Climate

Lisbon has a Mediterranean climate, with mild weather throughout the year, strongly influenced by the city’s location on the banks of River Tejo and its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Summers are hot and sunny, and winters are mild, sometimes rainy, but with many days of nice weather.

Language

Although the official language is Portuguese, English and French are two other languages ​​often spoken in Lisbon.

Currency

As a member of the European Monetary System, the accepted currency is the Euro (€). Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops and restaurants. Travellers’ cheques and currency can be changed at hotels or at a bank – these are open Monday to Friday from 08h30 to 15h00. Automatic changing and ATM linked to international networks are also widely available.

Timezone

The official time in Portugal is the Greenwich Meridian, which is, the same as in London.

Electric Current

European plugs are used with 2 pins with 220 volts AC at 50 cycles. Portugal uses the Europlug (CEE 7/16). This is the plug used in most other European countries. Visitors from outside Europe will also need the appropriate adapters to use their electrical appliances.

Public Transportation

Metro: The metro in Lisbon is the fastest way to travel. There are 4 lines marked with different colours (blue, yellow, green and red) all with direction to the city centre. Today the 4 lines circulate through the 56 stations and cover a distance of 44 km. The metro operates from 6:30 am to 1:00 am.

Carris: (bus, tram and funicular network): There is an extensive network of buses, trams and funiculars in Lisbon.

CP – Comboios de Portugal (urban trains): The Lisbon urban trains help to connect with the International, Alfa Pendular, Intercidades, InterRegional and Regional services at the main stations. There are 67 stations throughout the following lines: Sintra line; Azambuja line; Cascais line; Sado line.

LISBOA CARD – Lisbon’s Official Travel Card: Unlimited travel on the Lisbon subway, buses, trams and funiculars of CARRIS lines. Also includes CP Train to Sintra, Cascais and the south margin of Tagus river. It also offers free or reduced admission to most of the city’s attractions.

Taxi, Uber and Ridesharing: Taking a taxi in Lisbon is the most convenient way to travel around the city, especially late at night. All taxi drivers are registered (their registration card, with their photograph, is displayed in the vehicle). By law, drivers must turn on their meters, so never accept a set price.
Uber and other Ridesharing services fares tend to be slightly lower than regular taxis, the vehicles are identified by a TVDE sign and are not allowed to accept passengers at a hailing request, pick up or drop off passengers from taxi stands, or ride on bus lanes.

Health and Medical Care

In Lisbon there is no danger of contracting any dangerous diseases, so no special vaccination requirements are made for travelling here.
Clinics and hospitals provide round-the-clock emergency services. The national emergency phone number is 112. Hotels have a doctor on call through the reception. Reciprocal E.C. cover is available at outpatient departments, otherwise private consultation fees are charged.

COVID-19 Information

In the following link, you’ll find detailed information for visitors (COVID-19) and the measures implemented in Portugal:
https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/covid-19-measures-implemented-portugal

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited by law on public transportation and in closed public areas.

Tipping

Tipping is optional, but normally 10% is customary in taxis, restaurants and bars.

Sales Tax

Sales tax (VAT) is included in the prices quoted. For non-E.U. residents, tax-free shopping schemes are available in many shops, which give substantial savings to visitors.

Security

Crime rates in Portugal are among the lowest in the world. Hotels have their own security team, which is sufficient for most events. Specialized companies are also available if required.

Useful Telephone Numbers

Emergency – 112
Health line for emergencies available 24/7 – 808242424
Telephone Information – 118
Prefix of Portugal: 00351

Lisbon Tourism

For further information about Lisbon, please visit the official website of Turismo de Lisboa Visitors & Convention Bureau.