9:35 pm
Same time as you
Weather in Portugal
Portugal
16°
Overcast
Sun
12
16
Mon
11
17
Tue
10
17
Wed
10
18
Thu
11
18
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.
Transportation in Portugal
Language in Portugal
Tipping in Portugal
Tipping is customary in Portugal for good service, but it is not obligatory. Locals tend to tip modestly.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill
Bar/Café
Small change or rounding up the bill
Taxi
5-10% of the fare, or rounding up
Hotel Porter
€1-2 per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
€1-2 per day of stay
Tour Guide
€5-10 per person, depending on the length and quality of the tour
Safety & security in Portugal
Tips for British travellers
Portugal is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Carry photo ID at all times as police can hold you at a station until your identity is confirmed, and it is mandatory when driving.
Lock all doors and windows at your holiday accommodation when you go out and at night, and speak to the owner or local police if concerned about security.
In Albufeira, obey the local Code of Conduct which bans inappropriate behaviour in public, as breaking the rules can result in on-the-spot fines from 150 to 1800 euros.
Be aware that drinks served in bars are often stronger than in the UK, and alcohol can reduce your vigilance, so know your limit to stay in control.
Do not swim at beaches without lifeguards, always heed warning flags, and beware of rip tides by swimming parallel to the coast if caught in one.
Bonus tips:
You may be able to use your UK Blue Badge for parking in some circumstances, but you must check local parking rules.
Understand the local toll system and how to pay charges, and check the Toll Payment Portal if you think you may have used a toll road without paying.
Driving 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
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Portugal, especially in larger establishments and tourist areas. However, smaller businesses may prefer or only accept cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in Portugal
ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas.
Local name
Multibanco
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are readily accessible in Portugal, especially in urban centers and tourist hotspots. Most ATMs accept major international cards. Ensure your card is chip and PIN enabled for easy transactions.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the guarantee of EU roaming without extra charges no longer applies for UK mobile users in Portugal. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges. Some providers may still offer inclusive roaming packages. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for potentially cheaper rates.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 15 EUR (~£13)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
Vodafone, MEO, NOS
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, restaurants, cafes, and public areas.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Internet access is readily available throughout Portugal. WiFi hotspots are common, and mobile data coverage is generally good, especially in urban areas.
Health & vaccinations
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 for medical emergencies, repatriation, and other unforeseen events.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Generally, Portugal has good standards of healthcare. No specific vaccinations are required for entry, but it's always wise to ensure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is readily available. Be aware of sun safety, especially during peak summer months.
Calling Portugal
Country code
+351
To call Portugal from the UK, dial 00 351 followed by the Portuguese phone number (9 digits, starting with 2 for landlines or 9 for mobile numbers).
To call a Lisbon landline, dial 00 351 21 XXX XX XX.
To call Portugal from the UK, dial 00 (the UK exit code), then 351 (Portugal's country code), followed by the 9-digit phone number. When calling a UK number from Portugal, dial 00 44 followed by the UK number (omitting the initial 0).
UK Embassy in Portugal
British Embassy Lisbon
Rua de São Bernardo 33, 1249-082 Lisbon, Portugal
Airports in Portugal
Frequently asked questions about Portugal
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.