The Portugal Business Travel Guide has an assortment of travel tools and resources for business travellers to assist them on their trips. The guide highlights some important information such as via information, business customs, culture, tips, facts on Portugal and more. An appreciation of other cultures, languages, customs and protocols can be of great use for business travellers helping to create better understanding, avoid cultural misunderstandings and helping to create a successful business trip.
Portugal Guide
Quick Facts on Portugal
Portugal Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Travel Advice and Tips
Public Holidays
Portugal Map
Portugal Weather
Currency Converter & Travel Money Exchange
Portugal Hotels & Flights
Travel Insurance
Portugal Travel Videos
Quick Facts on Portugal
County: Portugal
Capital: Lisbon
Currency: Euro
Population: 10.6 Million
Area total: 92,072 sq km
Languages: Portuguese
Time Zone: GMT
Daylight Saving Details: Starts in late March until late October
Electricity: 220V 50Hz
Dialling Code: 351
GDP: USD 229.3bn (2010)
Religion: Predominately Christian (Catholic, Protestant).
Political System: Republic
Internet Domain: .pt
Portugal Travel Advice
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office offers travellers useful advice when travelling to Portugal. You can find further information on entry requirements for Portugal, advice on local laws and customs, health considerations, tips on safety and security and the address and contact details of the British Embassy in Portugal. The information is updated on a regular basis making it a valuable resource to check for business and leisure travellers, prior to starting their trips to Portugal. For more information please see: Portugal Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
No visa requirement for national of EU member states. No visa need for US and Canadian nationals for visits less than six months. Visa requirements are subject to change with changes in requirements and rules for further information please see: Portugal Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Business attire is conservative and smart, pride is taken in appearance. Greetings are usually with a handshake with eye contact. Trust and relationship building is important, it can take a few meetings for this to develop. People are addressed with their proper titles and need to wait to be invited to use less formal means. Hierarchy and seniority are respected as is a relaxed attitude to deadlines, so it may take some time for decisions to be agreed. Punctuality for meetings is important.
Travel Advice and Tips
Portugal is a relatively safe country to visit for both business travellers and tourists, the majority of visits each year pass by without incident or concern. You should however be aware of pick pockets targeting credit cards and passports, bag snatchers particularly in busy areas and car crime, valuables should not be left in cars. It is important to remain alert and aware of your surroundings and environment at all times.
Travel Checklist: See our Things to Remember Checklist containing useful tips and reminders to ensure you have everything you will need on your trip.
Travel Vaccinations: It is recommended you check with your GP up to eight weeks before you travel, whether you are required to take any vaccinations for your trip. For more information and advice on travel vaccinations please see the NHS Fit for Travel website.
Tipping: If service charge is not included usually around 10%
Hours of Business:
For Businesses:
09.00 to 13.00 then 15.00 to 19.00 Monday to Friday
For Banks:
08.30 to 15.00 Monday to Friday
NOTE: The majority of shops close by 13.00 on Saturdays.
Public Holidays
Public Holidays (2012):
January 1: New Year's Day
February 21: Carnival
April 6: Good Friday
April 8: Easter Sunday
April 9: Easter Monday
April 25: Freedom Day
May 1: Labour Day
June 7: Corpus Christi
June 10: Portugal Day
August 15: Assumption
October 5: Republic Day
November 1: All Saint's Day
December 1: Restoration of Independence Day
December 8: Immaculate Conception
December 25: Christmas Day
Portugal Map
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Related Resources
Portugal Weather
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
