Praia da Ursa | Portugal
Can’t believe I can call this my backyard 💙
BBeatriz Correia @beatrizzdscorreiaLisbon, Portugal2 days · 9 items
Day 1 · Praia da Ursa via Cascais
Day 2
Free day — wander!
Trip lineage
🔁 Remixed 1 time
Know before you go 🧳
The practical stuff for Lisbon, Portugal — check these before you book and pack.
Entry & visas
- Passport & visas — Portugal is in the Schengen Area; many passports get 90 days visa-free within Schengen, but rules vary. Verify requirements for your passport on the destination’s consulate site or IATA Travel Centre before booking.
- Passport validity — Rule of thumb: many countries (including many in Europe) expect at least 6 months' validity beyond your planned departure — check the arrival state's guidance for specific requirements.
- Proof documents — Carry return/onward tickets, accommodation details and travel insurance; immigration officers may ask. If travelling on a non-native passport, carry residency/visa for your home country.
Health & safety
- Vaccines & checks — Stay up to date with routine vaccines. Check official Portuguese/WHO guidance and consult your doctor for travel-specific shots or medications; rules and recommendations change.
- COVID & entry — COVID rules and testing requirements can change. Check official Portuguese health ministry or embassy pages for current entry-related health measures before travel.
- Tap water — Tap water in Lisbon is generally safe to drink. If you have a sensitive stomach, use bottled or filtered water as you would when adjusting to any new location.
- Medication — Bring sufficient prescription medicines in original packaging and a copy of prescriptions. For controlled drugs, confirm local rules before travel.
Money & costs
- Currency — Currency code: EUR (euro). ATMs are widely available in Lisbon; inform your bank of travel to avoid card blocks.
- Tipping norm — Tipping is discretionary: small rounding in cafes, 5–10% in restaurants for good service. Taxi drivers and guides may expect small tips for convenience.
- Payment methods — Cards (chip & PIN/contactless) are commonly accepted in shops and restaurants; keep some cash for small vendors, markets and older establishments.
Connectivity & power
- Emergency number — Emergency number: 112 for police, fire and medical services across Portugal.
- Plug & voltage — Plugs: Type C and F. Voltage: 230 V, 50 Hz. Bring a travel adapter; check your devices for 230 V compatibility or use a converter.
- Mobile data & SIMs — Local prepaid SIMs are available at the airport and shops; bring ID to buy one. Free Wi‑Fi is common in hotels and many cafes.
Local customs & etiquette
- Basic courtesy — Portuguese people are polite and formal initially. Greet with a handshake; close friends may exchange two kisses on the cheeks. Use titles with surnames until invited to use first names.
- Dining manners — Meals are relaxed; keep hands visible, avoid loud phone calls at the table, and wait to be seated if unsure. It's polite to say 'bom apetite' before eating.
- Dress & behaviour — Dress smart-casual in cities. Respect quiet hours in residential areas, and avoid loud behaviour on public transport and in churches.
Climate & packing
- Best months — Best months: April–June and September–October for warm days, fewer crowds. Summer (July–Aug) is hot and busy; winter is mild but rainy.
- What to pack — Pack layered clothing, a light rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes for hills/cobbled streets, sun protection for summer and a warmer layer for evenings.
- Weather checks — Check short-range forecasts before flying — Atlantic systems can bring sudden rain or wind, especially in spring and autumn.
Language & key phrases
- Official language — Official language: Portuguese. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but using Portuguese phrases is appreciated.
- Useful phrases — "Olá" (Hello), "Por favor/Obrigado(a)" (Please/Thank you), "Quanto custa?" (How much?) — learn these basics to ease interactions.
- Pronunciation tip — Portuguese pronunciation differs from Spanish; speak slowly and clearly. Hotel and tourist staff usually understand basic English.
Airport & getting around
- Main airport — Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is the main international airport, close to the city center—about 7–10 km depending on route.
- To city center — Options: metro (regular service to central stations), Aerobus/shuttle services, taxis or app rides. Choose metro for budget trips and taxi for door-to-door with luggage.
- Public transport — Lisbon has metro, buses, trams and trains. Buy a reloadable Viva Viagem card for convenient transfers across modes; validate at entry.
- Airport timing — Allow extra time for airport security and possible queueing at busy times. Check your airline’s recommended arrival time and local transport schedules.
General guidance, not legal advice — entry and health rules depend on your passport and change often. Verify with official sources before you fly.
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