Climate: Portugal is situated at the south-west point of Europe. The summers in Portugal are hot and dry, especially in the inland areas. Temperatures are slightly lower in the coastal areas, because of the influence of the sea. There are often warm, sunny days in autumn. August is the hottest, and January is the coldest month of the year.
Money Matters: Portugal is one of the EU countries whose common official currency is the Euro. All well-known credit cards such as Visa, American Express, Diners Club, Europay / Mastercard, JCB and Maestro, are usually accepted.
Visa: Portugal is a party to the Schengen agreement. As such, U.S. citizens with valid passports may enter Portugal for up to 90 days for tourist purposes without a visa.
Customs Rules: For full details, please see Spain or refer to the website of the EU, http://europa.eu
Activity and Shopping: Football is the most popular and played sport. Popular souvenirs for tourists include lacework and embroidered linen, ceramics, azulejos, and carpets.
Food: Portuguese cuisine is characterized by rich, filling and fullflavored dishes. The wide variety of spices are used. Generally breakfast is very light. Lunch is the main meal traditionally served between 12:00 and 2:30p.m., dinner is between 7:30 and 10:30p.m. The most popular dessert is the pastel de nata, a small custard egg tart pastry. Port wine is also very popular and famous.
Time: Portugal is 8 hours ahead of Los Angeles (PST) in winter. Summer daylight saving is from April to October, the clocks move one hour forward.
International Call & Emergency Line: The emergency line in Portugal is 112. Portugal international access code is 00, country code is 351, Lisbon city code is 21. For American citizen service, please call the U.S. Embassy in Lisbon at 351-21-770-2122.
Electrical Requirement: Portugal electrical current is 220V, 50Hz, and sockets take the standard European dual round-pronged plug.
Language: Portuguese is the official language in Portugal, and there are lots of people who are able to communicate in English, French and Spanish.
Religion: The majority of Portuguese are Catholics.
Safety: Be cautious in areas where you may be becoming a target of pickpockets and purse snatchers, particularly at popular tourist sites and restaurants, or on public transportation. Carry limited cash and credit cards on your person. Never use shortcuts, narrow alleys or poorly lit streets.
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