GENERAL INFORMATION
Climate
The average maximum daily temperature and average minimum temperature in the Lisbon area in April are 22ºC / 64 F (high) and 12ºC / 52 F (low). Please take in consideration that Lisbon is located by the river and the ocean, and therefore can be windy in the late afternoon or evening. A sweater or a ladies pashmina may be necessary.
Currency
Portugal is a member of the European Monetary System, and the previous currency Escudo was replaced by the €uro on 1 January 2002.
Electric Current
Portuguese standard is the European type 2 pin sockets with 220 volts AC at 50 cycles. The phase 380 volt current is normally available in meeting rooms and exhibition halls.
Health Requirements
With the exception of vaccination certificates for persons coming from areas where yellow fever is endemic, at the present there are no special health requirements.
Medical Care
Clinics and hospitals provide 24 hrs emergency service. The national emergency phone number is 112. Hotels have a doctor on call through the reception. Reciprocal E.C. cover is available at out-patient departments, otherwise private consultation fees are charged.
Hotel Check in/out Policy
Check in: After 14h00
Check out: Until 12h00
Normal check in time at hotels is 15h00. The established check out time is 12h00. Should you need guaranteed occupancy before 13h00 on the day of your arrival, the previous night should be reserved.
TAX Free
Sales tax (VAT) is included in prices quoted. For non E.U. residents, tax free shopping schemes are available in many shops, which give substantial savings to visitors.
Smoking
The Portuguese law, in accordance with Regulations in force in the majority of European Countries and the USA, does not allow smoking in any public transportation or in any closed public areas. (Some restaurants, bars and discotecs may have a designated smoking area).
Local Time
Mainland Portugal is 1 hour ahead of European Standard Time (C.E.T. + 1).
Language
The official language is Portuguese although English and French are widely spoken.