Portugal: Our Travel Guide

Portugal is the perfect combination of beautiful sandy beaches, architecturally beautiful cities, cleansing mountains, and a booming restaurant scene. (And, a lot of wine).

Portugal also happens to be one of the most affordable international destinations and incredibly safe, making it a great getaway for solo female travellers.

Lisbon has become a hub for nomads and ex-pats from all over the world, but there’s so much more to see than Portugal’s capital city—there’s the Algarve, the Alentejo, Obidos, and Braga, to name a few!

WHAT TO EXPECT

Language: The official language of Portugal is Portuguese.

Currency: The official currency of Portugal is the Euro (EUR).

Credit/ Debit Cards & ATMs: Many Portuguese shops, restaurants, and hotels accept credit/ debit cards, especially in bigger cities that are often visited by tourists. Like many other destinations in Europe, it is wise to keep a little cash on you. An ATM in Portugal is commonly referred to as “multibanco” or “caixa automatica.” These ATMs in Portugal are not only used to withdraw money but also used to pay bills, buy movie tickets, or make transfers. They can be found at most banks, airports, train stations, and shopping centers.

Plug Sockets: The plug sockets in Portugal are type F, the standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. We recommend purchasing a universal adaptor.

Safety: Portugal is one of the safest places to visit in Europe, being ranked as the 3rd safest country in the world (by the Global Peace Index). Crime rates are low and are typically in isolated neighbourhoods. The biggest issue is pickpocketing. Exercise caution with valuables, and you won’t run into any issues.

The ideal time to visit Portugal is in either the spring (March to June) or autumn (September to mid-October) when there are fewer crowds, prices are lower, and the temperatures are warm. Autumn is also a great time if you’re looking to experience some of Portugal’s famous wines.

The summer months are considered to be the high season in Portugal. Streets, beaches, and historical sites are often busy. Local transportation is also often sold out, and accommodation prices can increase to around 30-40%.

Come November, the rainy season begins, and a lot of resorts shut down for winter. Expect thinner crowds but shorter hours at many of the main sites. If you’re visiting Portugal in December, Lisbon is known for its Christmas markets and decorations.

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