 1249-082 Lisbon, Portugal
Airports in Portugal
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.