Practical info Lisbon, Portugal
Getting around the city
Public transport in Lisbon is inexpensive and useful for negotiating the hills between attractions. The fastest way to get around is by metro, which covers most of the city. Complementing this is a network of trams, buses, funiculars and a vertical elevator to connect the high and low areas of the city. There is also a modern electric train that links the city to all the towns along the Portuguese Riviera, and ferries across the Tagus River. Trams and buses are inexpensive and the old trams have become a big tourist attraction. It is best to avoid public transport during rush hours though, as the crowded conditions are the perfect cover for pick pockets. Metered taxis are plentiful and affordable, and a popular means of transportation, but beware of drivers taking long, indirect routes. A car is not recommended for use around the city.
Time
GMT (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).
Electricity
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used.
Currency
The official currency is the Euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. There are numerous banks, bureaux de change and ATMs available in main cities and tourist destinations. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and automatic currency exchange machines. Banking hours are generally 8.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday. Major credit cards are widely accepted.
Communication
The international access code for Portugal is +351. Pre-paid sim cards can be bought at airports and used in unlocked mobile phones. Wifi is available in most hotels, cafes and some restaurants throughout Portugal.
Emergency number
112
Travel documents and health
Humberto Delgado Airport
Getting to the city
The Metro operates from a station under the airport, running to the city between 6.30am and 1am. Carris coaches run every day between 5.35am and 12.30am, connecting Lisbon Airport to the city centre. The Aerobus also travels to the city centre every 20 minutes between 7am and 11.20pm.
Car rental
Car rental companies represented at the airport include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Guerin, Goldcar, Hertz and Sixt.
Airport taxi's
Taxis can normally be found outside both the arrival and departure terminals. Some taxis will charge extra for luggage and all will charge extra at night.
Transfer between terminals
There is a free shuttle bus connecting the two terminals.
Facilities
There are a range of passenger services at Humberto Delgado Airport including ATMs, bureaux de change, showers, a post office, left luggage, baby care facilities, meeting rooms and a help desk in both Arrivals and Departures. There are a wide variety of restaurants and shops, including a duty-free. Disabled facilities are good and passengers requiring wheelchairs should contact their airline.
Parking
Short-term parking at Humberto Delgado Airport, in lot P1, starts at €0.85 per 15 minutes. Lot P2 is farther from the terminal building but slightly cheaper, and lot P3 offers long-term parking rates of €14 per day. Note that online discounts are available for pre-booked parking through the airport's website, starting at €5.
Internet
Free and unlimited wifi is available.