Destination: PORTUGAL
Survival Guide


Strong ties with Brazil - a restaurant entrance in Rua Garret, Lisbon

© AA Photo Library
Survival Guide

The Portuguese are committed wine drinkers. Generally, when you order house wine in restaurants you'll get something very drinkable, even if it appears in an earthenware jug.

Water everywhere is safe to drink, although sometimes less than delicious. Avoid tap water in the Algarve during the summer and drink bottled water instead, to be on the safe side.

The modest Portuguese are shocked by scanty clothes worn anywhere except at the beach. If you are wearing a sleeveless top, take along a scarf to wrap around your shoulders as needed.

Portuguese drivers are among Europe's worst, and the country also has the Continent's highest accident rate.

Portugal's telephone system is improving, but is still not up to the standards of other European countries. If you call from your hotel room, you'll pay a high surcharge. Use an on-street “Credifone,” which accepts plastic phone cards available from street kiosks.

Be prepared for Portugal to be different in many ways from its neighbor, particularly if you've already visited Spain. Despite their proximity, the two countries are very different.

Public restrooms are few and far between, but it's acceptable - even if you're not a customer - to ask to use hotel or restaurant facilities. Men's toilets are marked “H” and women's are marked “S.”

Try not to let grime and shabbiness in Portuguese cities affect you; look for the positive qualities, such as daily clean sheets in many hotels.

Don't be surprised by the sometimes startling amount of garbage in public places. In Portuguese bars and cafés, it's acceptable to throw paper wrappings on the floor.

You probably won't find luxury accommodations or excellent service if you're away from the major tourist centers; Portugal is still considered a poor country.

Portuguese food can be monotonous, and some dishes are unappealing to foreigners. If you are not feeling adventurous, stick to grilled fish and chicken.

Leave small change in a bar; otherwise about 10 percent is an adequate tip.

Pousadas are by far the nicest places to stay when traveling in Portugal. These are state owned but privately run, deluxe establishments located in historic or beautiful places such as former monasteries, palaces and castles. Advance reservations are recommended.

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