6 practical tips for your trip to Portugal

Are you going on vacation to Portugal and want to go on vacation with a good feeling? Then read this blog for the best practical tips for your vacation to Portugal!

1. Toll roads

When driving in Portugal, you have to deal with toll roads, especially on the highways (Autoestradas). When you rent a car, you can choose to purchase an electric toll payment system (Via Verde). With this you can easily drive through the toll gates without stopping.

2. Bread, olives and snacks at restaurants

When you eat at restaurants, you often get bread, olives and other snacks as an appetizer before placing your order. Pay close attention! These may seem free and on the house, but you usually pay for them even if you didn’t ask for them. If you do not want this, you can refuse it, but if you have eaten from it, you will be charged.

3. Café instead of espresso

Portuguese people love coffee and especially espresso. If you want a strong espresso ask for a “café. If you want a regular coffee, ask for a ‘galao’ and for a half milk, half coffee, ask for a ‘meia de leite’.

4. Use Uber or Bolt

There are many cabs available in Portugal, but this is often a lot more expensive than an Uber or Bolt, for example. With a normal cab, you will often have to pay with cash, but when you order an Uber or a Bolt, you can pay online. In addition, you can indicate in Uber or Bolt’s app where you want to go and you don’t have to worry if you don’t speak Portuguese.

5. Swim flags

On Portugal’s beaches, there is a flag system for safety. Each flag has its own meaning and lets you know if it is safe to swim. With a green flag you can swim safely and there is nothing to worry about, with yellow flags you can enter the water but you cannot swim and with a red flag it is forbidden to swim in the water. The Atlantic Ocean can sometimes have strong currents and high waves, so pay close attention to the flags for your own safety.

6. Learn Portuguese words

Many Portuguese speak English in the tourist areas, but it is always helpful if you can speak a few words of Portuguese. ‘Bom dia’ means good morning, ‘obrigado/obrigada’ means thank you (depending on your gender) and ‘por favor’ means please.

Hopefully you are now fully prepared for your trip to Portugal! Are you going to Lisbon during your trip and want to know everything about this city? Then do the SmartWalk Lisbon and learn about the hidden gems of the city. You are in control of the tour and can take breaks whenever you want!