Time Zone

Portugal is in the Western European Time Zone (WET). It is the same as Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+0). During Daylight Saving Time (late March to late October), it shifts to Western European Summer Time (WEST, GMT+1). Portugal is one hour behind Central European Time and five hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

Official Languages

The official language is Portuguese. However, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, restaurants, hotels, and by younger people who typically learn it at school. Some locals also speak basic Spanish or French.

Telephone Calls

• Country code: +351
• Porto area code: 22 (when dialing from abroad: +351 22 XXX XXXX)

Emergency Numbers

• European Emergency Number: 112 (for police, fire, and ambulance)
• Police: 112
• Medical Emergency: 112
• Fire Brigade: 112
• Pharmacy Info: 118
• Roadside Assistance (ACP): 808 22 22 22

Banks

Banks are generally open Monday–Friday from 8:30 am to 3 pm. ATMs are widely available throughout the city and accept major international cards. Some ATMs may charge a small withdrawal fee (€2-3), especially for non-EU cards.

Currency

Euro (€)

Currency Exchange

Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, exchange bureaus (casa de câmbio), and some hotels. You'll need a valid passport or ID. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted.

VAT

• Standard VAT rate: 23%
• Reduced rates: 13% (certain food and beverage items, cultural events), and 6% (books, transport, medicines)
  Non-EU residents can request VAT refunds for purchases over a certain value when leaving the EU.

Electrical Appliances

• Voltage: 230 V / 50 Hz
• Plug type: Type F (Schuko)
  Visitors from the UK need an adapter; from North America, both adapter and transformer may be necessary unless the device supports 230V.

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory in Portugal but is appreciated. In restaurants, leaving 5–10% is typical if service was good. Rounding up the bill or leaving coins is also common in cafés and taxis.

Credit Cards

Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro) are accepted in most establishments. American Express is less widely accepted. It’s advisable to carry some cash, especially in smaller towns or markets.

Climate

In September, the average temperature in Porto ranges from 15°C (59°F) to 24°C (75°F). The weather is generally mild and pleasant, though occasional rain is possible.

Driving in Portugal

• Drive on the right-hand side.
• Speed limits:
  • Urban areas: 50 km/h
  • Main roads: 90 km/h
  • Motorways: 120 km/h
• Tolls apply on many highways—payment can be automatic with a rental car device or manual at booths.

Opening Hours

• Shops:
  Monday–Friday: 9 am–7 pm (many close for lunch from 1–3 pm)
  Saturday: 9 am–1 pm
  Large shopping centers: Open daily from 10 am to 11 pm
• Restaurants:
  Lunch: 12 pm–3 pm
  Dinner: 7 pm–10:30 pm
• Pharmacies:
  Regular hours: Monday–Friday: 9 am–7 pm, Saturday: 9 am–1 pm
  Duty pharmacies (farmácias de serviço) are available for after-hours emergencies—info can be found online or posted on pharmacy doors.