Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Internet Access
We use the icon to indicate places that have a physical computer where guests can access the internet. The icon
indicates where wireless access (wi-fi) is available.
Free internet access is growing in Portugal. If you have your own laptop, most hotels, hostels and midrange guest-
houses offer wireless access. It is usually - but not always - free, so inquire before booking. Many cafes also offer free
wi-fi.
Other places to access the internet include the following:
»
Bibliotecas municipais
(municipal libraries)
»
Municipal Espaços Internet (
www.espacosinternet.pt
)
»
Cybercafes, which are growing rarer in the age of smart phones, charge from around €2 per hour
Legal Matters
»
Fines for illegal parking are common. If you're parked illegally you'll be towed and will have to pay around €100 to
get your car back. Be aware of local road rules, as fines for other transgressions will also be enforced.
»
Narcotic drugs were decriminalised in 2001 in an attempt to clear up the public-health problems among drug users,
and to address the issue as a social rather than a criminal one. You may be brought before a commission and subject to
fines or treatment if you are caught with up to 10 doses of a drug.
»
Drug dealing is still a serious offence and suspects may be held for up to 18 months before coming to trial. Bail is at
the court's discretion.
»
It's illegal in Portugal to drive while talking on a mobile phone.
Maps
National and natural park offices usually have simple park maps, though these are of little use for trekking or cycling.
The following offer a good range of maps:
Omni Resources
(
www.omnimap.com
)
US company that sells excellent maps, including 1:25,000 topographic maps.
Stanfords
(
www.stanfords.co.uk
) Good selection of Portugal maps and travel products in the UK.
Money
»
Portugal uses the euro, along with most other European nations.
»
Banks and
bureaux de change
are free to set their own rates and commissions, so a low commission might mean a
skewed exchange rate.
»
For information on tipping,
Click here
.
