Lisbon Practical Information

 

Passport and Visas

Visas are not necessary for citizens of EU countries, the U.S.A., Canada and the majority of countries, in this case a valid passport (or identity card for European Community Nationals) is only required.

Please contact your local Portuguese Embassy, Consulate or your Travel Agency for further information.

Accessibility

Lisbon International Airport is located 6 kms from the city centre and is served by all major international airlines from all over the world.

Climate

Lisbon is one of the sunniest capitals of Europe, this city has a very mild and temperate climate, with short winters and long hot summers
with a maximum temperature of approximately 28º Celsius (84º F). Although temperatures may fall somewhat in the autumn and winter months, sunshine is almost always a constant feature. Due to its proximity to the sea, mist and drizzly rain can sometimes make Lisbon feel cooler
than inland Portugal.

Language

The official language is Portuguese. English and French are widely spoken.

Currency

As a member of the European Monetary System the accepted currency in Portugal is the Euro (€).

Public Transportation

Metro

The metro in Lisbon is the quickest way to travel. It has 4 color-code lines network (blue, yellow, green and red) all coming to the city
centre. Nowadays the 4 lines consist of 50 stations and cover a distance of 37 km. The metro operates from 6:00 a.m. until 01:00 a.m.
Tickets are available from machines at all stations. Other tickets which combine the use of the metro with the use of buses and trams can
be bought at Carris kiosks.
Lisbon Metro is modern, clean and efficient.. Many of its station are decorated with contemporary art. Metro website.

Carris (network of buses, trams and funiculars)

There is an extensive network of buses, trams and funiculars in Lisbon. You can enjoy a ride on the vintage trams and the funiculars. The
network is constantly changing and more information can be found on the Carris website.

Buses and Metro Fares (Carris/Metro Lisboa)

On-board fare - tickets designed for occasional customers that can be acquired on all Carris vehicles and valid for a single journey on any route
in urban and suburban regular service):

·         Bus on-board fare - € 1.75

·         Tram on-board fare - 2.85 €

·         Lift on-board rafe - € 3.50 (2 trips)

Pre-buy titles - electronic tickets previously charged on a non-contact support card (7 Colinas or Viva Viagem) - € 1,25:

One zone ticket – one unit is valid to travel in one zone (Urban or Suburban), for one hour, counting between the first and the last validation;

Two units of "One Zone Ticket" are valid for travelling in two zones (Urban + Suburban), for two hours, counting between the first and the
last validation.
The validation of “One Zone Ticket” is made in one of the electronic devices. It only debits one unit on the first validation and no other
during a hour.The validation of Two Zone Ticket (urban + suburban) is made in the first trip and on the device with keyboard. You must press
key 2 and then pass 7 Colinas and Viva Viagem cards at the same device. It debts immediately two units of the one zone ticket and
expires 2 hours later. You may travel during this period, but you still have to validate your ticket on any device, without having to press any
key and without spend any other unit till the end of title's validity period.

Please notice that these fares are charged on support cards "7 Colinas" or "Viva Viagem", which have a €0,50 additional cost and are reusable.

Metro single ticket (whole Metro network) - €1,25

24 hours ticket Carris/Metro Network - € 5,00
Valid for an unlimited number of trips on Carris and Metro network during 24 hours since the first entrance validation. This transport title is not
valid neither in touristic

Taxis

There are taxi services available 24h a day. There is a €2.00 minimum price for hailing a taxi with the fare increasing with a combination
of distance and time (traffic). During night hours (9pm-6am) the journeys are usually 20% more expensive. A Taxi can be hailed from the road,
if the light on top of the taxi is on it indicates that the taxi already has a fare. The two largest taxi companies within Lisbon are: Autocoope
(Tel: (00351) 217932756) and Radio Taxis (Tel: (00351) 21811900).

All of Lisbon’s taxis are painted in a cream color but there are still a few taxis painted in the black and mint green.

Check in/out Policy

Should hotel rooms be required for guaranteed occupancy before 13.00 hrs, the previous night should be reserved. Check out time is 12.00 hrs noon.

Driving

Vehicles drive on the right side of the road. The use of safety belts is compulsory, and children under 12 must ride in the back seats.

Portugal has a large freeway network crossing the whole country from the North to the South in Algarve, and from the Ocean front to the
border with Spain.

Valid driving licenses from EU countries, the USA, Canada and other major countries are acceptable for use in Portugal up to 6 months stay.

Electric Current

European type 2 pin sockets with 220 volts AC at 50 cycles are used. The phase 380 volt current is normally available in meeting and
exhibition rooms.

Entertainment

Lisbon has a variety of theatres and venues catering for most tastes.

Opera, ballet, plays, concerts, etc. take place on a regular basis all year round. Portuguese Fado and Folklore shows are popular, and
an international show at Casino Estoril (the largest in Europe), with glittering cabaret complements the many discos and other night spots
(Bairro Alto, Av 24 de Julho, Docas).

Exchange

Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops and restaurants. Travellers cheques and currency can be changed at hotels or at a
bank - these are open Monday to Friday from 08h30 to 15h00. Automatic changing and ATM linked to international networks are also
widely available.

Health Requirements

In fact there are no special health requirements, with the exception of vaccination certificates for persons coming from areas where yellow fever
is endemic.

Meals

There are a wide variety of restaurants and cafés in Lisbon ranging from elegant and sophisticated to casual and inexpensive. Take-away and
fast food is also available from many outlets.

Restaurants, bars, some with live music, and discos along the river Tejo, at Docas area, Alcântara and at the Nations Park site, are very
popular meeting spots especially at weekend nights. Breakfast is normally served between 07.30 and 10.00 hrs, lunch from 12.30 to 15.00 hrs, and dinner from 19.30 to 22.00 hrs.

Medical Care

Clinics and hospitals provide round the clock emergency service. The national emergency phone number is 112. Hotels have a doctor on call through the reception. Reciprocal E.C. cover is available at out-patient departments, otherwise private consultation fees are charged.

Smoking

Smoking is forbidden by law in public transportation, and in closed public areas.

Tipping

Tipping is optional, but normally 10% is customary in taxis, restaurants and bars.

Sales Tax

Sales tax (VAT) is included in prices quoted. For non E.U. residents, tax free shopping schemes are available in many shops, which give substantial savings to visitors.

Security

Crime rates in Portugal are among the lowest in the world. Hotels have their own security staff, which is sufficient for most events. Specialist
firms are also available if necessary, and the police provide special protection for visiting dignitaries and high risk individuals.