Portugal country guide

© Employment Conditions Abroad Limited 2001
Country Profile
Portugal
Contents
Welcome 1
Section 1: Background information 2
The territory 2
Map of Portugal 2
Geography 3
Climate 3
The capital city: Lisbon (Lisboa) 4
The people 5
Demography 5
Distribution 5
Language 6
Religion 6
Social customs and modes of address 6
The state 7
History 7
Government 8
International relations 8
The economy 9
Employment and standard of living 11
Section 2: Before you go 12
Cross-cultural preparation and language tuition 12
Travel 13
Getting there 13
Internal travel 15
Driving licence and car insurance 17
Immigration procedures 18
Passports and visas 18
Health regulations 19
Working in Portugal 20
Hotels 20
Health and hygiene 22
Risks and precautions 22
Medical facilities 22
Medical and repatriation insurance 23
Further information 24
Clothing 25
The working environment 25

Portugal Country Profile
© Employment Conditions Abroad Limited 2001
Business practices 25
Local time 26
Hours of business 27
Public holidays 27
Money 28
Currency unit and exchange rate 28
Credit cards 28
Currency controls 28
Banks 29
Tipping 30
Communications 30
Post 30
Telephone 31
Fax 32
Internet 32
Broadcasting 32
Newspapers 34
Section 3: On arrival 35
Customs formalities 35
Personal effects 35
Cars 36
Pets 36
Prohibited items 36
Setting up home 37
Registration and residence permits 37
Accommodation 37
Estate agents/realtors 42
Utilities 43
Domestic staff 44
Security and insurance 45
Education 45
Shopping 51
Weights and measures 51
Facilities 52
Value added tax 53
Food and drink 54
Quality and availability 54
Restaurants 54
Recreation 55
Sports and social clubs 56
Home country rights and duties 56
Addresses and information sources 57
Foreign representation 57
Representation overseas 58
Trade and travel organisations 58
Further health information 58
Information for expatriates 60
Background reading 61

© Employment Conditions Abroad Limited 2001 1
Welcome
This guide is a complete and up-to-date package of information intended to brief as well as advise expatriate
managers involved in planning business trips and short- or long-term assignments for employees.
It will also prove to be an informative and valuable guide for employees during their first few weeks and months
on assignment.
We have made every effort to ensure that the information contained in this report is as accurate and up-to-date as
possible at the time of going to press. We are conscious of the fact that events in countries are continuously
changing and we welcome comments and suggestions from our readers which will help us in preparation for the
next edition. If you feel that we have omitted any useful information, or perhaps included something that is no
longer accurate, please write and tell us; address your letter to: The Editor, Country Profiles, ECA
International, Anchor House, 15 Britten Street, London SW3 3TY UK (e-mail: editorsp@eca-
international.com; web site: www.eca-international.com).
To make it easier for readers to find their way around the text, we have a comprehensive system of cross-
references. In addition, we have highlighted important information through the use of graphical icons. The reader
should become familiar with the following icons so that essential information can be picked out quickly:
Useful telephone numbers
Checklist of useful information prior
to departure
Caution advised Cross-reference
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Important advice
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publication.

Section 1: Background information
The territory
Map of Portugal

Geography
The Portuguese Republic lies on the Atlantic side of the Iberian Peninsula in south-west Europe. It is bounded to
the north and east by Spain and to the south and west by the Atlantic Ocean, having a coastline of 844 km. The
country is roughly 560 km long and up to 200 km wide; the total land area of Continental Portugal is 92 080 km2
while the Portuguese archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores measure 794 and 2 250 km2
respectively. Madeira
lies 900 km south-west of Europe, the Azores in mid-Atlantic, west of Portugal.
Almost a third of the land area is forest and woodland and 43% is cropland or pasture. The country falls into
three geographical zones, corresponding with the climatic areas.
The northern half of the country is mountainous and wooded, with peaks rising to over 1 000 m in the north-east
in the province of Tras-os-Montes. There are vines growing everywhere, the source of the famous Vinho Verde;
the countryside is verdant and rivers (the main ones are the Minho and the Douro) and streams abound.
The central part of the country comprises the provinces of Estremadura, Beira Baixa and Ribatejo. The main
river is the Mondego which rises in the Serra da Estrêla; a tributary, the Dão after which the wine is named. A
large part of the area is a plain where wheat, vines, olives and vegetables are grown. Towards the coast are
forests of pine, chestnut and oak.
Rolling, arid plains cover much of the south, down to the hills behind the Algarve. The vegetation is sparse,
enough for flocks of sheep and goats; olives, almonds and cork oak grow well. The principal river is the
Guadiana, while the Sado which runs, like most Portuguese rivers, from east to west, is a valuable source of
irrigation.
Climate
Continental Portugal has three distinct climatic zones which correspond with the geographical ones. The north-
west, exposed to moist winds from the Atlantic, has abundant rainfall (more than 127 cm annually) although the
months of June to August are generally dry; winters are mild and summers short but warm. There is a more
extreme and somewhat drier climate in the north-east, with long, cold winters and hot summers. Elsewhere, a
Mediterranean climate predominates, with mild, showery winters, pleasant springs and autumns, and long, hot
summers.

Climate data: Lisbon (Portugal)
Month Temp. o
C (o
F) Temp. o
C (o
F) Humidity % Rainfall
Min. Max. am (pm) mm
Jan 7 (44) 15 (59) 83 (72) 111
Feb 8 (46) 14 (57) 80 (66) 76
Mar 9 (48) 16 (60) 76 (63) 109
Apr 11 (51) 18 (64) 69 (58) 54
May 13 (55) 21 (69) 67 (57) 44
Jun 16 (60) 24 (75) 64 (53) 16
Jul 16 (60) 28 (82) 61 (48) 3
Aug 18 (64) 27 (80) 61 (46) 4
Sep 17 (62) 24 (75) 67 (53) 33
Oct 14 (57) 21 (69) 72 (59) 62
Nov 11 (51) 17 (62) 80 (68) 93
Dec 8 (46) 14 (57) 83 (72) 103
Detailed world-wide, daily and long-range/five-day forecasts are available on-line from a number of
organisations including BBC Weather (web site: www.bbc.co.uk/weather) and CNN (web site:
www.cnn.com/WEATHER).
The capital city: Lisbon (Lisboa)
Built on a series of hills, Lisbon overlooks the wide estuary of the River Tejo (Tagus) in south-west Portugal. It
is the seat of government and the centre of the country’s import trade, with a large, well-equipped port and many
industrial activities.
The low-lying centre of Lisbon was devastated by an earthquake and tidal wave in 1755. It was rebuilt by the
Marquis de Pombal, chief minister of King Jose I, as a district of broad avenues and plain, stately buildings, and
it was the Chiado shopping area in this district that was destroyed by fire in 1988. This has now been renovated.
Older properties are being repaired and refurbished whilst the city authorities are encouraging people to return to
live in the city’s commercial centre. Unsightly posters and graffiti have been removed and buildings cleaned:
Rossio railway station is being restored as a gem of 19th century architecture. A great deal of building work was
carried out in readiness for the city to be the Cultural Capital in 1994. Further building and infrastructure
improvements such as the new 12 km Vasco da Gama bridge over the Tejo were constructed for Expo ’98, a
world fair dedicated to preserving the oceans. A 330-hectare derelict dockland area is being redeveloped as a
new residential and business hub for the city, for completion by 2015.
Medieval neighbourhoods climb the surrounding hills and ridges: Alfama, the oldest, to the east, Bairro Alto
and Madragoa to the west, Mouraria and Graca, survived both natural and man-made disasters and are very
picturesque but run-down; they are a maze of steep alleys, cobbled and car-free. The huge Monsanto Parque is
the city’s largest open space and is split by the autostrada to Estoril/Cascais; other parks include the Botanical
Gardens (Jardim Botanico), the Parque Edouardo VII: the highest part gives good views over the city, and the
Jardim da Estrella. Trams are an excellent, but slow moving, way of seeing the city. For pedestrians, there are
lifts to get up and down the steepest hills. Lisbon’s streets are very congested and ample time should be allowed
for travel. Suburban train services are good, to Cascais and Estoril where the majority of expatriates tend to live,
and to Sintra.

Outside the city are huge slums (bairros - districts) where around 300 000 people live, the majority without
sanitation or electricity. Each bairro has its own ethnic flavour - not only from Portugal but Mozambique, Cape
Verde, Macau and, most recently, East Timor.
The people
Demography
The population of Continental Portugal totals 9.79 million, including 750 000 retornados, returnees from
Portugal’s former colonies. There are around 173 000 resident foreigners, many of whom are retired. The
population growth rate has fallen rapidly in recent years, to a current 0.7%. Twenty-one per cent are under the
age of 15 and 13% over 65. Life expectancy at birth is 71.8 for men and 78.8 for women. Population density is
110 per km2
and a third are urban-dwelling (which is very low by European standards).
Migrant workers have been returning from Western European countries in ever-increasing numbers (up to 50 000
a year in recent years); some were forced back because they lost their jobs in Germany or France but many have
saved enough to realise their dream of returning home to their family land in Portugal where they build
themselves a new house and, in many instances, start a small business - garage, car repairs, shop, cafe - run in
conjunction with their small-holding to provide employment for their extended family.
Distribution
Lisbon, with a population of over 2.4 million (including suburbs), is the capital city and seat of government. It is
by far the most important centre for Portugal’s import trade and was, for centuries, the centre for produce from
overseas territories. There are extensive port installations, shipyards, a steelworks and oil refinery, engineering
firms and factories producing textiles and knitwear, cement, chemicals and fertilisers, soap, vegetable oils,
pottery, rubber goods and cork products. Nearby Setúbal has been the major recipient of foreign investment
where a 400-hectare industrial park, to be known as Silicon Bay, is under construction.
Oporto (known locally as Porto) has a population of around 400 000 and is the major industrial city in the north,
the centre of the cotton textile industry and the port through which all the country’s exports of port wine pass. It
is also the hub of Portugal’s small-business sector. The Oporto area, including Vila Nova de Gaia, has a
population of 1.3 million. Other industries include metal goods, engineering, electronic components, ceramics,
textiles, garments and knitwear, shoes and jewellery. Many leading banks have their headquarters in the city.
Oporto is one of the European Capitals of Culture 2001 (web site: www.porto2001.pt).
Coimbra (population 72 000) on the banks of the River Mondego, has the oldest university in Portugal. The city
has fine Romanesque and baroque buildings and is also famous for the superb Roman mosaics which have been
excavated from nearby Conimbriga.
Matozinhos (27 000) is a centre for fishing and fish-preserving industries in the north. Faro (35 000) and Vila
Real de Santo Antonio (15 000), on the southern coast of the Algarve, are the fishing centres of the south.
Covilha (23 000), with nearby Tortozendo, is the centre of a declining woollen textile industry.

Other centres of population include Braga (64 000), which has soap, knitwear and other industries, Aveiro
(29 000) - important centre for fishing, agriculture and mining, ceramics, engineering and textiles, Leiria
(11 000) (plastics and ceramics), Marinha Grande (21 000) (glass) and Evora (34 000), an historic market
town on the road to Seville.
The Azores have a population of around 243 200 and Madeira has a population of 258 600. The capital is
Funchal. The islands are heavily dependent on tourism although with EU help an International Business Centre
and a free-trade industrial zone have been developed.
Language
Portuguese, which is the official language, is somewhat similar to Spanish except in pronunciation. Thus anyone
with a knowledge of Spanish is likely to be able to read Portuguese with ease but will probably not understand
the spoken language without practice. This is mainly because the language is spoken so quickly and words slur
into one another. A few words and phrases in Portuguese are appreciated but not expected.
Many Portuguese understand Spanish but their national pride is easily offended by its use. It is preferable to start
a conversation in English or French rather than Spanish.
French and English are widely spoken in business circles, and English is also widely understood in the resorts of
the Algarve. For a lengthy stay in Portugal a working knowledge of the language is desirable, not least for the
inevitable dealings with Portuguese bureaucracy.
Refer to ‘Cross-cultural preparation and language tuition’, page 12.
Religion
The vast majority of Portuguese are Roman Catholics (over 95%) and the church is a powerful institution.
Traditional festivals, both religious and secular, play an important part in the social life of the nation.
In the main towns there are places of worship that hold services in English.
Social customs and modes of address
Social customs
The Portuguese are friendly and courteous and their way of life is leisurely; life moves slowly and there is little
sense of urgency in getting things done. They have formal manners and appreciate courtesies, such as leaving
cards after an introduction or returning thanks for hospitality. Please (se faz favor) and thank you
(obrigado/obrigada) should be used whenever possible. They themselves are not always punctual, although they
expect foreign visitors to be.
Portuguese society is still very much male-orientated. It is comparatively rare for married women of the middle
and upper classes to work outside the home, and few women gain positions of responsibility.

The Portuguese have an ingrained suspicion of Spain and the Spanish and prefer their part of Europe to be
described as the Luso-Spanish Peninsular rather than the Iberian Peninsula.
Many Portuguese smoke, but smoking is banned in cinemas, theatres and on buses. In restaurants, it is customary
to smoke only at the end of the meal.
The custom of the siesta continues and some shops still close between 12.30 and 15.00 but offices normally take
only an hour or so for lunch. However, there are moves to integrate Portugal into more mainstream commercial
hours of operation.
Modes of address
Professional titles should be used: Doctor, Enginheiro etc. Otherwise, people should be addressed as senhor (Mr)
or senhora (Mrs).
The state
History
The early history of Portugal was that of the Iberian peninsula as a whole, most of the country being incorporated
with part of western Spain in the Roman province of Lusitania. The peninsula was over-run by the Visigoths,
followed by the Moors who were defeated in 1147 when Lisbon was retaken. Alfonso I was proclaimed King in
1139, though the Moors were not finally driven out of the country for another century.
The alliance between England and Portugal was confirmed in 1386 when King John I of Portugal married the
daughter of John of Gaunt, and heralded the most illustrious period of Portuguese history. Their son, Prince Henry
the Navigator, initiated many voyages of exploration; the Cape of Good Hope was rounded by Bartholomew Diaz
(1488), the route to India was discovered by Vasco de Gama (1498) and Brazil was acquired in 1500; Madeira, the
Azores and the Cape Verde Islands were colonised and the Portuguese Empire was founded. However, in 1580
Philip II of Spain seized the throne and Portuguese independence was not again recognised by Spain until 1640. The
country suffered severely in the War of the Spanish Succession (1702-14) and the Peninsular War (1810-12), and
later from civil war and dictatorships, and Brazil was lost.
1910: Portugal became a republic, following a revolution against the monarchy. 1910-32 there was a succession of
coup d’états which threw the country into constant turmoil. Political stability was established after Antonio de
Oliveira Salazar came to power. The 1933 Constitution provided for a one-party state; Dr Salazar ruled as virtual
dictator until ill health forced his resignation in 1968.
His successor, Marcello Caetano, attempted to modernise industry and initiate closer political/economic ties with the
developed world while trying to retain Portugal’s autocratic political system and colonial possessions. Costly wars in
Angola/Mozambique resulted in Portugal’s economy becoming virtually bankrupt. Within Portugal, these policies
culminated in the bloodless revolution of April 1974, carried out by radical officers (MFA) of the Portuguese army.

African territories of Guinea-Bissau, Angola/Mozambique, together with East Timor in the East Indies, achieved
self-government after conflict with the former governing Portuguese forces. The former colony of Macau reverted to
Chinese rule in December 1999.
Portugal suffered considerable political instability, having 16 governments in 13 years to 1987.
Government
Sovereignty is divided between the President, the Assembly of the Republic and the Government. The President
is elected for a five-year term by popular vote and appoints the Prime Minister and with the Prime Minister’s
agreement, the Council of Ministers. The Council of State is primarily a consultative body. The Assembly has
230 members (to be reduced to between 180 and 200), elected by universal adult suffrage for a term of four years
(subject to dissolution). Mainland Portugal is divided into 18 administrative districts. The Azores and Madeira
have had a degree of autonomy since 1976. Main political parties include the Socialist Party (PS), Social
Democratic Party (PSD), Communist Party (PCP), Popular Party (PP) and the Left Bloc (BE).
Recent events
A presidential election took place in January 2001. The Socialist candidate, Jorge Sampaio, was re-elected for a
second and final term.
A general election was held in October 1999. The governing Socialists were returned to power for a second four-
year term, narrowly failing to achieve an overall majority in Parliament. Prime Minister António Guterres
announced his intention to govern without seeking pre-arranged alliances with either the left or right. Next
elections are due by the autumn of 2003.
International relations
Portugal is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the Western European Union
and became a full member of the European Community (now EU) in 1986. It saw membership of the latter as the
country’s salvation from economic depression and has become far more Europe-minded than at any time in its
previous history. Portugal was among the first states to join the Single European Currency in January 1999.
Relations with Spain have not always been good. Three of Portugal’s major rivers, the Tejo, Douro and
Guadiana, rise in Spain and the amount of water allowed to flow out of Spain is a sensitive issue, especially in the
wake of a drought which has affected much of the peninsula. Both countries are heavily reliant on irrigation for
agriculture.
Portugal has a special relationship with Brazil, but this is currently under severe strain over Portugal’s treatment
of illegal immigrants from Brazil.
Ties with former colonies in Africa (Angola and Mozambique) remain strong and Portugal has tried to help both
countries with aid and with peace negotiations. The Portuguese territory of Macau reverted to Chinese
administration in December 1999. Relations with Indonesia remain strained over the issue of East Timor.

Portugal is a signatory of the Schengen Convention which allows free movement of capital, goods and services
between member states (i.e. with no policing of frontiers or customs posts).
The world’s seven Portuguese-speaking nations (Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique,
Portugal and São Tomé & Principe) have set up a Lusophone commonwealth to promote Portuguese language
and culture.
The economy
Portugal has a growing, mixed economy with a great deal of dependence on foreign trade. There are
few natural resources. Rapid industrialisation took place during the 1970s. The country is less dependent on
agriculture than before.
Portugal is politically and economically stable and has enjoyed strong economic growth in recent years. GDP
growth was 3% in 2000 and is forecast to be 3% in 2001. Unemployment has fallen to around 4.4% of the
workforce. Inflation is currently running at 2.9% annually.
Portugal is one of twelve EU Member States to have adopted the Single European Currency (the euro). Austria,
Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Irish Republic, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain all
became members in January 1999. Greece joined in January 2001, having initially failed to meet the economic
convergence criteria. After a transitional period during which prices are to be displayed in both the national
currency and in euros, euro notes and coins will be introduced in January 2002. National banknotes and coins
will be withdrawn from circulation by July 2002. Denmark, Sweden and the United Kingdom are all eligible for
membership, but have so far opted out for political or economic reasons.
Agriculture
Although still an important factor in the economy, agriculture (including forestry and fishing) employs 13.6% of
the labour force (down from 22% in 1985) but provides an estimated 3.7% of GDP. The main crops are cereals,
olive oil, sugar beet, tomatoes and fruit (including grapes for wine and port production). Agriculture has been
dependent on subsidies and generally inefficient and the country has to import 75% of what it eats; the system of
protection is gradually being dismantled. Farms in the north have been sub-divided within families for
generations with the result that units are too small to be economically viable. In the south, farms are larger and
grow mainly cereals, olives and grapes but many are poorly-managed. However, the number of farms has
dropped from 700 000 ten years ago to fewer than 500 000 at present and many go bankrupt each year. The
sector is hampered by poor infrastructure and marketing and the transition to competitive farming is bound to be
painful.
A regional development plan is underway in the north of the country to expand and improve the port-wine
industry and to provide more irrigated land and cattle pasture. A special 10-year EU programme is providing
finance for modernisation of the infrastructure, with provision of rural roads, electrification, irrigation and
drainage as well as development of agro-industries, storage systems and training schemes for farmers. Ports are to
be improved as a substantial proportion of imports and exports are transported by sea. Indeed, EU financial
transfers, already in the region of USD 3 billion a year, are still crucial to the country’s progress.

Forests cover 30% of mainland Portugal and yield an abundance of cork; wood, cork and paper are major
exports. The traditional fishing industry (sardines) has been experiencing difficulties; low levels of investment
left the outdated fishing fleet ill-equipped to compete with modern, foreign fleets, and the fish-canning sector
suffered from the price increases of local olive oil. The traditional staple of Portuguese families, bacalhau (cod),
is now scarce off Portugal’s own shores and is imported from countries such as Norway. Trawlers are being built
in Portuguese yards to replace coastal craft, so that fisherman can exploit the deep-sea reserves of squid,
swordfish, greyfish and deepwater shrimp, whilst storage and distribution systems are being upgraded to comply
with EC standards.
Mining
There are deposits of iron ore, rock salt, wolfram, tungsten, manganese, tin and uranium and rich copper deposits
in the Alentejo region, where a newly-opened copper/tin mine has already brought employment to one of
Europe’s poorest areas.
Energy
There is considerable hydro-electricity production (around 50% of electricity generated) but this can be severely
disrupted in times of drought. Coal-fired power stations are planned or are under construction but no decision has
yet been taken about nuclear power stations which could utilise domestic supplies of uranium. At present the
country depends on imported oil for over 70% of its energy needs. Natural gas is imported from Algeria by
pipeline.
Industry
Industry generates 36% of GDP and employs 31% of the workforce, although the level of industrialisation in
Portugal is still low by Western European standards. The country has developed its manufacturing industries
considerably in the past few years and has received funding from the EU for a programme to regenerate private
industry. Three quarters of companies employ fewer than 10 people and most manufacturing is in the hands of
small companies.
Portugal’s textile, clothing and footwear industry which employs 200 000 people, accounts for almost 20% of
exports but is particularly vulnerable to competition from developing countries.
Ford and Volkswagen set up production near Lisbon in 1994 and this is expected to account, eventually, for 30%
of the country’s exports.
Tourism
Tourism is a significant source of income, accounting for 7%-8% of GDP and the sector employs 300 000
people. Any expansion of the industry will take place only after considerable investment in infrastructure, such as
sewerage and roads, particularly in the Algarve where existing facilities are under considerable strain.
In 1998 there were over 26.5 million foreign visitors, mainly from Spain, United Kingdom and Germany.

Employment and standard of living
The workforce numbers around 4.5 million of whom 51% are female. Around a third of the workforce is
employed in industry and the textile industry employs over 20% of the industrial workforce. Some 55% work in
the services sector. Over a fifth are self-employed.
More than 10% of the workforce is employed, directly or indirectly, in the construction industry and this sector
has grown strongly in recent years with the widespread purchase of property by Portuguese as a hedge against
inflation.
Real GDP per capita is estimated at USD 14 701 (2001) but average wages are well below the EU average.
Remittances from Portuguese employed overseas make a significant contribution to the economy.
Unemployment has fallen to around 4.4% of the workforce. However, many workers enter the ‘black economy’,
estimated by some to account for more than 20% of GDP. Underemployment is widespread and there is strong
evidence that there will be more job losses as industry becomes more competitive.
The standard of living for many Portuguese is rising and they are becoming a nation of avid consumers,
particularly of electrical and electronic goods. New car sales are increasing. Some 77% of homes have a
telephone, 94% have running water, 96% have a television and 54% have a car.
A major problem is education which is of a low standard. The adult literacy rate has improved since the 1980s,
however, and is currently 93.7% (male) and 88.3% (female).

Section 2: Before you go
Cross-cultural preparation and language tuition
A key aspect of success in international assignments is the ability to deal effectively with culture
shock, both in terms of the business and social context. Being well prepared for the cross-cultural experience
allows expatriates and their families to predict likely areas of difficulty in advance and set up appropriate
strategies to minimise any adverse effects of culture change. There are a number of organisations which offer
cross-cultural preparation programmes and language tuition:
ECA International has produced a series of International Assignment Guides to ensure that individuals are
better prepared for expatriate life. Developed by a team of HR managers, the guides draw from the experience of
expatriates, their partners and families. Planning to Work Abroad? enables potential expatriates to assess their
own suitability for an assignment, helps individuals and their families prepare for the opportunity to work abroad
and to think about and resolve some of the associated issues ahead of time. Together on Assignment has been
designed for those who need to make a decision about accompanying their partner on assignment. It prompts the
individual to consider the challenges and opportunities presented, and highlights the impact an assignment will
have on their own life. ECA also offers support for repatriation with Returning Home. Contact ECA
International (tel: +44 (0)20 7351 5000; fax: +44 (0)20 7351 9396; e-mail: eca@eca-international.com).
GMAC Global Relocation Services, Global Headquarters, 477 Martinsville Road, Liberty Corner, NJ 07938
(US tel: (800) 589 7858; Asia tel: +65 535 0010; Europe tel: +44 207 392 7016; web site:
www.gmacglobalrelocation.com).
Prudential Relocation International, 475 Park Avenue South, 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10016 (tel: (800)
433 8672; web site: www.prudential.com).
Cendant Mobility, Corporate Headquarters, 40 Apple Ridge Road, Danbury, CT 06810 (tel: 203 205 3400; web
site: www.cendantmobility.com).
Briefing programmes for expatriates and business travellers, of one to four days’ duration, and near-immersion
intensive language tuition are given by The Centre for International Briefing, Farnham Castle, Farnham,
Surrey GU9 0AG United Kingdom (tel: +44 (0)1252 720416/419; fax: +44 (0)1252 719277; e-mail:
marketing@cibfarnham.com; web site: www.cibfarnham.com).
Babel - Language and Cultural Consultants, Imperial Lodge, 33A High Street, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 5AE
UK (tel: +44 (0)20 8295 5877; fax: +44 (0)20 8295 5878; e-mail: BabelLanguage@compuserve.com; web site:
www.babelgroup.co.uk). Translations, language training and tailored cultural briefings.
Linguarama International, Language Training for Business (e-mail: info@linguarama.com; web site:
www.linguarama.com); provides tailored language training and cultural awareness programmes to businesses and
individuals. UK: Queen’s House, 8 Queen Street, London EC4N 1SP (tel: +44 (0)20 7236 1992; fax: +44 (0)20
7236 7206; e-mail: londoncity@linguarama.com); Netherlands: Arlandaweg 10-28, 1043 EW Amsterdam (tel:
0800 8225596; fax: 070 3654381; e-mail: infoNL@nl.linguarama.com); further centres in Czech Republic,
Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain.

KIT (Royal Tropical Institute), P.O. Box 95001, 1090 HA Amsterdam, The Netherlands (web site:
www.kit.nl); provides cross-cultural training programmes, intensive language tuition and country orientation
briefings for expatriates and businesses. Intercultural training and consultancy (tel: +31 (0)20 568 8319; fax: +31
(0)20 5688 409; e-mail: Interculturaltraining@kit.nl); language training (tel: +31 (0)20 568 8478; fax: +31 (0)20
5688 464; e-mail: Languagetraining@kit.nl).
In the UK language courses are run by:
Language Studies International, 19-21 Ridgmount Street, London WC1E 7AH UK (tel: +44 (0)20 7467 6500;
fax: +44 (0)20 7467 6501; e-mail: wh@lsi.win-uk.net).
Among self-teaching and phrase books in Portuguese are Hugo’s Teach Yourself Portuguese and Collins’
Portuguese Phrase Book. Berlitz’s Portuguese Phrase Book is particularly recommended. Linguaphone and
Tutor Tape Co Ltd have language cassette tapes in Portuguese.
Interpreter and translation services
Embassies in Lisbon can usually provide their nationals with the names and addresses of suitable interpreters and
translators.
Travel
Getting there
By air
There are two main international airports:
Lisbon, 9 km north of the city centre (flight information tel: 841 3700 (24 hours); web site: www.ana-
aeroportos.pt).
Faro International, 6 km west of the city centre (flight information tel: 800801 (24 hours); web site: www.ana-
aeroportos.pt).
There is no airport departure tax.
There are services to Lisbon from most parts of the world and regular flights from all EU countries. There are
daily flights between London and Lisbon throughout the year, operated on a pooled basis by TAP Air Portugal
and British Airways, augmented during the summer months (June - October).
There are daily direct flights to New York (Delta Air Lines, TAP Air Portugal, United Airlines) and four
times weekly to San Francisco. Flights to Los Angeles go daily via Madrid (TAP Air Portugal). There are daily
flights to Sydney via Heathrow (British Airways) and to Tokyo via Frankfurt (TAP Air Portugal), Orly or
Heathrow.

Airlines
Air France, 226 Av de Outuburo no 206, 3rd Floor, Edificios Caravelas 1050, Lisbon (reservations tel: (21) 790
0202; fax: (21) 790 0240; web site: www.airfrance.com).
British Airways, Av. Liberdade 36-2nd
Floor, 1250 Lisbon (tel: 808 200 125; web site:
www.britishairways.com).
PGA Portugália Airlines, Aeroporto de Lisboa, Rua C, Edif. 70, 1700 Lisboa (tel: (21) 842 55 00; fax: (21) 842
56 25; web site: www.pga.pt).
TAP Air Portugal, Loja Gare do Oriente, Edif. Estação do Oriente, Av de. Berlim, Lisboa (tel: 808 205 700;
web site: www.tap-airportugal.pt).
Approximate flight durations
Route Length of flight
London to Lisbon 2 hours 30 minutes
New York to Lisbon 8 hours
British Airways and TAP Air Portugal also operate services from London to Oporto and Faro connecting with
services from Belfast, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle. TAP Air Portugal has
regular weekly flights to Oporto from Amsterdam and from Zürich via Geneva. Air France has regular flights to
Lisbon from Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille and Nice and there is a daily service from Paris to Oporto.
Travel from the airport
The average taxi fare from airport to city centre, with luggage, including tip, is PTE 1 657 (Lisbon). The
equivalent bus fare is PTE 170. The journey by bus takes around 30 minutes.
By rail
Train services connect Paris and Madrid with Lisbon, the journeys taking 24 hours and nine hours respectively.
From London there is a daily service to Lisbon via Paris, taking around 26 hours. Between June and September a
motorail service operates between Paris and Lisbon. International trains arrive at Estação Santa Apolónia.

Internal travel
By air
The domestic airline TAP Air Portugal operates a shuttle service linking Lisbon with Oporto and there are daily
flights to other towns operated by TAP Air Portugal and Portugália. Air taxis are available to Covilha,
Bragança, Vila Real, Sines and Portimão.
By rail
Internal rail communications are quite good and sleeping car accommodation is not necessary as distances are
relatively short. There are express trains, some with restaurant cars, from Lisbon to Oporto, Setúbal, Faro, Vila
Real de Santo Antonio, Evora and Beja. Seats should be reserved in advance.
Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses, EP (CP) (Portuguese Railways), Calçada do Duque 20, 1294-109 Lisbon (tel:
(21) 321 5700; fax: (21) 321 5879; web site: www.cp.pt).
Metro/commuter trains
There are four short underground railway lines in Lisbon, and the service is fast and efficient. The lines are to be
extended over the next few years. Tube stations are marked by a red ‘M’ in the street above; fares are
comparatively cheap and tickets can be bought either from an attendant or from a machine. The service operates
from 06.30 to 01.00 daily. Metropolitano de Lisboa (web site: www.metrolisboa.pt).
There are frequent electric train services which run from Lisbon (Cais do Sodre) along the coast to Estoril and
Cascais, and a separate line to Sintra.
By road
Until a few years ago, Portuguese roads were amongst the worst in Europe but thanks to generous funding from
the EU new roads have been built and existing ones have been improved. Roads into Portugal from Spain are
amongst those funded by the EU and plans include a new bridge over the River Guadiana, to make a fast road
from the Spanish commercial centres of Malaga, Seville and Cadiz to the Algarve and from there north to Lisbon,
Oporto and the province of Minho in the north. The toll motorway between Lisbon and Oporto has cut the
journey time to about five hours. The Marginal motorway along the coast between Lisbon, Cascais and Estoril
has opened. The north-south motorway between Setúbal and Braga was completed in 1991. Lisbon’s inner ring
road and a second bridge over the Tagus are now complete. Motorways around Lisbon and Oporto charge tolls.
In general, journeys are still calculated by the time taken rather than by the distance travelled.
Speed limits on the roads are as follows: 50 kph in built-up areas; 90 kph elsewhere and 120 kph on motorways.
Traffic drives on the right and traffic coming from the right has priority at junctions and intersections of roads of
equal importance. Drivers may not overtake trams which are picking up or putting down passengers. Trams in
Lisbon and Oporto must be overtaken on the left.
Portuguese motorists are thought to be some of the least competent drivers in Europe so great care should be
taken: accidents and fatalities are among the highest in the EU. There is no compulsory vehicle testing system so
many vehicles are poorly maintained and an extra hazard on the roads.

It is compulsory for drivers and front seat passengers to wear seat belts. All cars must have wing-mirrors and
mud-flaps on the rear wheels and must carry a red warning triangle in case of breakdown. Infringements of
driving regulations incur heavy fines (e.g. illegal parking, speeding, if found to be without a licence and
especially if over the legal limit of alcohol).
Note that parking in the centre of Lisbon is very difficult.
There are plenty of petrol stations in all but the remotest areas. Unleaded (sem chumbo) is widely available.
Coach services
There is a comprehensive network of coach services throughout the country; these services are somewhat more
expensive than second class rail travel.
Buses
There are efficient bus services operating in Lisbon and Oporto but they are very crowded during the morning,
midday (many people go home for lunch) and evening rush hours. Lisbon’s yellow trams (eléctricos) are slow.
Taxis
Taxis are available in Lisbon (and are the best way of getting around the city) and other principal towns and can
be hired for any distance; fares are generally cheap by European standards. The average cost of a 3 km taxi
journey within the city, including tip, is PTE 681 (Lisbon).
Note that passengers have to get in and out of the nearside door; the offside door has to be kept locked by law.
Car hire
A number of car hire companies offer a world-wide booking and reservation service on-line. For example, Avis
(web site: www.avis.com), Europcar (web site: www.europcar.com) and Hertz (web site: www.hertz.com).
Self-drive cars are available in most towns; full details, including current rates, may be obtained from branches of
the Portuguese National Tourist Office.
Airport City centre
Avis: Lisbon Da Portela Airport
(tel: +351 (21) 843 5550).
Av Praia Da Vitoria 12 C
Lisbon, 1000-247
(tel: +351 (21) 351 4560).
Europcar: Lisbon Da Portela Airport
(tel: +351 (21) 840 1176).
Av. Antonio Augusto Aguiar, 24 C/D
(tel: +351 (21) 353 5115).
Hertz: Lisbon Da Portela Airport
(tel: +351 (21) 843 8660).
Rua Castilho 72, Lisbon
(tel: +351 (21) 381 2430).

Private cars
A wide range of new and second-hand cars is available for purchase. New cars are very expensive and the
Portuguese are adept at repairing old models to keep them running far beyond their normal life span. Because of
the poor state of many roads it is advisable to have a car with good springs and high ground clearance. Most
luxury models have air-conditioning fitted as standard.
Purchase prices of various popular models are as follows:
Make & model Engine size (cc) Price (PTE)
Alfa 166 (a) 1 600 5 227 000
Ford Focus (a) 1 600 3 937 000
Honda Civic (a) 1 600 4 370 000
Opel Astra 1 600 4 100 000
Audi A4 (a) 2 000 10 427 000
Opel Vectra (a) 2 000 5 660 000
Volvo S80 2 000 8 900 000
BMW 523i 2 300 10 990 000
BMW 325i (a) 2 500 10 221 000
(a) Automatic transmission fitted as standard.
Automatic transmission costs between PTE 300 000 and PTE 400 000 extra where not fitted as standard.
Air-conditioning is fitted as standard for all cars listed in this report.
The car owner must always carry the car registration (log book).
Motoring organisation
A number of national motoring organisations are affiliated to the Automóvel Club de Portugal (ACP), Head
Office, Rua Rosa Araujo 24-26, 1250-195 Lisbon (tel: +351 21 3180100; fax: +351 21 3180237; web site:
www.acp.pt).
Driving licence and car insurance
EU nationals may drive with home country licences. Non-EU nationals may drive in Portugal with home
country licences for a period of six months after which a local licence must be obtained. The application must be
accompanied by a copy of the home country licence, ID card and two recent photographs (passport type).
Applicants are required to undergo a medical examination.

An International Certificate of Insurance (Green Card) is valid for up to three months after entry; insurance
must then be renewed. Third Party insurance is compulsory, but fully comprehensive cover is strongly
recommended.
Immigration procedures
Passports and visas
Passports
All travellers require a valid passport to enter Portugal, although nationals of Austria, Belgium, Denmark,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Irish Republic, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom are permitted to enter on
presentation of a valid National Identity Card. (In addition, holders of passports expired less than five years for
nationals of Austria, Belgium, Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland
and the United Kingdom may enter Portugal.)
Passports must be valid for three months (six months for Brazilian nationals).
Visas
Visas are not required by nationals of the following countries:
² Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Irish Republic, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg,
Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay and Venezuela for visits of up to three months;
² Canada, Ecuador and Korea (Republic) for visits of up to two months; and
² holders of residence permits (Autorizacao de Residencia) issued to alien residents in Portugal, provided
holding a valid passport.
Special regulations apply to holders of diplomatic and service passports.
Non-EU nationals may be required to provide evidence of financial means to support their stay in Portugal.
All other foreign nationals require a visa to enter Portugal.

The Schengen Agreement
Portugal is a signatory to the March 1995 Schengen Agreement which created a ‘borderless’ travel area covering
the following states: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg,
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. Travellers in possession of a valid passport or similar,
recognised by all participating states, are exempted from the usual visa requirements for travel within the
Schengen area. Those in possession of a visa issued by one of the participating states may, in theory, travel freely
between all participating states. In practice, however, the visa policies of the individual Schengen states have not
been completely harmonised.
Visa agencies
Obtaining visas can be a complex and time-consuming process; a number of specialised agencies will undertake
the task.
CIBT Global Relocation Services, Inc. (America’s Visa & Passport Professionals), 25 West 43rd
Street, Suite
1420, New York, NY 10036 (tel: (800) 925-2428, (212) 575-2811; fax: (212) 575-3605; web site:
www.cibt.com). Relocation information for US residents. Offices throughout the US.
Global Visas UK: 181 Oxford Street, London W1 1TA (migration tel: +44 (0)20 7287 8344; UK
immigration/tourist visas tel: +44 (0)20 7734 5900; UK work permits tel: +44 (0)20 7287 8345; fax: +44 (0)20
7734 6900; e-mail: ukinfo@globalvisas.com); South Africa: 42 Restanwold, Saxonwold 2196 (tel: +27 (11) 486
0344; fax: +27 (11) 646 1738; e-mail: zainfo@globalvisas.com); New Zealand: Suite 8, ‘K’ Plaza, 501
Karagahape Road, Auckland (tel: +64 9 377 2225; fax: +64 9 858 0033; e-mail: nzinfo@globalvisas.com). Web
site: www.globalvisas.com.
Thames Consular Services, 548 Chiswick High Road, London W4 5RG UK (tel: +44 (0)20 8995 2492; fax:
+44 (0)20 8742 1285; e-mail: visa@thamesconsular.com; web site: www.thamesconsular.com).
Trailfinders Visa & Passport Service, 194 Kensington High Street, London W8 7RG UK (tel: +44 (0)20 7938
3848; fax: +44 (0)20 7938 3305; web site: www.trailfinder.com).
The Visaservice, 2 Northdown Street, Kings Cross, London N1 9BG UK (tel: +44 (0)20 7833 2709; fax: +44
(0)20 7833 1857; web site: www.visaservice.co.uk). Visas, passports, birth/marriage certificates, translations,
verification and legalisation of documents and international driving permits.
Travel Document Systems, 734 Fifteenth Street N.W. Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20005 USA (tel: +1-202-
638-3800; fax: +1-202-638-4674; e-mail: info@traveldocs.com; web site: www.traveldocs.com). Visa and
passport services for US citizens and US permanent residents.
Health regulations
Vaccination certificates are not normally required by the immigration authorities, although visitors travelling
from or via infected areas (e.g. yellow fever belt) are advised to hold the necessary International Certificates of
Vaccination.

Azores and Madeira
Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required by visitors to these islands if arriving within six days of
leaving or transiting infected areas (children under 12 months are exempt).
Working in Portugal
Work visas
EU nationals are not required to obtain work visas to take up employment in Portugal. Non-EU nationals must
hold a fixed-term contract of employment with a Portuguese employer before applying for a work visa. Work
visas are granted for up to one year and may be extended for an additional year. The signed contract must be
registered with the Minister of Labor, Ministry of Employment, Praca de Londres, 2, 1000 Lisbon (tel: +351 (1)
840 1012). The following documents, with Portuguese translations, must accompany a work visa application:
medical certificate, passport photographs, photocopy of passport, proof of sufficient financial means to support
the stay in Portugal, signed employment contract and certificate from police stating the individual is of good
character. Work permits are non-transferrable; the process must be repeated in order to change employers. In
reviewing applications, the authorities will take into consideration the availability of local labour and
accommodation. Visas are renewable annually (in January) by employers.
The spouse of a work visa holder must make a separate application in order to take up employment in Portugal.
Non-EU nationals must provide proof of adequate financial means to support the stay and accommodation in
Portugal.
Hotels
A number of web sites now offer hotel booking/registration online. Amongst the best are www.all-
hotels.com, www.hotelbook.com, www.hotelguide.com and www.hotelworld.com. Portugal Hotel Guide (web
site: www.maisturismo.pt).
There is a fair amount of hotel accommodation in the main business centres, ranging from the luxurious to the
modest. However, reservations should be made well in advance as the tourist traffic is heavy, particularly during
the summer months (April to October).
Government-run pousadas are inns, usually situated in picturesque country districts, which maintain a very high
standard and offer excellent value for money. However, accommodation is limited and bookings should be made
well in advance. A list of hotels, pensions and pousadas, including details of prices charged, may be obtained
from offices of the Portuguese National Tourist Office. Information may be obtained in Portugal from the
tourist office at Lisbon airport.
Prices include service charge and VAT.

Lisbon
✭✭✭✭✭
Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & Towers
Rua Latino Coelho 1, P-1069 (tel: (21) 357 5757; fax: (21) 354 7164; web site: www.sheraton.com).
Close to financial and shopping districts. Single room: PTE 32 000 – PTE 40 000.
✭✭✭✭✭
Four Seasons Hotel, The Ritz Lisbon
Rua Rodrigo da Fonseca, 88 P-1070 (tel: (21) 383 2020; fax: (21) 383 1783; web site: www.fourseasons.com).
In city centre. Single room: PTE 45 000 – PTE 55 000.
✭✭✭✭
Lisbon Penta Hotel
Av dos Combatentes, P-1600 (tel: (21) 726 4054; fax: (21) 726 4281).
10 mins from city centre. Single room: PTE 22 000.
✭✭✭✭
Holiday Inn Lisbon
Av. Antonio Jose de Almeida, 28A, P-1000 (tel: (21) 793 5222; fax: (21) 793 6672; web site:
www.basshotels.com/holiday-inn).
In central location. Single room: PTE 30 000.
✭✭✭
Miraparque Hotel
Av Sidonio Pais 12, P-1050 (tel: (21) 532 4286; fax: (21) 357 8920).
Opposite Eduardo VII Park. Single room: PTE 9 200 – PTE 12 000.
Cascais
✭✭✭✭
Village Cascais
Rua Frei Nicolau de Oliveira, Parque da Gandarinha, P-2750 (tel: (21) 483 7044; fax: (21) 483 7319).
Facing Cascais Bay. Single room: PTE 11 870 – PTE 21 950.
Porto
✭✭✭✭
Castor Hotel
Rua das 12 Casas 17, P-4000 (tel: (22) 570 014; fax: (22) 566 076).
Located in a quiet residential district. Single room: PTE 11 900 – PTE 13 900.
✭✭✭✭
Le Meridien Park Atlantic
Av da Boavista 1466, P-4100 (tel: (22) 607 2500; fax: (22) 600 2031).
Located in a residential area. Single room: PTE 26 000 – PTE 30 000.

ECA’s Daily Rates for Business Travellers are collated to help anticipate the cost of short business trips
abroad. They provide typical essential costs of short-term business trips in 97 countries and 123 locations
worldwide. Not surprisingly, the cost of hotel accommodation and meals normally make up the largest part of a
traveller’s daily expenses. ECA’s Daily Rates also take into consideration expenditure on taxis, laundry and other
incidental costs (paperback book, toilet soap, newspaper, cinema ticket and cigarettes). The Daily Rates for
Business Travellers are available singly, regionally or as a full set. For further information please contact Client
Services, ECA International (tel: +44 (0)20 7351 5000; fax: +44 (0)20 7351 9396; e-mail: editorsp@eca-
international.com).
Health and hygiene
Risks and precautions
No special health precautions are necessary for expatriates in Portugal, but all travellers are recommended to
have typhoid and tetanus vaccinations. Those working in the health sector are advised to be vaccinated against
hepatitis B. Tap water is usually chlorinated and may cause mild stomach upsets. Outside the main urban areas
water may be contaminated and purification is advisable. It is as well to remember that the sun can be very
strong in summer and a sun hat, sun glasses and sun block cream are wise precautions, particularly for children
and those with fair or sensitive skin. Expatriates should seek advice from their GP well in advance of departure.
Refer to ‘Further health information’, page 58.
Medical facilities
Portuguese hospital and health services have been reorganised and it is government policy to establish a
comprehensive national health service and to improve the social welfare services. Nevertheless, expatriates will
generally require private insurance cover for medical expenses. This may be arranged through the employing
company or through a private insurance company ( Refer to ‘Medical and repatriation insurance’, page
23.) or, if the stay is for a short period, through travel agents.
The British Hospital in Lisbon provides medical, surgical, maternity and general nursing attention for the
English-speaking community and visitors. Details of special rates and priority of entry may be obtained upon
application. There are also international medical centres in Cascais which are reliable and efficient and have
English-speaking staff.
Lisbon area
British Hospital, Rua Saraiva de Carvalho 49, Lisbon (tel: (21) 395 5067; fax: (21) 397 4066).
Hospital Da Cruz Vermelha, Lisbon (tel: 01 177887134; fax: 01 17780505).
Clinica Medica Internacional (out-patients), Cascais (tel: (21) 484 5317/8; fax: (21) 483 2506).
Hospital de Santa Maria, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, Lisbon 1600 (tel: (21) 797 5171; web site: www.hsm.pt).

Algarve
Casa de Saude, Faro (tel: (289) 802106; fax: (289) 803958).
Hospital Particular do Algarve, Alvor (tel: (282) 420400; fax: (282) 420404).
MediLagos Clinic, Lagos (tel: (282) 760181; fax: (282) 760180).
Embassies hold a list of doctors who are bilingual, and who are able to give treatment to visiting foreign
nationals.
Pharmacies (farmácia) throughout the country stock a comprehensive range of drugs and other medical supplies.
Citizens of other European Union countries are entitled to medical treatment as provided for Portuguese citizens
under domestic legislation. A few weeks (but not more than six months) before travelling, prospective visitors
should complete the necessary forms which are available from their own Social Security or Health Offices; they
will then be issued with a certificate of entitlement to medical benefits (E111) which they should take with them
to Portugal. In mainland Portugal, information is available from Regional Health Services Offices
(Administração Regional de Saude).
Within the EU, private medical insurance contracted in one country is accepted by the authorities in the other EU
countries.
Medical and repatriation insurance
Foreign nationals who require private treatment are advised to take out private medical insurance before
departure. Within the EU, private medical insurance contracted in one country is accepted by the authorities in
the other countries.
Insurance companies include:
BUPA International, Russell Mews, Brighton. BN1 2NR UK (tel: +44 (0)1273 208 181; fax: +44 (0)1273 866
583; web site: www.bupa-intl.com; details of international schemes, quotations and global travel and health
advice).
ExpaCare Insurance Services, Dukes Court, Duke Street, Woking, Surrey. GU21 5XB UK (tel: +44 (0)1483
717800; fax: +44 (0)1483 776620; e-mail: info@expacare.net; web site: www.expacare.net; specialists in
insurance for expatriates. Healthcare and income protection insurance for individuals and group healthcare
insurance schemes for companies and organisations with employees working abroad).
PPP healthcare, Head Office, Philips House, Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. TN1 2PL UK. (tel: +44
(0)1892 772 002 (from outside the UK) or 0800 33 55 55 (UK only); web site: www.ppphealthcare.com; details
of international schemes, quotations, directory of services available to members).
International Health Insurance danmark a/s, Head Office, 8 Palaegade, DK-1261 Copenhagen K, Denmark
(tel: +45 33 15 30 99; fax: +45 33 32 25 60; e-mail: ihi@ihi.dk; web site: www.ihi.dk) insures expatriates of all
nationalities in more than 150 countries world-wide. World-wide Health Insurance Card offers 24-hour
emergency service.
US citizens can obtain health insurance through American Citizens Abroad. Refer to ‘Information for
expatriates’, page 60.

Further information
Services
British Airways Travel Clinics (tel: +44 (0)1276 685 040; web site: www.british-
airways.com/travelqa/fyi/health/health.shtml) are sited throughout the UK and South Africa and will provide
necessary vaccinations, travel healthcare products and health advice.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, NE Atlanta, GA 30333 USA (tel: (404) 639-
3311 (CDC Operator); (800) 311-3435 (CDC Public Inquiries); web site: www.cdc.gov). Information about
vaccinations, health advice and publications.
MASTA (Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad), London School of Hygiene and Tropical
Medicine, Keppel Street, London. WC1E 7HT UK (tel: +44 (0)20 7631 4408; web site:
www.masta.org/index.html); provides a comprehensive database of world health information relevant to
travellers.
Travel Health Online (web site: www.tripprep.com); country-specific information including advice on health
precautions, disease risks and recommended immunisations.
International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers (IAMAT), Canada: 40 Regal Road, Guelph,
Ontario N1K 1B5 (tel: (519) 836-0102; fax: (519) 836-3412; e-mail: iamat@sentex.net); New Zealand: PO Box
5049, Christchurch 5 (fax: (643) 352-4630; e-mail: iamat@chch.planet.org.nz); Switzerland: 57 Voirets, 1212
Grand-Lancy-Geneva; USA: 417 Center Street, Lewiston, NY 14092 (tel: (716) 754-4883) is a world-wide
association offering a list of approved English- or French-speaking doctors whose training meets British and
American standards. Web site: www.sentex.net/~iamat.
Medic Alert Foundation, 2323 Colorado Avenue, Turlock, California 95382 USA (tel: 1-800-825-3785; web
site: www.medicalert.org); Canada (tel: 416-696-0267; fax: 416-696-0156); UK and Irish Republic (tel: +44
(0)20 7833 3034; fax: +44 (0)20 7278 0647); Australia (South) (tel: 61-88-274-0361; fax: 61-88-271-4844).
Individuals with diabetes, rare blood groups, allergies to certain drugs can register with this foundation. A Medic
Alert emblem is issued, which can be worn, together with a wallet card giving specific details and instructions to
call Medic Alert collect (reverse charge) from anywhere in the world in case of accident.
Medical Services Overseas Ltd, Snow’s Medical Buildings, Slad Stroud GL6 7QE UK (tel: +44 (0)1452
814614; fax: +44 (0)1452 812043; e-mail: mso@cwcom.net; web site: www.mso.cwc.net). MSO carries out
medical audits on-site for industries operating overseas: workplace health, litigation and legal compliance,
disease control, emergency medical care, training, routine medical care and community health projects.
Travel health publications
Travellers’ Health - How to Stay Healthy Abroad, Richard Dawood, published by Oxford University Press
(1992).
The Pocket Doctor - A Passport to Healthy Travel, Stephen Bezruchka, MD, published by Mountaineers Books
(1999).
The ABC of Healthy Travel, Eric Walker, Fiona Raeside, Lorna Calvert and Glyn Williams, published by British
Medical Journal Books (1997).

Understanding Travel & Holiday Health, Bernadette Carroll, Gil Lea, Tony Smith and Dave Eastbury, published
by Family Doctor Publications (1997).
Your Child’s Health Abroad, Jane Wilson Haworth and Matthew Ellis, published by Bradt Publications (1998).
International Travel Health Guide, Stuart R. Rose, MD, published by Chronimed Publications (1998).
The Doctor’s Guide to Protecting Your Health Before, During and After International Travel, W. Robert Lange,
MD, published by Pilot Books (1997).
Clothing
Clothes shops and stores sell locally-manufactured and international brands of clothes. Inexpensive
clothes are often of poor quality; prices of better quality clothes such as those imported from France are high by
Portuguese standards (i.e. when compared with average wages). Outlets include C & A, which has branches in
the centre of Lisbon and in Cascais and Loja das Meias in Amoreiras which sells menswear. Mothercare sells
clothing for children. The hypermarkets usually stock a range of clothing and footwear.
The Portuguese are generally formal in their office dress and it is customary for men to wear a suit during
working hours. In Lisbon and Oporto medium-weight clothing, with a warm waterproof topcoat, is suitable for
winter, and light-weight, but not tropical, clothing will be required for summer. Winters can be cold with heavy
rain. Dinner jackets are rarely worn, except on the most formal occasions.
Women will require woollen clothing and a topcoat for winter, and silk or cotton dresses for summer, with a light
coat or wrap for evening. Lightweight clothing is worn throughout the year in the extreme south. A raincoat and
umbrella are essential, particularly in the north and along the western coast. Most expatriates will require
sunglasses and a sunhat, especially for the Algarve during the summer.
Scanty clothing should be confined to the beach and poolside.
Dry-cleaning facilities mentioned by expatriates include 5 à sec and Lavandaria de Torr in Cascais. Mister
Minit outlets provide shoe repair services in several cities.
The working environment
Business practices
For a business visit it is essential to make a prior appointment, preferably in writing and to arrive on time.
However, visitors should not expect punctuality from hosts or meetings to begin on time. Men should wear a suit
or jacket and tie, and women a skirt or suit.

The formal handshake, both on arrival and departure, is an important custom to be observed at all business and
social meetings.
Those who speak Spanish more fluently than Portuguese will find that they can conduct negotiations in Spanish
provided that they first explain and apologise (this can be done in a mixture of Portuguese/French/English).
However, meetings where an English-speaking foreigner is present are most likely to be conducted in English.
Lunch is a vital part of doing business and will usually take two hours. Business breakfasts are unknown. There is
no siesta in the afternoon.
All important decisions are taken by senior management who exert strong control. There is little delegation and
those lower down the management scale are seldom given much responsibility. It is therefore important to deal
with Portuguese of equal status within a company.
Bureaucracy can be slow and frustrating and strikes amongst public-sector workers are common, leading to
further delays. The right connections help and visitors should enlist the assistance of a Portuguese colleague
where possible.
Local time
Details of international times and time zones are available on-line from iSBiSTER International, Inc. (web site:
www.worldtimeserver.com) and CNN (web site: www.cnn.com/WEATHER/worldtime).
Standard time on the Portuguese mainland and Madeira is the same as Greenwich Mean Time. From the last
weekend in March to the last weekend in October the time is GMT +1. Standard time in the Azores is GMT -1.
Noon in Lisbon (Lisboa)
Noon
London
(0)
10 pm
Melbourne
(+10)
7 am
New York
(-5)
9 pm
Tokyo
(+9)
N.B. Daylight Saving Time (Summer Time), usually one hour in advance of Standard Time, is kept in some
places.

Hours of business
Banks
08.30 to 15.00 Monday to Friday.
A few banks in Lisbon are open on Saturday morning.
Offices
09.00 to 13.00 and 15.00 to 19.00 or 09.30 to 19.30 Monday to Friday.
Shops
Shops in the main centres of Lisbon and Oporto are usually open during the following hours:
09.00 to 13.00 and 15.00 to 19.00 or 09.30 to 19.30 Monday to Friday.
09.00 to 13.00 Saturday.
Shopping centres are open daily from 10.00 to 23.00. Hypermarkets and other large stores may open for five
hours on a Sunday; other shops may open for ten hours.
Public holidays
January 1 2001 New Year's Day. February 27 Carnival - Mardi Gras. April 13 Good Friday. April 25
Freedom Day. May 1 Labour Day. June 10 Portugal Day. June 14 Corpus Christi. August 15 Assumption.
October 5 Republic Day. November 1 All Saints' Day. December 1 Restoration of Independence Day.
December 8 Immaculate Conception. December 25 Christmas Day.
January 1 2002 New Year's Day. February 12 Carnival - Mardi Gras. March 29 Good Friday. April 25
Freedom Day. May 1 Labour Day. May 30 Corpus Christi. June 10 Portugal Day. June 24 St John's Day
(Lisbon). August 15 Assumption. October 5 Republic Day. November 1 All Saints' Day. December 1
Restoration of Independence Day. December 8 Immaculate Conception. December 25 Christmas Day.
Most embassies observe the local Portuguese holidays, together with their own national holidays.
The majority of Portuguese take their holidays during July, August and September, and business visits are not
recommended at this time. It is also difficult to arrange appointments during the week before and after Christmas
and Easter.
Public holidays that fall on a Sunday are not observed the following Monday.

Money
Currency unit and exchange rate
The unit of currency is the Portuguese escudo (PTE), which is divided into 100 centavos. The following
denominations are in circulation:
Notes: 500, 1 000, 2 000, 5 000 and 10 000 PTE.
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 PTE.
Euro currency will be in circulation 1 January 2002:
Notes: 10, 100 and 500 EUR.
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents; 1 and 2 EUR.
Exchange rate: GBP 1 = PTE 324.945 (11 May 2001); USD 1 = PTE 228.835 (11 May 2001);
EUR 1 = PTE 200.484 (11 May 2001).
Credit cards
The major international credit cards (MasterCard, American Express and Visa) are accepted to an increasing
extent in Portugal but visitors should not rely on being able to use them in shops and small hotels, particularly
outside the main business and tourist centres. Similarly, Eurocheques are accepted only by the larger hotels and
shops.
For holders of current accounts with foreign banks, cash may be drawn against cheques (backed up by a
Eurocheque Card) from branches of the principal banks in the main centres (Lisbon, Oporto, Faro) which show
the Eurocheque Card sign. Account holders should obtain full details from their own bank. A cash advance
against Visa and MasterCard is available from outlets in the main business and tourist areas.
Expatriates should note that regulations affecting Eurocheque Cards, credit cards etc are liable to alteration and
they are advised to check with their own bank.
Cirrus and Maestro are widely accepted at ATMs.
Currency controls
Exchange control regulations are liable to change and intending visitors should seek up-to-date information
before departure. At present, the following regulations apply:

Import
There are no restrictions on the import of local or foreign currency. Foreign currency in excess of PTE 1 million
must be declared on arrival.
Export
Local currency up to PTE 100 000 per person, per trip may be exported. There are no restrictions on the export
of foreign currency, however, amounts in excess of PTE 1 million must be declared.
Travellers’ cheques may be changed in hotels, banks and bureaux de change but rates of commission vary widely.
Banks
The Central Bank is the Banco de Portugal, Rua do Ouro 27, 1100-150 Lisbon (tel: (21) 3213200; fax: (21)
3464843; web site: www.bportugal.pt). Bank of monetary issue.
Leading commercial banks in Portugal include:
Banco Comercial Português (BCP), POB 4744, 4050 Porto (tel: (22) 6099136; fax: (22) 6099512; web site:
www.bcp.pt).
Banco Espírito Santo, Av. da Liberdade 195, 1200 Lisbon (tel: (21) 3158331; fax: (21) 3532931; web site:
www.bes.pt).
Banco Mello de Investimentos, SA, Rua Alexandre Herculano 50-5o
, 1269-055 Lisbon (tel: (21) 3125000; fax:
(21) 3125001; web site: www.bancomello.pt).
Banco Nacional Ultramarino, Av. 5 de Outubro 175, POB 10139, 1111 Lisbon (tel: (21) 7930112; fax: (21)
7937835; web site: www.bnu.pt).
Banco Pinto e Sotto Mayor, POB 2148, Rua do Ouro 28, 1100-063 Lisbon (tel: (21) 3402929; fax: (21)
3213188).
Banco Português do Atlântico (BPA), SA, Praça D. João I 28, 4001 Porto (tel: (22) 2072000; fax: (22)
2005175; web site: www.bancoatlantico.pt).
Banco Privado Português, SA, Rua Mouzinho da Silveira 12, 1250 Lisbon (tel: (21) 313700; fax: (21)
3137092; web site: www.bpp.pt).
Banco Santander Portugal, SA, Praça Marquês de Pombal 2, 1250-161 Lisbon (tel: (21) 3107000; fax: (21)
3107244; web site: www.santander.pt).
Banco Totta e Açores (BTA), SA, Rua Aurea 88, 1100-063 Lisbon (tel: (21) 3211500; fax: (21) 33211591).
Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD), Av. João XXI 63, 1017 Lisbon (tel: (21) 7953000; fax: (21) 7905050; web
site: www.cgd.pt).
Crédito Predial Português, Campo Pequeno 81, 1000 Lisbon (tel: (21) 7921100; fax: (21) 7908824).

Foreign banks include:
ABN-AMRO Bank NV (Netherlands), Av. da Liberdade 131-1o
, 1250 Lisbon (tel: (21) 3211800; fax: (21)
3211900).
Banco do Brasil, Praça Marquês de Pombal 16, 1250 Lisbon (tel: (21) 3521640; fax: (21) 3143180).
Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Ltd (Japan), Rua Castilho 165-2o
, 1070 Lisbon (tel: (21) 3832104; fax: (21)
3832363).
Banque Nationale de Paris (France), Av. 5 de Outubro 206, Lisbon (tel: (21) 7910200; fax: (21) 7955616).
Barclays Bank PLC (UK), Av. da República 50-2o
, 1050 Lisbon (tel: (21) 7911100; fax: (21) 7911123).
Fortis Bank NV (Belgium), Rua Alexandre Herculano 50-6o
, 1250 Lisbon (tel: (21) 3139300; fax: (21)
3139350).
Many Spanish banks have opened branches in recent years.
Financial liberalisation has resulted in more competition between private and state-owned banks and the latter are
having to compete with the range of services provided by the former.
Tipping
Hotels and restaurants
Although a service charge is included in all bills, a small tip is also expected.
Taxi drivers
10% of the fare.
Hairdressers
Men’s - PTE 100 – PTE 200; women’s - PTE 200 – PTE 300.
Communications
Post
The address of the Central Post Office is CTT, Praça dos Restantadores, Lisbon 2; this office is open 08.00 -
22.00 daily. The main post office (Correios) on Praça do Comércio is open 08.30 - 18.00 Monday to Saturday.

General opening hours for other post offices are: 09.00 to 18.00 hours Monday to Friday. CTT – Correios de
Portugal, SA (web site: www.ctt.pt).
Stamps (selos) can be bought at post offices and stationery shops. Mail boxes are either blue for next-day
delivery or red for normal service.
Internal services are reasonable throughout Metropolitan Portugal (i.e. Continental Portugal, Madeira and the
Azores) although facilities are less extensive in the Azores.
Air mail to the UK and other European countries takes about three days, whilst surface mail takes up to five days,
including delivery; air mail to North America takes about five days.
Addresses
Mail should be addressed in the following order: Name; Street name followed by number; and Postcode followed
by town or city.
Telephone
The telephone system in Portugal is mainly state-owned although privatisation of the network has started and
many numbers have been changed. The system is improving following the improvements in technology. It takes
several days to have a telephone installed in the Lisbon area.
The automatic dialling system is in use throughout most of the country. The cheap rate is 20.00-08.00 and at
week-ends for calls within the country.
Public telephone kiosks are red and cream coloured. Card phones are being installed in public callboxes in the
main cities and towns. These cards can be bought at post offices and shops displaying the phonecard sign.
Otherwise, phones take PTE 20 and 50 coins.
Internal codes
Lisbon 21
Faro 289
Oporto 22
Emergency and useful telephone numbers in:
Portugal
Fire Brigade 112
Police 112
Ambulance 112
International Access Code
(to call abroad from Portugal)
00
Country code for Portugal 351
International operator 099

Fax
Almost all of the larger companies, hotels etc have a fax transmission system. Hotels have fax facilities for
guests.
Internet
Worldwide Internet café search engine (web site: www.cybercafe.com).
Cyber.bica, Duques Bragança Street, 7 Lisbon 1200 (tel: +351 21 3225004; fax: +351 21 3225004; e-mail:
cyberbica@mail.telepac.pt; web site: www.cyberbica.com).
Broadcasting
There are several government-run radio stations: RDP – Radiodifusão Portuguesa, SA (web site: www.rdp.pt)
and private stations including RR - Rádio Renascença (web site: www.radiorenascenca.pt), the Catholic
broadcasting station. All broadcast in Portuguese.
There are state-run television channels run by RTP - Radiotelevisão Portuguesa, SA (web site: www.rtp.pt)
plus cable TV. There are also two private channels - SIC (web site: www.sic.pt) and TVI (web site: www.tvi.pt)
(the latter backed by the Roman Catholic church). Many of the programmes relayed are British or American, with
Portuguese sub-titles and Brazilian soap-operas are very popular. There are no television licence fees.
International radio stations can be heard throughout the country on short-wave receivers.
Australia
Details of broadcasts by Radio Australia and a programme and frequency guide can be obtained from Radio
Australia, GPO Box 428G, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3001 (tel: +61 (3) 9626 1825/1500; web site:
www.abc.net.au/ra).
France
Details of relays by Radio France Internationale can be obtained from RFI, 116 avenue du Président Kennedy,
75116 Paris France (tel: +33 (1) 42 30 12 12; fax: +33 (1) 42 30 44 81; e-mail: courrier.auditeurs@rfi.fr; web
site: www.rfi.fr).
Germany
Relays by Radio Deutsche Welle; programmes and schedules can be obtained from Deutsche Welle,
Raderberggürtel 50, 50968 Köln Germany (tel: +49 (221) 3890; fax: +49 (221) 389 3000; web site:
www.dwelle.de).

Netherlands
Radio Netherlands; details of schedules, frequencies and programmes from: Radio Netherlands, Box 222, 1200
JG Hilversum, The Netherlands (tel: +31 (35) 672 4211; fax: +31 (35) 672 4239; web site: www.rnw.nl).
Sweden
Relays by Sveriges Radio, S-105 10 Stockholm, Sweden (tel: +46 (8) 784 5000; fax: +46 (8) 784 1500; web
site: www.sr.se).
UK
Programme schedules and information about BBC World Service television and radio are available in On Air, a
monthly publication obtainable on subscription from: BBC On Air, Dept. WW, Room 207NW, Bush House,
Strand, London WC2B 4PH UK (tel: +44 (0)20 7557 2211; fax: +44 (0)20 7240 4899; e-mail:
on.air.magazine@bbc.co.uk; web site: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice). A regularly updated list of the frequencies
used by the BBC World Service can be found on their web site.
USA
Details of Voice of America programmes and schedules can be obtained from VOA, Office of External Affairs,
330 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20547 USA (tel: +1 (202) 619 2538; fax: +1 (202) 619 1241;
e-mail: Pubaff@VOA.GOV; web site: www.voa.gov) or from American embassies and consulates.
Other foreign nationals are advised to consult their embassy for information about radio transmissions from their
home country.

Newspapers
The most influential newspapers are those circulating in Lisbon and Oporto, including: Correio da Manhã (web
site: www.correiomanha.pt), Diário de Notícias (web site: www.dn.pt), Jornal de O Dia, Público (web site:
www.publico.pt), A Capital in Lisbon, and Jornal de Notícias in Oporto (web site: www.jn.pt); most are
published six days a week. Expresso is the largest and most respected weekly (web site: www.expresso.pt). In
addition, there are many magazines. Revista Exame is the leading business magazine. There are no daily English-
language papers. The News Weekly is available on-line in English (web site: http://the-news.net/).
The English-language newspaper Anglo-Portuguese News is published every Thursday and is a useful source of
information for expatriates; it carries adverts for properties to rent. It can be bought in newspaper shops and
kiosks or on subscription. The Algarve News is published every fortnight on Fridays.
European newspapers are available everywhere, and British papers can normally be bought on the day of issue,
particularly in the Lisbon area. UK Sunday papers reportedly arrive without the colour supplement.

Section 3: On arrival
Customs formalities
Customs
Personal effects
EU nationals are exempt from paying duty on personal and household goods. In the case of other nationals, no
duty is payable on new articles contained in an expatriate’s baggage providing they are not worth more than the
relevant duty-free allowances and are for own personal use. In practice, all clothing, personal jewellery, and such
items as sporting equipment, camera, etc may be imported free of duty. A detailed inventory (with Portuguese
translation) of all items to be imported must be completed.
Import allowances
Travellers entering from EU states (goods bought tax/duty-paid):
Alcohol Tobacco Perfumes Other
90 litres of wine and
110 litres of beer.
800 cigarettes or 400
cigarillos or 200
cigars or 1 kg
tobacco.
No limit. -
Travellers entering from non-EU states:
Alcohol Tobacco Perfumes Other
1 litre of spirits over
22% or 2 litres of
other alcoholic
beverages under 22%
and up to 2 litres of
wine.
200 cigarettes or 100
cigarillos or 50
cigars or 250 g of
tobacco products.
50 g perfume and
250 ml toilet water.
Tax free goods to
PTE 7 500. Other
goods to PTE 34 400
(lower amounts for
persons aged under
15 years).
Tobacco and alcohol allowances are restricted to persons over 17 years of age.

Cars
Motor vehicles may be imported duty-free for a temporary period of up to six months. During this time import
formalities must be carried out. The vehicle must have been in the registered owner’s possession for a minimum
of six months prior to importation. The duty payable will depend on the make, model, age and length of
ownership.
The following documents will be required: driver’s license, original vehicle registration certificate, vehicle
details including make, model and serial number.
Pets
A health certificate will be required, issued by a veterinarian not more than four weeks prior to date of import.
Air Animal International Pet Moving Services, 4120 W. Cypress St., Tampa, FL. 33607 USA (tel: (813) 879
3210; fax: (813) 874 6722; web site: www.airanimal.com).
The Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association International, Inc., Route 1, Box 747,
Highway 2869 - Big Sandy, Texas 75755 USA (tel: (903) 769-2267; fax: (903) 769-2867; e-mail:
info@IPATA.com; web site: www.ipata.com) is an international network of pet relocation specialists - animal
handlers, pet moving providers, kennel operators and veterinarians - who can help with all aspects of relocating
pets.
Petplan Ltd, Computer House, Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex TW8 9DX UK (tel: +44 (0)20 8580
8080; fax: +44 (0)20 8580 8183; web site: www.petplan.co.uk). UK pet health insurance company; can arrange
boarding kennel cover, world-wide transit cover and personal accident insurance.
Prohibited items
Imports
² Plants and animals (excluding pets) and
articles obtained from some protected
species, such as skins and ivory. Any
weapons (except those used on shooting
ranges or for hunting), narcotics and
psychotropic substances.
² Pornographic material.

Setting up home
Registration and residence permits
Residence permits
EU nationals may apply for residence permits. These are valid five years and may be renewed.
Non-EU nationals intending to take up residence in Portugal must first apply for residence visas from Portuguese
embassies/consulates in the home country. Visas are valid six months, during which an application for a
residence permit must be filed. Temporary residence permits are valid two years (renewable for a further
two-year period). Permanent residence permits must be renewed every five years.
Accommodation
Lisbon
Apartments, houses or villas, both furnished and unfurnished, may be rented. Rents are generally high, especially
in the Lisbon area, but there is considerable variation. The majority of expatriates tend to live outside Lisbon
itself in Estoril, Cascais or to a lesser extent in Sintra. Relatively few expatriates choose to live in Lisbon; the
following areas are the most popular:
Lapa
² A fashionable diplomatic quarter - narrow cobbled streets with a mixture of smartly renovated and sadly
neglected buildings side by side, some with fine views down to the River Tagus.
Baixa
² The low-lying downtown part of the city, now mainly a shopping and commercial area, but with a few
apartments.
Laranjeiras
² An area in the north-west of the city next to Lisbon zoo and with views of Monsanto park. There is a good
supply of modern apartment blocks in this area, which is close to some of Lisbon’s prestigious office blocks.
Connected to the city via metro. (Note: The new north-south expressway now dissects this neighbourhood,
making it rather noisy).
² Excellent shopping and cultural facilities.
² Adequate public transport with regular bus/tram services, as well as the metro (often more convenient to use
public transport/taxis rather than a car because of traffic congestion and the difficulty of parking).

² A wide variety of apartments available, ranging from old-style to very modern.
² Older apartments often have no garage and the plumbing and electric wiring may be substandard.
² Check that the electric supply will be sufficient to run several appliances at the same time.
Monthly rental in PTE for unfurnished accommodation in
Lapa/Baixa/Laranjeiras (minimum)
0
50000
100000
150000
200000
250000
300000
350000
1 bed
apartment
2 bed
apartment
3 bed
apartment
Type of Accommodation
Few properties are available and there is a great deal of demand amongst Portuguese professionals. Portuguese
tenants tend to rent on a very long-term basis.
Cascais, a tourist resort situated 28 km west of Lisbon on the Atlantic coast.
² A popular area for expatriates, especially those with children.
² Cascai-Shopping is a huge out-of-town shopping mall.
² Public transport is adequate with commuter trains/buses to central Lisbon.
² Wide variety of property available, from palatial old villas to suburban-style houses/new apartments.
² Good choice of modern housing, but with very small gardens.
² Modern residential suburbs of Cascais: Quinta da Marinha (exclusive resort village next to the ocean and
set amongst pine trees), Birre (large villas with swimming pools), Malveira da Serra (hillside village suburb
with ocean views).
² Apartments are either high-rise or low-rise; there are portered blocks and ‘closed condominiums’ with
24-hour security guards. A number of luxury blocks have been built in recent years.

There is little price differential between furnished and unfurnished except when a property is newly furnished, in
which case the rent may be an extra PTE 25 000 to PTE 50 000 per month. Availability of property is generally
fair to abundant but depends on the time of year, the summer being the most difficult because of tourists and the
absence of owners. It is always worthwhile trying to negotiate on the rent, although given the scarcity of good
quality accommodation in the area, it may not be possible to get more than a small reduction.
Monthly rental in PTE for unfurnished accommodation in Cascais (minimum)
0
100000
200000
300000
400000
500000
600000
2 bed
apartment
3 bed
apartment
3/4 bed
detached
4/5 bed
detached

Oporto
Foz do Douro, 4-6 km west of the city centre.
² An up-market residential suburb with seafront and riverside views.
² Large British community; British port wine families, British School, British Club etc.
² Small, exclusive shopping centre with the Boavista and downtown shops within easy reach.
² German, American and French schools in the vicinity.
² Adequate public transport with bus/trams to city centre. The journey by car takes 15 minutes.
² A wide variety of property to rent, all with garages. Some detached houses have a pool. Many are older
properties.
Monthly rental in PTE for furnished accommodation in Foz do Douro (minimum)
0
50000
100000
150000
200000
250000
300000
350000
400000
450000
500000
2 bed
apartment/
condominium
3 bed
apartment/
condominium
4 bed
apartment/
condominium
3/4 bed
detached
Boavista, 2 km west of the centre.
² A new urban centre with many new office and residential buildings.
² Prestigious 18th/19th century neighbourhood (Graham) is also within the area.
² Boavista Trade Centre recently opened.
² Schools for expatriate children are a few kilometres away in Foz do Douro.
² Buses and trams take 15 minutes to the city centre; the journey by car takes 10 minutes, but longer in the rush
hour. An overground commuter train is planned for the future.
² All types of property can be rented, all with a garage, some with a pool.

² Rents are broadly similar to those in Foz. There is usually a small price differential between
furnished/unfurnished property.
² Leases are normally for one year. Annually renewable contracts are common, although five-year leases are
preferred by some landlords for legal reasons. Landlords prefer contracts drawn up in the individual tenant's
name but with a company guarantee clause. Diplomatic clauses of 30 or 60 days are easy to negotiate.
² There is usually no brokerage fee involved for the lessee but the landlord pays the agent a commission of up
to one month's rent upon signing of the lease agreement.
² Upon signing the lease, the landlord or agent normally requires payment of the first and last months' rent, plus
a refundable deposit of an additional month’s rent as security in case of unpaid bills or damage to the property
and contents. When a security deposit is paid, the lease agreement should state the conditions for its return
after the lessee’s departure.
² Subsequent rent payments are made between the 1st and the 8th of each month in advance of that to which the
rent actually refers (i.e. February’s payment is paid between 1 and 8 January).
² Estate agents are excessively competitive and do not work with central listings. There are dozens of
unlicensed individuals working in the rentals market. Licensed agents belong to the 'Sociedade de Mediacao
Immobiliaria' and have a licensed 'AMI' number. Rents are increased annually in accordance with an index
published by the government each October (current rate is 2.8%).
² It is difficult to negotiate rental contracts of less than 12 months and agents advise tenants to take the one-year
agreement with a short notice cancellation clause.
² Contracts of less than six months are very difficult to find unless the client is willing to pay tourist rates.
There are some apartment-hotels in the Cascais area and others of reasonable quality in the Lisbon area.
These are however rather expensive.
² In the past, landlords have been able to get away with not declaring their rental income to the Portuguese tax
authorities. Now some landlords are willing to provide 'official' receipts because they are worried about
discovery by the tax authorities. However, landlords offering receipts are less willing to negotiate the asking
rental price, and may actually want to increase the price in return for providing receipts.
Details of locations, leases and rents were kindly supplied by EPIC International.
ECA accommodation reports
Further information on renting property in Lisbon is available in ECA’s ‘Expatriate Manager’s
Accommodation Guide’. ECA’s detailed Accommodation Reports are an essential guide for HR and
management teams compiling accurate and fair costings for any short- or long-term international assignment.
The reports are produced on an annual basis and concentrate on areas and types of accommodation favoured by
expatriates. They are based on data from the ECA surveys of living costs in more than 180 countries, and are
supported by the Client Services teams and representatives who provide constantly updated on-the-spot
information to subscribers. Information is also collected from letting agents and relocation companies. For more
details contact ECA International (tel: +44 (0)20 7351 5000; fax: +44 (0)20 7351 9396; e-mail: editorsp@eca-
international.com).

Furnishings and household equipment
Where a property is let furnished, it implies an equipped kitchen (appliances, cutlery, crockery), linen and towels,
curtains, fixtures and some furniture. However, items are likely to be of poor quality except in the higher price
brackets. TVs are often but not always supplied while video recorders and music systems are rarely provided.
Furniture, household equipment, china, cutlery and glassware of all styles and qualities can generally be obtained,
although prices are high and it is therefore wise to bring as much as possible from home, especially kitchen
gadgets and electrical appliances.
To purchase a package of one double bed, one double wardrobe, two sofas, two armchairs, one table and four
chairs would cost PTE 500 000 - PTE 750 000, depending on quality.
Estate agents/realtors
Lisbon
Cicerone Propriedades, Av Dos Bombeiros Voluntários, 4, 2765 Estoril (tel/fax: +351 21 467 3583).
Manuela Rainha - Mediadora Imobiliária, Rua do Banco, 3, 2765 Estoril (tel: +351 21 466 1630/468 2627;
fax: +351 21 468 2616; e-mail: rainha@portugal-info.net; web site: http://portugal-info.net/rainha/port.htm).
International relocation services
A number of companies will look after all removal problems. As well as organising the actual move, services
include selling/managing property at home, finding suitable accommodation overseas and helping the expatriate
family settle into a new environment.
GMAC Global Relocation Services, Global Headquarters, 477 Martinsville Road, Liberty Corner, NJ 07938
(US tel: (800) 589 7858; Asia tel: +65 535 0010; Europe tel: +44 207 392 7016; web site:
www.gmacglobalrelocation.com).
Prudential Relocation International, 475 Park Avenue South, 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10016 (tel: (800)
433 8672; web site: www.prudential.com).
Cendant Mobility, Corporate Headquarters, 40 Apple Ridge Road, Danbury, CT 06810 (tel: 203 205 3400; web
site: www.cendantmobility.com).
Expatriate Property Information Consultancy (EPIC International) is a specialist provider of accurate,
residential property rental data on a world-wide basis. EPIC International is managed in the UK by Rachel
Wadsworth who has extensive experience in both international relocation and data gathering and processing.
EPIC International’s unique product has been developed over eight years and currently provides access to
reliable rental data on 180 destinations in 79 countries around the world. The nature of EPIC International’s
product, its intricate networks and the years of experience gained in building these networks, enable it to refer
interested parties to the most reliable providers of relocation services almost anywhere in the world, whether the
destination be Atlanta or Karachi, Shanghai or Adelaide, Santiago or Kiev. Contact: EPIC International, 48
Kimpton Road, Blackmore End, Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire AL4 8LD UK (tel: +44 (0)1438 833832; fax:
+44 (0)1438 832519; e-mail: epic.international@virgin.net).

International removals and relocations
Allied Pickfords (e-mail: enquiries@allied.pickfords.com; web site: www.allied-pickfords.co.uk); Crown
Worldwide Group (web site: www.crownworldwide.com); Expect Move Management Ltd (full range of
international relocation and destination services), 8 The Square, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB11 1FW
UK (tel: +44 (0)20 8610 6019; fax: +44 (0)20 8610 6069; e-mail: move@expectmove.com; web site:
www.expectmove.com); Interdean.Interconex, Central Way, Park Royal, London NW10 7XW UK (tel: +44
(0)20 8961 4141; fax: +44 (0)20 8965 4484; e-mail: id.icx@interdeaninterconex.com; web site:
www.interdeaninterconex.com); Sterling International Movers, Hallmark House, Perivale Industrial Park,
Horsenden Lane South, Perivale, Middlesex UB6 7RH UK (tel: +44 (0)20 8810 8800; fax: +44 (0)20 8810
7777; e-mail: moving@sterling-intl.co.uk; web site: www.sterling-intl.com); Transeuro Amertrans, Worldwide
Relocations, Group Head Office, Drury Way, London NW10 0JN UK (tel: +44 (0)20 8784 0100; fax: +44 (0)20
8451 0061; web site: www.transeuro.com).
North American Van Lines, Inc., International Moving Division, 15/16 Chestnut Way, Felthambrook Industrial
Estate, Feltham, Middlesex TW13 7DP UK (tel: +44 (0)20 8844 2000; fax: +44 (0)20 8844 2700/1250; in the
US tel: 1 800 234 1127; fax: +1 219 429 1853). Web site: www.northAmerican-vanlines.com. International
network of relocation service providers.
International furniture rentals
World Furniture Rentals Limited, One World House, 5, Kingswood Close, Tollgate Hill, Crawley, West
Sussex RH11 9RU UK (tel: +44 (0)1293 534600; web site: www.worldfurniturerentals.com). Furniture rental
and consultancy in 36 countries.
Utilities
Average cost of utilities (based on a three-year moving average) for all types of accommodation in Portugal:
Heat and light PTE 349 115
Water PTE 73 838
Telephone PTE 288 514
Total cost per annum PTE 711 467
Electricity
In most parts of the country the mains electricity supply is 220 V AC, 50 Hz. Lamp fittings are the screw type
and plugs are normally two-pin round. The supply can be erratic, particularly in times of drought, since electricity
capacity is barely keeping pace with demand. Those with sensitive electronic equipment should buy a voltage
stabiliser. In Lisbon it is possible to phone in meter readings to avoid estimated bills.

Gas
The piped gas supply is being developed. Bottled butane gas is available as an alternative to electricity for
cooking, water and space heating.
Water
The water supply in the main towns is adequate and considered safe although new arrivals are advised to drink
only bottled water; away from main towns, bottled water is a safer option. Most tap water is very hard and
limescale builds up quickly.
Heating
Electric heaters are readily available. Most houses have an open fireplace, but few have central heating and can
therefore feel cold and damp in winter. Only the more up-market properties may have oil-fired central heating.
Many new homes are equipped with solar heating panels.
All utility bills should be paid promptly as services can be cut off very quickly. Most bills are sent out monthly.
Bills can be paid at banks using the ATMs and a Multibanco card issued by Portuguese banks up to the date limit
for payment.
Domestic staff
Domestic staff are fairly easy to hire. Many expatriate households employ a cleaner or maid, full- or part-time,
usually living out, and a gardener. A statutory minimum wage has now been introduced for all employees in
Portugal and expatriates are advised to consult the local employment authorities to ensure that they comply with
the regulations. Any staff hired on a regular basis must have Social Security contributions paid by the employer.
The following are average weekly wages:
Position PTE per week
Cleaner (part-time; live out) 10 828 (12 hrs)
Most employers provide food and transport expenses for their staff and all are required to pay an annual bonus of
a thirteenth month’s wage. Full-time staff are entitled to one month’s paid holiday per year.

Portugal country guide

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