Useful Information

A valid passport is the only requirement for US citizens. If you do not hold an American, Canadian or European passport, you should get a visa at a Portuguese Consulate.

Residents or nonresidents who leave or enter Portuguese territory are free to bring national and/or foreign currency in coins and notes, traveler’s checks and /or other securities intended to pay their travel expenses, but they are obliged to inform customs authorities if the total currency exceeds 12,000 Euros (approximately US $ 13,000).

Travelers over than 17 years old may bring in the following items, duty free: two bottles of table wine, one bottle of hard liquor, 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco, 1.75 ounces of perfume, and small quantities of tea or coffee for personal use. Bringing fresh meat into Portugal is forbidden.

The Portuguese currency is the Euro. Most credit cards including American Express, Dinner’s Club, Eurocard, Mastercard and visa are accepted. ATMs are widely available throughout Portugal. ATMs in Portugal include the option to purchase tickets for railways, intercity buses and art performances, among other services. The ATMs in Portugal operate differently from those in North America, as they are managed under a unified system that integrates all banks operating in Portugal.

If travelers are carrying any US electrical appliances, they should bring a converter and adapter. The electrical current in Portugal is 220 volts, 5’-cycle AC; Outlets take Continental-style plugs, with two round prongs.