Are you planning a trip to Portugal? If you are here I am guessing that you’re. Thankfully for you, I have put in this article all the essential information you need to know about this country. I have travelled from the country’s north all the way to the south. I did that 3 times! Everything I am telling you is what I have experienced and loved. Portugal is in my top 5 favorite destinations of all time. I hope you will like it as much as I do!
- Amazing people
- When you should go
- Money currency
- What to eat
- How to use your phone / SIM card
- Some facts
- Insurance
- Basic words to know
- Accommodation options
- Essential apps to have
Amazing people
Portuguese people are so nice if you take the chance to talk to them. Always be polite and respectful. They will make you feel safe and welcome in their country. They have such big hearts. I have some of my best memories with them. English is Portugal’s second most talked language. It is mostly spoken in big cities like Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve region.
When you should go
The best months to travel to Portugal are March to June & September to November. The climate is around 15 to 26 °C which, for me, is the perfect temperature. July and August are very hot. It is the summer, so if you plan to walk or be outside a lot, be prepared to sweat. During the winter, it’s colder in the north and Lisbon (around 0 to 5 °C) and hotter in the south (around 15 to 20°C). I went to the south of Portugal in December, and it’s a great season for the Algarve. There are not a lot of people and you can still swim in the ocean.
What is the money currency
Portugal is one of the many countries in the eurozone. Therefore, their currency is the Euro (€). Unlike Canada, there is no tax. Every price you see is the final price. Also, tipping is not expected. It is never mandatory, but it is always nice to leave a tip if you feel like the person deserves it.
There is usually a big fee when getting money out of an ATM. You should always try to pay by card. Go get Euros at your local bank in your country before traveling. You will save a lot on ATM fees.
What to eat
Most of Portugal’s famous dishes are from the Atlantic Ocean. I hope it’s not the first time you read about Sardinhas assadas (Grilled sardines), Polvo à Lagareiro (octopus with olive oil and potatoes) or Bacalhau (Salted cod). If so, I will let you see by yourself what it’s like when you get to Portugal, but you need to try at least one of these three dishes.
If you have more of a sweet tooth, you need to try Pastel de Nada. It’s one of my favorite desserts. It’s like a mix between a custard tart and a crème brûlée. It’s so goooood!
How to use your phone / SIM card
The most affordable and easy way to have access to your phone is to buy an E-card / pre-paid SIM card. You can buy them online, they are way cheaper than anything at the airport! I bought mine 2 days before I left and it was perfect. The company I used was Holafly and you have multiple options depending on what you want. For example, it’s €34 for 10 days or €47 for 15 days.
If you don’t want to pay for a SIM card, don’t worry, there’s Wi-Fi everywhere. Most of the time, when I go to Europe, I don’t pay for a SIM card. Instead, I download the maps before I go there (either on Maps.me or Google Maps). If I really need WI-FI, I stop at a McDonald’s, grocery store or a mall.
Some facts
Here are some fun facts about Portugal and the culture there:
- 85% of people are catholic.
- Portugal Day is celebrated on June 10. It’s a national day to pay tribute to the death of poet Luis de Camõe.
- Portugal is one of the oldest nations in Europe with its borders being defined in 1139.
- In 2021, Portugal was in 4th place for the most peaceful country in the world. It is definitely a safe destination without violence.
- The biggest waves (estimated 30 meters) ever surfed were in Nazaré, Portugal.
- In 2001, Portugal was the first country to decriminalize all drugs.
Insurance
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Basic words to know
One of my favorite preparations when I travel is to learn some basic words in the language of the country I am going to. It only takes a few minutes every day. I find it makes all the difference to bond and be respectful with the locals. Of course, you don’t need to know all of them, but only a couple can take you a long way! Here are all the basics I like to know to have smoother conversations with Portuguese people:
- Hello – Olá
- How are you? – Como está?
- Nice to meet you / Pleasure – Prazer
- Excuse me – Com licença
- Thank you – Obrigad(a/o) : In Portuguese, the way to thank you varies depending on your gender. If you’re female, say “obrigada” & if you’re a male, say “obrigado”.
- Yes – Sim
- No – Não
- Please – Por favor
- You’re welcome – De nada
- Have a nice day – Tenha um bom dia
- Good morning – Bom dia
- Good afternoon – Boa tarde
- Good night – Boa noite
- Goodbye – Adeus
- Where is … ? – Onde está … ?
- What is your name? – Qual é o seu nome?
- Do you speak English? – Falas inlgês?
- I don’t understand – Eu não entendo
Different accommodation options
Villas/Apartments: Renting a villa/apartment is definitely the most eye-pleasing option. You can find some crazy original stays! Most of the time it is equipped like an apartment, so you will have a fridge and a cooking space. It will be pricier, but you can save on eating out if you cook at your villa. It is a good option for families or if you are a big group of people. You can split the price, and it can be more fun than being all separate in hotel rooms.
Hotels: Hotels are a classic. There are plenty of them with a huge price range. You will be well welcomed and have access to services you don’t get in a villa. Some hotels have spas, some have yoga classes and so much more. Your room will get cleaned every day, and you will have access to room service. If you are an anxious person, hotels are your best option. You will definitely feel more secure since there is always someone working nearby.
Hostels: If you are a backpacker, this is the cheapest option for you. It is less luxurious, less comfortable, less a lot of things. But it is an amazing experience to live while you are young. You will have one bed in a shared room with others. This is the best way to meet people if you are traveling solo. Some hostels have group activities to help with that. You are young, your back is not broken yet, and you can sleep in a less comfortable space in exchange for living an incredible experience.
Essential apps to have
Transport: Having access to transport in Portugal is so easy!
- Download Omio
Gives you the best & cheapest way to travel in Europe comparing the bus, car (shared rides), train, and plane. You can book everything directly on the app. I find the prices are always the same or sometimes cheaper than on the websites of the companies.
- Download Uber
You order your car knowing already the price it will cost. You know when your driver will be there, and you have the option of paying cash or directly with your card on the app. I always prefer to pay cash. This way I could always round up the amount and leave a tip. They deserve it! You can even order food on Uber Eat!
Places to stay:
- Booking: You will find all three types of accommodation.
- Airbnb: You will find amazing and original villas/apartments.
- Hostel World: This is an app for hostels only. You will find the best ones with an amazing rating system to help you make your choice. There are also group chats on the app with the people who will be staying at the same place as you.
Others:
- Maps.me: You can download any maps and use them without Wi-Fi.
- WhatsApp: It’s a classic. Everyone in Europe uses WhatsApp to text and call.
- Too Good To Go: You can buy food from restaurants and stores for cheaper prices that would otherwise have been thrown away at the end of the day.
