Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
are usually green. Note that your US credit and debit cards are unlikely to work at self-
service gas pumps, as well as toll bridges and automated parking garages. It might help if
you know your credit card's PIN code, but just in case, be sure to carry sufficient cash.
Navigation:
On freeways, navigate by direction (
norte
= north,
oeste
= west,
sul
=
south,
este
= east). Also, since road numbers can be confusing and inconsistent, navigate
by city names. You can pick up a Michelin map in the US or buy one of the good, inex-
pensive maps available throughout Portugal.
Tolls:
Freeways come with tolls (about $5/hour), but save huge amounts of time. Al-
ways pick up a ticket as you enter a toll freeway and then pick up tickets at each oppor-
tunity along the way (or risk a fine). Don't use the no-stop-necessary speed lane (labeled
Reservada a Aderentes,
reserved for locals with a monthly pass), or you'll pay for a trip
across the country in order to exit—a lesson I learned the expensive way.
Some roads—such as the A-22 along the Algarve—are tolled electronically. Rental
cars in these areas often come equipped with an electronic sensor, which automatically
registers the tolls (you'll pay when you return the car). If you're driving a car without a
sensor, you have five days to pay the toll at any post office, some gas stations, and “pay
shops” (small stores and kiosks with a red “pay shop” decal). If you drive into Portugal in
a rental car from Spain, France, or another country, you can buy a pass just past the border
(3-day pass-€20.62; 5-day refillable pass-€10 minimum).
Parking:
Choose parking places carefully. Parking areas in cities generally have a
large white “P” on a blue background. Don't assume it's free—check around for meters or
ticketing machines. Keep your valuables in your hotel room or, if you're between destina-
tions, covered in your trunk. Leave nothing worth stealing in the car, especially overnight.
If your car's a hatchback, take the trunk cover off at night so thieves can look in without
breaking in. Try to make your car look locally owned by hiding the “tourist-owned”
rental-company decals and putting a Portuguese newspaper in your front or back window.
Ask your hotelier for advice on parking. In cities, you can park safely but expensively in
guarded lots. While you should avoid parking lots with twinkly asphalt, thieves break car
windows anywhere, even at stoplights.
If you're considering a train ride that's more than five hours long, a flight may save you
both time and money. When comparing your options, factor in the time it takes to get to
the airport and how early you'll need to arrive to check in.
The best comparison search engine for both international and intra-European flights
is
www.kayak.com
.
For inexpensive flights within Europe, try
www.skyscanner.com
or
www.hipmunk.com
. If you're not sure who flies to your destination, check its airport's
website for a list of carriers.
