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Då vi på Mercator/Portugalmäklarna har lång erfarenhet kan vi guida våra kunder och ge den rådgivning som gör att man hittar rätt från början. Vi organiserar därför både visningsresor både privat och i grupp. Planeringen för privata visningsresor lägger vi upp gemensamt med våra kunder för att det skall bli effektivt. Vid gruppresor har vi ett färdigt program som passar för dig som kanske inte har varit i Portugal tidigare.
Entry formalities
Citizens of the European Union, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Romania and Switzerland need only an identity card to enter Portugal.
In addition to their identity card, minors must also present authorisation from their parents to travel.
Entry of pets
Entry into Portugal of cats and dogs from other EU Member States
It is necessary to present a passport issued by a vet who has been accredited by the respective competent authority, which must:
- contain indication of the owner’s name and address;
- confirm that the animal is identified via a microchip (the device used should be in conformity with the ISO 11784 standard or Annex A to the ISO 11785 standard, otherwise, the owner must have equipment that enables the chip to be read), or a clearly legible tattoo (only permitted during a transitory period – up until 03/07/2011);
- confirmation of a valid anti-rabies vaccination, or revaccination if applicable, carried out when the animal was at least 3 months old, in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturing laboratory, with an inactivated vaccine of at least one antigenic unit per dose (WHO standard).
Entry into Portugal of cats and dogs from countries outside the European Union
It is necessary to present a Sanitary Certificate issued/validated by the Official Veterinary Authority of the country of origin (accompanied by confirmatory documents of vaccinations, and if appropriate an antibody titration). The certificate should confirm the following:
- identification via a microchip (the device used should be in conformity with the ISO 11784 standard or Annex A to the ISO 11785 standard, otherwise, the owner must have equipment that enables the chip to be read), or a clearly legible tattoo (only permitted during a transitory period – up until 03/07/2011);
- confirmation of a valid anti-rabies vaccination, or revaccination if applicable, carried out when the animal was at least 3 months old, in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturing laboratory, with an inactivated vaccine of at least one antigenic unit per dose (WHO standard).
In relation to certain countries it is also necessary that the certificate confirms a neutralising antibody titration, of at least 0,5 UI/ml. This requirement does not apply to several countries such as Andorra, Canada, USA, the Russian Federation, Japan, Norway and Switzerland, amongst others, and we therefore suggest that you search for further information on this matter from the Directorate General for Veterinary Practices.
Circulation of Pets
Duty an Tax-free Exemptions
European Union Countries
Travellers arriving from Europe Union countries ca carry items for personal use in their luggage that not exceed the following limits:
Tobaco Produts
Alcoholic Beverages
Transport and Circulation of Money
Travellers who enter or leave the European Union territory carryng amounts with them equal to or higher than 10,000€, should declare this amount to the Customs authorities, in compliance with the stiplutations of Regulatio (EC) n.º 1889/2005, that has been in force since June 15, 2007. This imposition aims to reinforce the Eu's efforts to counter criminal activity and reinforce safety, by combating money laundering, terrorism and other criminal practices.
Transports
Telephone Contacts:
ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal, SA is the Portuguese airport authority and provides departure and arrival information on www.ana.pt
There are several Portuguese airlines offering regular domestic and international flights.
Train Rail
- the top-of-the-range "Alfa Pendular" trains offer the fastest and most comfortable rail link between Lisbon and the Algarve and, in the north, Oporto or Braga, with stops in Coimbra;
- the "Intercidades" or Intercity service covers the Lisbon-Oporto-Guimarães, Lisbon-Guarda, Lisbon-Covilhã, Lisbon-Évora-Beja and Lisbon-Faro routes;
- the international Sud-express train and Lusitânia hotel-train leave from Lisbon;
Road
– the traditional motorways with toll booths, where payment is made either in cash or by bank card. These motorways also have a Via Verde, which is an electronic toll system that allows drivers to make the payment by bank debit and is intended for use solely by those who have an electronic device identifying their vehicle, which it has been previously acquired at one of the respective sales outlets;
Subway
The subway is an important addition to the traditional forms of public transport.
In Lisbon and Oporto it operates between 6 a.m. and 1 a.m.
Taxis
Taxis are usually cream in colour, although there are still some painted black with a green roof in the traditional Portuguese style.
The fare is shown on the taximeter. The prices are affixed inside the car or you can ask the driver about them.
If you phone for a taxi you have to pay an extra 0,80€. There is a charge of 1,60€ for luggage, regardless of weight or the number of pieces.
Carry cots, pushchairs, wheelchairs and walking aids are carried free of charge.
Outside towns, transport by taxi is paid per kilometer, and the passenger is informed of the amount in advance. If existing, the passenger has to pay the road tolls there and back.
Tipping is at the passenger’s discretion, though it is normal to tip 5-10% or round the amount up to the nearest euro.
Driving
Compulsory papers:
All occupants must wear seat belts.
The Portuguese Highway Code forbids the use of mobile phones while driving, unless you’re using hands-free equipment or an earphone.
Alcohol, drinking and driving
It is against the law to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.5 grams per litre or more.
A blood alcohol level between 0,5 g/l and 0,8 g/l is considered a serious offence, and it is sanctioned with a driving inhibition between 1 month and a 1 year and a fee payment of an amount from 250 up to 1.250€.
A blood alcohol level between 0,8g/l and 1,2g/l is a very serious offence, sanctioned with a period of driving inhibition between 2 months and 2 years and the a fee payment of an amount from 1.250 up to 2.500€.
A blood alcohol level of 1,2g/l or more is considered a crime, which can be punished with imprisonment up to 1 year or fee penalty up to 120 days, and driving inhibition between 3 months and 3 years.
Car rentals
- be at least between 21 and 25 years old, depending on the company’s rental policy;
Electronic Tolls
Foreign License Plate Vehicles
Toll card
There are some highways in Portugal which the tolls are electronic only. It means that there are no cabins ant passing of vehicles is detected by devices placed at the beginning of those highways.
The highways are identified at the beginning with: "Electronic toll only".
Pre-loaded card with a fixed amount of 5, 10, 20 or 40€ to be consumed depending on circulation in electronic only tolls. This solution allows payment in cash or with bankcard.
Where to buy: Easy Toll’s Welcome Points, at CTT post-offices or on service areas in Portugal and Spain, member Hotel Units and tourist offices.
Toll service
- prepaid ticket for light vehicles, ready to use, with a fixed charge of 20€, with unlimited use for 3 days or
- acquisition of pre-paid tickets with previously defined journeys (journey from Spain - Porto Airport, via A28 or A41 (round trip) or journey from Spain - Faro Airport via A22 (round trip).
Automatic payment of electronic tolls with the association of a credit card (Mastercard and Visa) to the license plate of the vehicle.
Where to access: welcome Points located at the border posts at the following locations EN13 – Vila Nova de Cerveira, A24-Chaves, A25 – Vilar Formoso and A22 – Vila Real de Santo António.
How to access: The driver, not having to leave the vehicle, enters the credit card in the payment terminal and the system automatically associates the vehicle's license plate to the bankcard. The tolls rates owed are directly debited to the account associated with the card.
Validity: At the time of accession, valid for 30 days, a ticket is issued as proof and must be kept.
The driver is always able to change license plates or cancel the membership, through the Call Centre 707 500 501 (National) or 00 351 212 879 555 (from abroad).
Via Verde Visitors
The driver may rent a Temporary ‘Via Verde Visitors' Device to be consumed depending on circulation that has the advantage of being also used also on traditional tolls.
Cost of rental: 6€ in the first week, and 1,50€ for each week after that; initial deposit 27,50€ (value refunded upon return of the device).
Validity: 90 days, extendable.
Where to rent: Via Verde Stores or service areas.
Portuguese License Plate Vehicles
Car Rental
Payment after having circulated at the roads concerned (only available for vehicles with a Portuguese license plate)
If a vehicle does not have an electronic device when circulating at the highways concerned, a photo of the license plate will be made and saved until the payment is made.
Term for payment: the payment can be made at the second day after having circulated at the roads mentioned above and for a period of five weekdays, at the post office or at one of the shops signalized as “Payshop”.
Costs: normal toll costs + administrative costs (an amount 0,25€ for every time the roads were used with a maximum of 2€ for each payment made).
Note: when a payment term has passed, the driver is in violation of the rules, and fines will be added to the administrative costs.
Payment through electronic devices
Obtaining: at the highway service areas or other locations like the post offices and the Via Verde Portugal-shops.
Costs: 27,50€ to purchase + preloading a minimum 10€ for light vehicles and 20€ for heavy vehicles.
Validity: valid for 90 days as from the date of the last preload. After this period the remaining balance will be lost and the device will be deactivated. To reactivate the device it will be necessary to re-charge it with a minimum of 10€.
Temporary device (Dispositivo temporário - DT): the best solution for a short stay, and as a result for vehicles with a foreign license plate; the license plate is not linked to the device, therefore, anonymity is guaranteed.
Obtaining: it is necessary to establish a lease contract with the responsible entities, at the highway service areas or other locations like the post offices and the Via Verde Portugal-shops.
Costs: deposit of 27,50€ (that will be given back to the driver when the device is returned in good condition within a period of 30 days) + preloading a minimum of 10€ for light vehicles and 20€ for heavy vehicles. The lease has a cost of 6€ on the first week, and at the following weeks the cost is about 1,50€ per week.
Validity: valid for 90 days as from the date of the last preload. After this period the remaining balance will be lost and the device will be deactivated. To reactivate the device it will be necessary to re-charge it with a minimum of 10€.
Devices from a toll entity (Dispositivo de uma entidade de cobrança de Portagens - DECP) like Via Verde are also accepted on these highways. Although the license plate is not linked to the device, it is necessary to establish a contract with a toll entity. This can be used by vehicles with a foreign license plate that stay in Portugal for a longer period of time.
Validity: Until the cancelation of the contract.
Accommodation
Hotel Accommodation
The vast supply of hotel establishments available all around the country provides tourists with accommodation, either with or without the provision of meals and other accessory services, according to the following classification:
Hotels (H)
The supply of hotels is diversified, with a large number of such units on offer, classified from 1 to 5 stars depending on their location and the quality of their facilities;
Aparthotels (HA)
Classified from 1 to 5 stars, these are the ideal choice for tourists seeking greater independence, but still wishing to enjoy all the services of a hotel;
Pousadas
Housed in historic buildings or located at sites of great natural beauty, these are classified under 4 categories: Historic, Historic Design, Nature and Charm.
Tourist Villages (A)
Classified from 3 to 5 star, tourist villages consist of interdependent accommodation units contained within a specially marked out area, where tourist support services are also provided.
Tourist Apartments (AT)
Classified from 3 to 5 stars, tourist apartments are the ideal choice for those who prefer to stay in an independent accommodation unit with access to shared areas and services.
Resorts (CT)
Resorts are a good choice for those wishing to enjoy a variety of leisure services and equipment in the same area with access to different accommodation options, either in the form of a 4 or 5 star hotel or another type of tourist establishment.
Tourism in a Manor House (TH)
Those who prefer to receive accommodation in a family environment can choose to stay in manor houses, palace-like houses or residences of recognised architectural, historic or artistic value, in either a rural or urban setting.
Tourism in the Country (TER)
Offering accommodation in country residences exhibiting the distinctive features of their particular rural setting, Tourism in the Country enables tourists to enjoy more direct contact with the local populations, their customs and habits, as well as with Nature itself. These accommodation units may be classified as:
Country Houses (CC) – these are houses located in villages and rural areas that still preserve the original design, building materials and other typical features of the local architecture;
Agricultural Tourism (AG) – this consists of accommodation on a farm, where tourists can take part in the agricultural work if they so wish;
Rural Hotels (HR) - classified from 3 to 5 star, these hotels are to be found in rural areas, respecting the original layout and architectural characteristics of the surrounding region.
Camping
Scattered all around the country, Camping Sites enable tourists to enjoy direct contact with Nature. Camping Sites may be considered either public (if they are open to the general public) or private (if access is reserved to members or beneficiaries of the site’s operating body). These latter sites are identified with the letter "P", and the possibility of staying at the camping site must always be checked beforehand. Depending on the infrastructures and services provided, Camping Sites may be classified from 3 to 5 stars, although such classification is not mandatory.
Nature Tourism
Whenever a tourist establishment is located in a nature protected area or in an area classified as being of natural value, it is included in the category of Nature Tourism, a practice that is recognised by the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Biodiversity. In this case, equipment and services must be provided that enable tourists to enjoy and interpret nature.
Youth Hostels
Youth hostels are located close to beaches, in the countryside or in the main cities, offering accommodation at attractive prices. They are aimed above all at people who have a youthful spirit and enjoy sharing the same space in an atmosphere of conviviality, although some Youth Hostels also have double or family rooms, which are quieter and more private. Some hostels also serve meals.
Guests must present either a youth hostel membership card or a youth identity card.
Useful Telephone Numbers in Portugal
National Emergency Number: 112
Forestry Protection National Number: 117
Credit Cards
American Express: 707 50 40 50/00351 21 427 82 05
MasterCard: 800 811 272
Visa: 800 811 107
Telephones
Transport
ACP- Automobile club in Portugal: 707 509 510
Brisa-National motorway network company: 808 508 508
CP- Comboios de Portugal (Portuguese Train): 808 208 208
ata (Portuguese airline): 707 227 282
Tap-Portugal (Country’s “flagship” airline): 707 205 700
Rede-Expressos (National Bus Company): 707 223 344
Central Nacional de Táxis Digital (national phone number)
Taxis in Faro: 00351 289 895 790 (RádioTáxis)
Taxis in Funchal: 00351 291 764 476
Taxis in Ponta Delgada: 00351 296 302 530
Taxis in Oporto: 00351 22 507 39 00 (RádioTáxis)/0035122 507 64 00 (Táxis Invicta)
Other Services:
Portuguese Red Cross: 00351 213 913 933
CTT - Post Office: 707 26 26 26
In: Turismo de Portugal
Hotel Partners
PortugalMaklarna has parterships with Villa Vasco da Gama, Vila Galé Hotels, and Tivoli Hotels and Resorts, that for your commodity you can book your stay with us and enjoy the discount benefits.