Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Rabies
Rabies, though rare in Portugal, is a risk, and is transmissible via the bite of an infected animal. It can also be transmit-
ted if the animal's saliva comes in contact with an open wound. If you've been bitten by a wild animal, a treatment of
shots must begin at once.
Tap Water
Tap water is generally safe to drink in Portugal.
Traveller's Diarrhoea
If you develop diarrhoea, be sure to drink plenty of fluids, preferably an oral rehydration solution (eg Dioralyte). A few
loose stools don't require treatment, but if you start having more than four or five stools a day, you should start taking an
antibiotic such as Norfloxacin, Ciprofloxacin or Azithromycin. Antidiarrhoeal agents such as loperamide are just 'stop-
pers' and don't get to the root of the problem. If diarrhoea is bloody, persists for more than 72 hours or is accompanied
by fever, shaking, chills or severe abdominal pain you should seek medical attention.
GOVERNMENT TRAVEL ADVICE
The following government websites offer travel advisories and information on current hot spots:
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs
(
www.smarttraveller.gov.au
)
British Foreign Office
(
www.fco.gov.uk/countryadvice
)
Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs
(
www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
)
US State Department
(
http://travel.state.gov
)
Insurance
Don't leave home without a travel-insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems. You should get insurance
for the worst-case scenario; for example, an accident or illness requiring hospitalisation and a flight home.
Check the small print as some policies specifically exclude 'dangerous activities' such as scuba diving, motorcycling
or even trekking. If you have these activities planned, either find another policy or ask about an amendment (usually
available for an extra premium) that includes them.
Make sure you keep all documentation for any claims later on. Some policies ask you to call back (reverse charges) to
a centre in your home country, where an immediate assessment of your problem is made.
Worldwide travel insurance is available at
www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-
insurance. You can buy, extend and claim
online anytime - even if you're already on the road. For information about health insurance,
Click here
.
