Tomar Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Stay Connected: Mobile & Internet

Staying connected in Tomar is straightforward.

Mobile Service & Wi-Fi

Local SIM cards from MEO, Vodafone, NOS are available in Tomar (passport needed for registration). Consider Airalo for eSIMs.
Free Wi-Fi widely available at hotels, guesthouses, cafes, and restaurants. Portable Wi-Fi available at Solis Wi-Fi.
EU citizens use home plans due to "Roam Like At Home" regulations.

Language & Translation

Portuguese is the official language. Many in tourism speak English.

Communication Tips

English fluency: Common in tourist areas, hotels, younger generations.
Translation apps (Google Translate, DeepL) offline packs are very helpful. Learn with Rosetta Stone.
Locals are patient and willing to help, even with language barriers.

Essential Portuguese Phrases

Learning a few basic phrases shows respect for local culture.

Phrases to Know

Hello/Good day: Olá / Bom dia (bohm DEE-ah)
Please: Por favor (por fah-VOR)
Yes: Sim (sing) / No: Não (nown)

More Useful Phrases

Further phrases for common interactions during your visit.

The bill, please: A conta, por favor (ah CON-tah, por fah-VOR)
Do you speak English?: Fala inglês? (FAH-lah een-GLESH?)
Bus station: Estação de autocarros

Greetings & Cultural Phrases

Daily Greetings

Good afternoon: Boa tarde (BO-ah TAR-deh)
Good evening/night: Boa noite (BO-ah NOY-teh)
Excuse me/Sorry: Desculpe (dish-COOL-peh)
Thank you (male speaker): Obrigado (o-bree-GAH-doo)

Cultural Notes

Thank you (female speaker): Obrigada (o-bree-GAH-dah)
Where is...?: Onde é...? (ON-deh EH...?)
Hello/Good day: Olá / Bom dia (bohm DEE-ah)
How much is it?: Quanto custa? (KWAN-too COOSH-tah?)

Communication Insight

Making an effort with a few Portuguese phrases like "Bom dia" and "Obrigado/a" greatly enriches interactions.

Hours & Schedules

Understand typical operating hours for businesses and services in Tomar.

Shop Hours

Most independent shops: ~9/10 AM - 7/8 PM (Mon-Fri), often with a 1-3 PM lunch break. Shorter on Saturdays, many closed Sundays.

Dining Times

Lunch: ~12:30 PM - 3:00 PM. Dinner: ~7:30 PM - 10:30/11:00 PM. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service.

Supermarkets & Cafes

Supermarkets/shopping centers: ~9/10 AM - 9/10 PM daily. Cafes: ~7/8 AM - late afternoon or early evening.

Banking & Public Holidays

Be aware of bank hours and national holidays that close services.

Times

Banks: Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM. Closed weekends/holidays.
ATMs (Multibanco): Widely available 24/7 in Tomar.
Public Holidays: Banks, offices, many shops/restaurants close or have reduced hours. Plan accordingly.

Seasonal Considerations

Some businesses adjust hours seasonally. Airport services are also available.

Notes

Seasonal Closures: Smaller businesses or attractions may close for annual holidays (often August) or operate on reduced schedules during low season (winter).
Airport Lounges: Consider Priority Pass for airport lounge access.
Flight Compensation: Compensair assists with delayed/cancelled flights.

Travel Essentials

Connectivity & Post

Public Wi-Fi: Some public spaces might have free Wi-Fi, though reliability varies.
Mobile Data: 4G and 5G coverage is generally good throughout Portugal.
Postal Services: CTT (Correios de Portugal) post office in Tomar is available for mail.

Translation Resources

Translation Apps: Use apps like Google Translate with offline language packs for convenience.
Local SIMs: Remember to present your passport for registration when buying a local SIM card.
Phrasebook: A small phrasebook can be an useful companion.

Timetable Advisory

Always check current opening times for specific attractions and businesses, especially outside of peak tourist seasons.

Etiquette & Culture

Navigating local customs can make your interactions and visit more rewarding.

Greetings & Dress

Polite interactions and appropriate attire are appreciated.

Local Practices

Greetings: Handshake (formal), two kisses on cheek (informal). Use Senhor/Senhora until invited to use first names.
Attire: Casual but neat for general outings. Modest dress (covered shoulders/knees) for religious sites.
Photography: Ask permission for individuals. Be discreet in religious settings. Check for signs.

Dining & Tipping

Enjoy meals at a relaxed pace, and note tipping customs.

Meal Manners

Seating: Wait to be seated or politely ask for a table.
Tipping: Not mandatory, but appreciated for good service (~5-10% is common).
Pace: Dining is social, not rushed. Do not feel pressured to finish quickly.

Sensitive Subjects

Some topics or behaviors require extra consideration.

Topics to Avoid

Politics/Economics: Generally avoid initiating conversations about these with locals.
Historical Comparisons: Do not generalize Portuguese history or make unfavorable comparisons to Spain.
Personal Space: Closer than Anglo-Saxon cultures; expect people to stand or sit a bit nearer.

Cultural Openness

Portugal is a generally progressive and welcoming country.

Inclusivity Notes

LGBTQ+: Portugal is progressive; same-sex marriage is legal, anti-discrimination laws exist.
Public Affection: Displays are accepted, like in other Western European countries.
Respect for elders: Show respect to older residents.

Important Cultural Reminder

Voice Levels

Maintain a moderate voice level in public spaces.
Be especially quiet in residential areas.
Keep volume low in cafes and quiet establishments.

Entering Establishments

Say "Bom dia" (Good morning) or "Boa tarde" (Good afternoon) when entering a shop or cafe.
Say "Obrigado/a" (Thank you) when leaving.
These small gestures are highly appreciated by locals.

Accessibility Notes

Convento de Cristo Access

Efforts improve accessibility with some routes, lifts, and ramps.
Many parts remain difficult due to stairs, uneven floors, and tight spaces.
Contact the monument directly for specific accessible routes before your visit.

General Mobility

Historic center has cobblestone streets and narrow sidewalks, which are challenging.
Public transport may have some accessible vehicles; inquire beforehand.
Consider a taxi for uphill journeys to save energy.

Cultural Engagement

Efforts to speak a few Portuguese phrases like "Bom dia" or "Obrigado/a" are highly appreciated and foster warmer interactions.

Accessibility Guide

Information for visitors with mobility needs.

Navigating Tomar with Mobility Needs

Tomar's historic charm with its ancient architecture can present some challenges.

Infrastructure Challenges

Cobblestone streets, narrow sidewalks, and inclines, especially leading up to the Convento de Cristo, can pose difficulties.
Newer areas and major public buildings generally feature better accessibility, including ramps and wider entrances.
Convento de Cristo: Has improved routes, lifts, and ramps, but many parts remain difficult to navigate due to stairs and uneven floors.

Accessible Transport & Services

Options for getting around and specific services for varying needs.

Transport & Support

Public Buses (TUT): Some newer municipal buses may be wheelchair accessible. Inquire with the operator or local tourist office.
Train (CP): Comboios de Portugal (CP) offers assistance for passengers with reduced mobility. Request this in advance.
Hotels: Newer or recently renovated hotels are more likely to have accessible rooms and common areas. Confirm directly when booking.

Services for Impairments

Support for visual or hearing impairments during your visit.

Support & Assistance

Guide Dogs: Generally allowed in public places and on public transport in Portugal.
Visual Impairments: Some larger museums may offer audio guides or tactile exhibits; inquire directly for specifics in Tomar.

Accessibility Resources

Where to find more information tailored to your needs.

Information Channels

Turismo de Portugal: The official tourism website (visitportugal.com) may share general accessibility information.
Direct Contact: For accurate information, contact specific attractions, accommodations, or local transport providers in Tomar directly.
Travel Forums: Online travel communities focused on accessible travel can be helpful for shared experiences and advice.

Mobility Tip

For the uphill journey to the Convento de Cristo, a taxi can preserve energy for exploration of the vast monument itself.

Tomar Travel Tips