Lisbon, Portugal

What to wear in Lisbon, Portugal

Summers are very hot, so dress in light, natural fibers, with a hat and sunblock. A light jacket is adequate for spring and fall, with occasional need for an extra layer. Winters are cool and rainy, but mild, and you'll do with an umbrella, layers, and a good coat. The Portuguese tend to dress up for a night out, so pack some dressy things for clubs and better restaurants. Locals frown on shorts in churches, and bathing suits anywhere but at the pool or beach.

Spoken language in Lisbon, Portugal

Portuguese is the national language. Although Portuguese resembles Spanish, the two most-widely spoken foreign languages are English and French. While local residents genuinely appreciate any attempt by visitors to speak Portuguese, about half of the Portuguese population has a working knowledge of English.

Electricity in Lisbon, Portugal

The electrical current in Portugal is 220 volts/50 cycles AC, and outlets are two round prongs. To use American appliances, you will need an adapter.

Customs information for Lisbon, Portugal visitors

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Entry

You will need a valid passport, but no visa is necessary.

Portugal Customs

Travelers over 17 years of age may take into Portugal, duty free 2 bottles of table wine, 1 bottle of hard liquor, 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco, 1.75 ounces of perfume and small quantities of tea or coffee for personal use. Taking fresh meat into Portugal is forbidden. For further information, contact the Embassy.

US Customs

Returning US citizens who have been away for 48 hours or more are allowed to bring back, once every 30 days, $800 worth of merchandise duty-free. You'll be charged a flat rate of 10% duty on the next $1,000 worth of purchases. Be sure to have your receipts handy. On gifts, the duty-free limit is $100. You cannot bring fresh foodstuffs into the United States; tinned foods, however, are allowed.

US Embassy Lisbon

Av das Forças Armadas, 1600 Lisboa, Apartado 4258, 1507 LISBOA CODEX, phone 351-21-727-3300, fax 351-21-727-9109.

Advising for Lisbon, Portugal visitors

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Sunburn and Heatstroke

The risk of sunburn and heatstroke in summer is great, even for those not usually bothered by the sun. Wear a hat, use plenty of sunblock, and drink water regularly.