The currency of Portugal is the Euro. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for Euros upon arrival. In our culture we can put everything on credit and debit cards, however, in Europe you will find it useful to always keep a little cash on hand. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city.

First thing is first: Tipping varies throughout different parts of Portugal. Currently in Portugal there are very few establishments which include a service charges or `servicio,` as seen in other European countries. This should be clearly indicated on the menu if it is included, and if it is, do not feel obligated to tip excessively! Lastly, most Americans are used to quick service. In Portugal things frequently move at a slower pace; do not use the server`s swiftness (or lack thereof) as a gauge for the quality of service.

Now, as far as the actual tip, it is not required, but even locals frequently leave a little something. Little is the key word, do not overdo it! In Portugal servers do not earn as much as servers elsewhere in Europe, and especially in the off-season depend heavily on tips. This is still not license to shell out a ton, as in America. Tipping is most common in the largest tourist areas, as a direct result of American tourists carrying their own customs abroad. The Portuguese themselves tend to leave only their change behind in the bill pocket (rounded to the next whole Euro, with an extra Euro thrown in for good service), and you should follow suit. The practice also eliminates the need for your server to run back and forth to get change. In mid-price or expensive restaurants the same rule of thumb applies, rounding up the bill to the next 5 or 10 Euro increment. If you are truly disappointed by the service or the food, forgo a tip altogether. Don`t worry, they won`t chase you into the street demanding a tip or bad mouth you to the other customers. It just doesn`t work that way here!

For exceptional service 10% is more than admirable (or even expected) as a thank you for wonderful service.

In cafes or bars usually only tourists tip with any frequency, assuming the server or bartender is even allowed tips. In many places, it is kept by the owner unless discretely and directly handed to the server. Again, simply round up slightly to the next half or whole Euro, absolutely no more. Nobody is expected to tip for self-service food (for example: readily prepared sandwiches from a café, a croissant, or pastry).

Here is something paramount to remember: Couvert. This is an essential commandment regarding Portuguese dining etiquette; whatever you eat you must pay for, whether or not you ordered it. Waiters bring bread, olives and other goodies to your table the moment you sit down. This unordered appetizer is called couvert and can cost anywhere from 1 Euro per person up to to over 10 Euro. If you don`t want it, you can send it away, no offense taken. There`s also no shame in asking the price – `quanto e isso?`

Tipping in hotels in Portugal is rarely expected except in cases of exemplary service or if you solicit special services. The most commonly tipped employees are the Porters and Chambermaids. If a Porter helps to carry your bag(s) to your room the customary tip is 1 or 2 Euros per bag, usually no more than 5 Euros total. For Chambermaids in moderate hotels a 1 Euro tip, daily, is adequate; while in deluxe hotels 2-3 Euros daily is more suitable (tip them up front if you want them to treat you extra nice). Leave these tips on the bed or the bedside table. Hotel Concierge staff can be very helpful for first time travelers; they are a wealth of information from directions to restaurant suggestions and reservations. Tip them 1 or 2 Euros for their helpful service, if so desired. Some hotels (and upscale restaurants) will have Restroom Attendants, tip them with small change (around 0.50 Euro) and thank them, since without them, there would be no toilet paper or soap there.

Tipping taxi drivers is unusual, but appreciated, especially if they help you with your luggage or provide you with useful info about getting around. Leaving a tip for a taxi driver is completely a personal choice. Most drivers will charge a minor fee for handling luggage; this is not a tip, but an official charge. Generally tourists are expected to cover toll road fees, so ask if your route will include any tolls. For the tip itself, round up the fare to the next 5 or 10 Euro mark, or leave about 10% of the total for long drives. Always remember when travelling abroad that it is good practice to agree on a final fare before the cab driver begins driving.

Tipping tour guides is very much appreciated but not expected. Depending on the length of the tour (half or full day) and whether or not it is a private tour, the common practice is in the range of 5 Euros per person for half a day, or 10 Euros per person for a full day. Bear in mind that the guides are often paid a low wage, so if one is particularly enthusiastic or informative do not hesitate to slip them a little extra if you wish!

Other Services: In the event that you are in Portugal for a special occasion (wedding, honeymoon, graduation gift, birthday, etc..) and employ the services of a hairdresser, make-up artist, party planner, personal shopper, tailor or spa services and the like, use your best judgment in tipping. Factor in the cost and quality of service and, as a general rule, stay between 5% and 10%.

Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. Unlike in the U.S., the expectations for tipping are lower here. This is also true for hotel staff, though if you encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager.

When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.

Driver`s License

Drivers from non-European Union nations will be allowed to drive in Portugal as long as they carry their home driver`s license as well as an International Driving Permit, issued before you leave your home country. Keep in mind that both licenses must not have an expiration date within 180 days of your dates of travel. Tourists are allowed to drive for 90 days in Portugal; you will have to apply for a Portuguese driver`s license if you plan to stay longer.

Insurance

Third-party personal insurance is mandatory for all drivers in Portugal. Full coverage is optional but not required. Copies of the insurance policy must be carried in the car at all times.

Glasses

A spare pair of glasses must be carried with you while driving, in addition to the glasses you need to wear to see the road. Contact lens wearers are subject to the same rules.

Warning Triangles and Visibility Vests

It is required of rental car operators to provide a warning triangle, reflective and usually red, in every car. This triangle will be placed behind your car if you are forced to stop for any reason. It is also compulsory to wear a reflective vest if your car is stopped on any motorway, and that vest should also be provided by the car company. Inquire before you leave the lot.

Spare Bulbs

Spare bulbs are required and it is against the law to drive without them. Your car rental company should provide these bulbs in a first aid kit that would also include the visibility vest and the warning triangle. Inquire before leaving the lot.

Snow Chains

Snow chains are not required year-round, but they are required in certain areas (Tras-os-Montes, Serra da Estrela) in winter. Ask your car rental company if you are traveling during a time in which snow chains are mandatory anywhere in the country.

Other

– A fire extinguisher (recommended)
– Passport (Portuguese police routinely check foreign drivers` passports)
– Headlamp converters, stickers on the headlights to reduce glare for drivers coming from the other direction
– A first-aid kit
– If you have driven for less than one calendar year, a sticker should be placed on your car that reads `90`. It is mandated by the Automovel Club de Portugal and your car rental company can advise you on how to obtain this sticker.

Emergency, police and fire services in Portugal can be accessed by calling 112.

Drinking and Driving:

Drinking and driving is a major issue in Portugal, so much so that fines and punishments have increased dramatically in recent years. Drivers with a blood alcohol level of 0.05% or higher will be fined and have their licenses suspended. If your reading is higher than 0.08%, you will be expected to pay a fine upwards of €2500 and your driving privileges in Portugal will be revoked for up to two years. A reading higher than 0.1% will result in a year in jail. When in doubt, take a taxi to your hotel after drinking.

Seat Belts:

Seat belts are mandatory and must be worn by all passengers, in the front and back seats.

Cell Phones:

Cell phones are only allowed to be used by drivers in Portugal if the call can be conducted hands-free (like through Bluetooth and car speakers). Headsets and headphones are not sufficient and will result in a citation if you are caught using them.

Navigation Aids

Navigation aids are legal to use in Portugal, but keep in mind that the distracted driving laws passed here in 2017 are some of the most stringent in Europe. You have to pull off onto the side of the road, or into a parking lot, and either stop or idle the car while you access the information. It cannot be used en route by the driver, as that would constitute a distraction. The fine is the same amount as the fine for texting while driving: €600.

Speed Trap Detectors:

Radar detectors and similar speed trap devices are not legal to use in Portugal and will result in a fine if police catch you using one.

Driving Age:

To drive in Portugal you must be aged 18 or over. You must be 19 years old to rent a car in Portugal. Some companies require that you have driven in your home country for a year before renting a car in Portugal, while others do not have this requirement. If in doubt, have an established driver rent the car. Remember that you will also require a credit card to rent a vehicle.

Using Indicators:

You should use indicators when driving in Portugal, as they are compulsory, but Portugal also has a reputation for drivers being careless, so do not be too surprised if you notice locals who don`t use indicators. Practice defensive driving at all times.

Overtaking:

Overtaking can only be done on the left side of the car that you wish to pass. Take care when overtaking – allow more space between you and the car in front so you can see further down the road ahead. If police find that you overtake a car without using an indicator, you can be fined on the spot. Fines must be paid in cash right away or you can be taken to a magistrate.

Roundabout:

When approaching a roundabout give way to traffic already on the roundabout, on your left, unless signed otherwise. Keep in the interior lane until your turn is immediate.

Lights:

Dipped headlights should be used in poor daytime visibility and while traveling through tunnels.

Good Samaritan:

Portugal`s Good Samaritan Law states that travelers must help others in `serious need, particularly provoked by disaster, accident, calamity or common danger situation, which put into risk the life, physical integrity or freedom of others`. Failing to do so can incur a punishment of a fine and imprisonment up to a year. There is an exception for people who cannot physically help due to undue risk on the helping party. If an accident is caused by you and you do not help the other injured driver, the punishment doubles. `Help` in this case means either calling 112 for assistance or waiting until police arrive before resuming your trip.

Losing Your License:

It is important that you keep your home driver`s license with the International Driving Permit. If you lose your home license, you will not be permitted to drive in Portugal.

Fines for Motoring Offenses in Portugal:

Fines can be steep and they must be paid in cash on the spot. If not, you will be taken to a judge and forced to pay the cost before you are allowed to leave. For example, driving below the speed limit on a motorway is an immediate €300 fine; texting or talking on the telephone while driving is €600; littering will set you back €300, and running a red light or going through a stop sign can cost as much as €2500. Fines for drunk driving, at minimum, start at €1250.

Children:

Children must sit in the back seat and must have a car seat if they are under the age of 12 and under the height of four feet eleven inches.

Accidents:

If there is an accident, please stop your car and put on your reflective jacket before exiting. Remove the warning triangle from your car and place it approximately 100 feet from your car so it will warn travelers that you have stopped and you are in need of assistance. If your accident involves another driver, exchange information. That includes car registration numbers, insurance information, name, and address. Write the license plate number down as well. Call 112 and make a formal statement, which the other driver will also do. Request a copy from the police so you can file it with the insurance company. If you do decide to take the other party to court, you have two months to file a lawsuit.

Depending on the city, parking can either be plentiful or at a premium. In cities and towns with Medieval historic centers, parking may not be allowed at all, and lots may be relegated to just outside the historic area. When parking on the street is available, it may be metered. Parking signs will be blue with a white “P” in the middle; signs with an arrow above the “P” note that parking is immediately ahead.

If you encounter a sign that notes a ban on parking, it will say `Estacionamento Proibido` and the sign will either be white or blue in color, with a red line indicating that the parking is prohibited. On curbsides, if a curb is painted yellow or red, that also means no parking. Parking is also banned in the immediate vicinity of a wheelchair ramp (except for loading and unloading); within 15 feet of a junction; 75 feet before and 15 feet after a bus stop; and within 20 feet of a tram stop.

When parking is available, it will usually be pay-per-hour, although free lots are available on a first-come, first-served basis in many cities. To pay, you will either give money or a card to an attendant or you will be asked to pay at a machine or via an app. Make sure to hold on to your receipt and display it in your car if you are told to do so.

Gas stations are much like the ones in the United States. In Portugal pumping gas is a self-service affair. It is important to pay in cash, as some gas stations may not accept the magnetic swipe cards common in the U.S. (The ones that do accept these cards will encounter a surcharge of 50 Euro cents.) In rural areas, at night, or on weekends, automated pumps may be the only ones available, so fill up ahead of time and plan accordingly.

Many gas stations in Portugal are open 24 hours, but in smaller towns they may close for the evening at 10 p.m., and open the next morning at 7 a.m. Unleaded gasoline (`gasolina sin plomo` or `sem chumbo`) typically has an octane rating of 95 and 98. `Gasoleo` means `diesel` so be careful which type you choose before filling up. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is `gaz liquido`.

Some useful phrases to remember while driving in Portugal:

All Directions – Todas as direcoes
Battery – O acumulador
City centre – Centro da cidade
Danger – Perigo
Detour – Desvio
Drive with care – Conduza com cuidado
Dual Carriageway – Autoestrada
Exit – Saida
Gas Tank – Tanque de gasolina
Give Way – Ceda o passo
Go straight on – Siga em frente
Keep Left – Mantenha a su esquerda
Keep Right – Mantenha a su direito
Lane – Uma pista
License Plate – A matrícula
Local Highway – Estrada
Motorway – Uma auto-estrada
No parking – Estacionamento proibido
Priority to left – Prioridade a esquerda
Priority to right – Prioridade a direita
One way street – Endereco exclusivo
Open – Aberto
Police Station – Comissario
Radiator – O radiador
Right of way – Prioridade
Road Closed – Prohibido a passagem
Roadworks – Obras de estrada
Slow – Lentamente
Traffic lights – Semaforos
Toll Road – Estrada pedagiada
Turn right – Vira a direita
Turn left – Vira a esquerda

Where is the nearest gas station? – Onde esta o posto de gasolina mais proximo?
Excuse me, I`m lost – Por favor, estou perdido.

These are the current speed limits nationwide:

Motorways and Auto-Estradas – 120 km/h (72 mph)
Dual Carriageways – 100 km/h (62 mph)
Other standard roads – 90 km/h (55 mph)
Built-up areas – 50 km/h (32 mph)
Rural areas – 50 km/h (32 mph)

A note on converting kilometers to miles:

Muliply the kilometers by 6 and move the decimal point 1 place to the left:
8 kilometers = 4.8 miles
12 kilometers = 7.2 miles
Speed limit 70 = 42 miles per hour

Highways (`auto-estradas`) travel in two directions. Where there is a third lane, the middle lane is used for passing (in both directions). When driving in a roundabout, note that the people in the roundabout have priority over the people entering. When you do enter, keep in the interior lanes until it is time for your turn, then merge into the right lane.

Note that you should not do the following things while driving: crossing solid white lines, running red lights, and ignoring or resisting orders from policemen, among many others. Your license to drive can be revoked on the spot, leaving you with a hefty fine and having to scramble to find another mode of transportation. Always pass on the left; passing on the right will result in a fine of €1250.

Tolls are unmanned in many spots, requiring exact change or a Via Verde pass, which is automated and affixed to the windshield. Via Verde pre-paid passes can be purchased at most gas stations or at the rental car company when arriving in Portugal. The pre-payment is usually activated in multiples of €20. Unused portions cannot be refunded. The following roads are toll roads:

-A1 (Lisbon-Santarem)
-A1 (Santarem-Fatima
-A1 (Fatima-Coimbra)
-A1 (Coimbra-Aveiro)
-A1 (Aveiro-Porto)
-A2 (Lisbon-Marateca)
-A3 (Porto-Braga)
-A4 (Porto-Amarante)
-A5 (Lisbon-Cascais)
-A6 (Marateca-Montemor-o-Novo)
-A8 (Lisbon-Torres Vedras)
-A22 (Lagos-Castro Marim)

If you plan to rent a car in Europe, it would be wise to familiarize yourself with the operation of the manual transmission. The vast majority of rental cars have manual transmissions. There are only a limited number of automatics available.
The very concept of ‘car’ is radically different between North America and Europe. Whereas in the US and Canada size really matters, Europeans look for fuel economy and have cramped parking conditions in mind. Here are some hints on choosing the right car when renting.

Transmission – Not Automatically Automatic

The very first thing to bear in mind is the transmission. Whereas most rental cars in North America will be equipped with automatic transmission, manual transmission is the norm in Europe. In addition the gearshift will be to the left of the driver. If you are not familiar with a manual transmission be sure to select an automatic. And remember that the ‘exotic’ automatic transmissions may sell out fast, so book early.

Interior Space

Most rental cars are standard European or Japanese vehicles, built for cramped road conditions and comparatively short journeys. Especially the lower categories (Sub-Compact and Compact) are typical ‘city cars’ for the occasional user. Even ‘mid-size’ in Europe would be rated Compact in the US. So expect tighter conditions and choose a larger vehicle if traveling long distances.

Seats and Legroom

Cars are smaller and Europeans are used to them, so this leads to different car ratings. In the US, a car rated for two adults and two children, would be rated for five adults in Ireland. If you are in any way larger than the average European (5 ft 7 in, 165 pounds) go for a larger vehicle.

The Trunk

Luggage space in European and Japanese cars can be tight. Sub-Compact and Compact vehicles will more than likely be of the hatchback type with no actual trunk and a somewhat cramped storage area in the back. Getting four adults and their luggage into a Sub-Compact is nearly impossible. If you are planning to take your full baggage allowance go for a Mid-Size at least. Do not plan on leaving your luggage in view while touring, this will attract undesirable attention.

Extras – You Don’t Need Them

When looking up European rental cars you might notice that air conditioning or cruise control are not necessarily included in the specifications. You will not really miss them. While air conditioning can occasionally be nice during the short Irish summer, cruise control would be of no practical use at all.