When immigrating to Portugal, it is essential to understand the local customs and common knowledge. Below, we introduce some information that will be useful for your life in Portugal!
Banks
Standard banking hours are from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, five days a week. Portugal has a nationwide ATM network, and Multibanco (MB) machines are available for cash withdrawals 24 hours a day.
Pharmacies
Generally, pharmacies in Portugal are open on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (some close for lunch between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM), and on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Pharmacies open at night display a green cross light. You can find a notice on the door of every pharmacy indicating the location of the nearest pharmacy open at night.
Shopping
Generally, store hours are Monday to Friday, opening between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM and closing at 5:00 PM. Some stores close during lunch hours (from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM). Typically, from January to November, stores close at 1:00 PM on Saturdays. However, some stores located in the city center remain open in the afternoon. In December, to facilitate Christmas shopping, stores do not close on Saturday afternoons, and sometimes remain open on Sundays as well. Some shopping centers have longer operating hours, generally from 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM daily. Characteristic Portuguese products include: Portuguese chicken, blue ceramic tiles, cloth bags, plaster models of doors and windows, ceramic plates, cork products, tablecloth sets, and Port wine, among others.
Cuisine is a famous aspect of Portuguese culture. Various types of rice, potatoes, bread, meat, seafood, and fish make up the main diet.
The Portuguese are known for their love of cod, and it is said that there are 365 ways to cook it (one for every day of the year). Egg tarts are known in Portugal as Pasteis de Nata and are a well-known traditional pastry. Portuguese egg tarts have a rich, creamy flavor and are often served with cinnamon powder and powdered sugar to enhance the taste. Portugal has been famous for its grapes and wine since ancient times. Its wine is exported to more than 120 countries and regions, making it the fourth-largest wine-producing country in the world, with wine exported from Porto being the most prestigious.
In general, the Portuguese have three meals a day. Breakfast is usually simple. Lunch is the main meal of the day, typically taken between 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM. Dinner is usually at 9:00 PM. Between lunch and dinner, having afternoon tea in the late afternoon (around 5:00 PM) is also very common for the Portuguese.
Tipping
People usually leave 5% to 10% of the bill as a tip. Tips for taxis are also generally between 5% and 10% of the fare, though passengers often simply leave the small change as a tip.
Currency Exchange
Portugal has joined the European Union and uses the Euro. In the Portuguese exchange market, 1 RMB is approximately equivalent to 0.12 Euros, 1 British Pound is approximately 1.6 Euros, and 1 US Dollar is approximately 0.8 Euros. There are many currency exchange points in Portugal, and foreign tourists can easily exchange Euros. Every city has 24-hour ATM services, and both VISA and Mastercard are widely accepted in Portugal. Traveler's checks are also convenient to use.
Safety Precautions
Although Portugal is a country with strict rule of law and social stability, occasional theft cases can occur. In some public places, especially crowded stations and large gathering areas, pickpockets may be present. Therefore, immigration applicants should not carry too much cash when traveling; it is recommended to use credit cards or checks, or to distribute cash across multiple pockets.
Emergency Numbers
Portugal has a national emergency number: 112, which is used for police, fire, and other emergencies. Before immigrating to Portugal, Worldway immigration experts will provide immigration applicants and their families with detailed information about traveling in Portugal. This knowledge will help applicants ensure their safety while traveling in Portugal. Portugal is a tourist destination in Europe, and after immigrating, applicants can travel throughout the country, making life after purchasing property and immigrating both relaxing and interesting. Furthermore, the cost of tourism in Portugal is very low, and many tourist destinations offer highly favorable prices.