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Practical Information

Practical Information

Lisbon, Portugal

Communication Options

Portugal has a robust mobile network with Vodafone, MEO, and NOS. Local SIM cards are easily purchased.

Staying Connected

  • Prepaid SIM cards at Lisbon Airport or shopping malls.
  • Passport registration for SIM card needed.
  • Free Wi-Fi in most hotels, guesthouses, and many restaurants.

Internet & Postal Services

Free Wi-Fi is common and widely available in Setúbal. Mobile data coverage is good.

Connectivity & Mail

  • Mobile data coverage throughout Setúbal and surroundings.
  • Public Wi-Fi hotspots in some city squares.
  • CTT (Correios de Portugal) is the national postal service for mail.

Language & Phrases

The official language is Portuguese. English is common in tourist areas.

Language Assistance

  • English often spoken by staff in tourist areas, hotels, and larger restaurants.
  • Translation apps like Google Translate prove very good.
  • Learning basic Portuguese phrases makes a difference.

Portuguese Phrases

A few important phrases for your travels.

Daily Greetings

  • Olá (oh-LAH) - Hello
  • Bom dia (bom DEE-ah) - Good morning
  • Boa tarde (BO-ah TAR-d) - Good afternoon

More Phrases

Common Questions

  • Sim (SEEM) - Yes
  • Não (NOWN) - No
  • Fala inglês? (FAH-lah een-GLEHSH?) - Do you speak English?
  • Quanto custa? (KWON-too COOS-tah?) - How much?

Polite Expressions

  • Por favor (por fah-VOR) - Please
  • Obrigado/a (oh-bree-GAH-doo/dah) - Thank you (m/f)
  • Com licença (kong lee-SEN-sah) - Excuse me
  • A conta, por favor (ah CON-tah, por fah-VOR) - The bill, please

Important Note

Consider an Airalo eSIM for immediate connectivity upon arrival, or a Solis Wi-Fi device for reliable portable internet.

Business Hours & Schedules

Navigate Setúbal with an awareness of typical operating times.

Shop Hours

Generally open Monday to Saturday, 9/10 AM to 7/8 PM. Many close for lunch (1-3 PM).

Restaurant & Cafe Hours

Lunch 12-3 PM, Dinner 7-10 PM or later. Cafes open early to late.

Banking Hours

Banks operate Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, no lunch break.

ATM & Accessibility

ATMs (Multibanco network) are widely available throughout Setúbal.

Access

  • ATMs function 24/7.
  • Accept most international debit and credit cards.
  • Check specific attraction websites for current schedules.

Holidays & Seasonal Changes

Portugal observes several national public holidays. Setúbal celebrates its municipal holiday on May 15th.

Planning Around Closures

  • Most businesses, banks, and public services close on holidays.
  • Some beachside businesses close or reduce hours in low season (winter).
  • Check in advance for specific establishments during winter travel.

Public Holidays

Main National Holidays

  • January 1 (New Year's Day)
  • Good Friday (Easter)
  • April 25 (Freedom Day)

Other National Holidays

  • May 1 (Labor Day)
  • June 10 (Portugal Day)
  • August 15 (Assumption of Mary)

Flight Compensation Information

For flight delays or cancellations, services like Compensair assist with compensation claims.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Respectful interaction elevates your travel experience.

Greetings & Attire

A simple 'Olá' or 'Bom dia' is polite. Handshakes for introductions, two kisses on the cheek for friends.

Local Interactions

  • Handshakes common for formal introductions.
  • Women and men/women often greet with two kisses on the cheek.
  • Casual dress suitable for daily activities.

Dining & Photography

Couvert items are not free; politely decline if not wanted. Tipping is appreciated for good service (5-10%).

Customs

  • Tipping 5-10% in restaurants, rounding up for taxis.
  • Ask for permission before photographing individuals.
  • Be discreet and respectful when photographing in religious sites.

Cultural Avoidances

Be mindful of sensitive topics and public behavior.

Things To Skip

  • Avoid discussing politics unless invited.
  • Do not openly criticize Portuguese culture, food, or history.
  • Respect religious beliefs and symbols.

Social Conduct

Portugal generally offers an accepting environment.

Public Behavior

  • Avoid shouting or being excessively loud in public.
  • Portugal is generally a liberal and accepting country for LGBTQ+.
  • Setúbal is a welcoming city; public displays of affection are common.

Accessibility Planning

Mobility & Infrastructure

  • Older historic center has cobbled streets and inclines.
  • Newer buses in Carris Metropolitana fleet are accessible.
  • Waterfront promenade (Avenida Luísa Todi) is flat and accessible.

Specific Needs

  • Limited specialized services for visual impairments.
  • Limited specialized services for hearing impairments.
  • Research specific needs before your trip.

Public Holidays Continued

More National Dates

  • October 5 (Republic Implantation)
  • November 1 (All Saints' Day)
  • December 1 (Restoration of Independence)

End of Year & Local

  • December 8 (Immaculate Conception)
  • December 25 (Christmas Day)
  • Setúbal municipal holiday on May 15th.

Accessibility Advice

Consult local tourism offices or specialized travel agencies for detailed, up-to-date guides on accessible accommodations, attractions, and transport.

Practical Information - Continued

Additional details for a seamless visit.

Further Communication

Consider other communication needs for your journey.

Staying in Touch

  • Check home mobile provider for affordable international roaming.
  • Mobile data supports connectivity for mapping and communication.
  • Post offices in Setúbal for sending postcards or packages.

Learning Portuguese

Immerse yourself in the local language for cultural appreciation.

Language Learning

  • Use translation apps for real-time voice translation.
  • Camera translation features for menus or signs.
  • Download Portuguese language pack for offline use.

Retail & Dining Hours

Store & Restaurant Times

  • Shopping malls (Alegro Setúbal) have longer hours.
  • Malls usually open until 10/11 PM, including Sundays.
  • Cafes and pastelarias open early for breakfast and coffee.

Holiday Impacts

Public holidays may impact service availability.

Planning for Public Days

  • October 5 (Republic Implantation).
  • November 1 (All Saints' Day).
  • December 1 (Restoration of Independence).

Cultural Insights

Respectful Interactions

Be polite, patient, and friendly. Portuguese people are generally warm and welcoming.

Privacy and Sites

Be mindful of privacy in residential areas; avoid photographing homes without permission.

Religious Sites

If a service takes place, enter or exit discreetly to avoid disturbing worshippers.

Language Learning

Consider a language learning platform like Rosetta Stone to pick up Portuguese phrases before your journey.

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