Algarve Practical Matters
Your comprehensive guide to Everything Algarve
| Uk | |
| Portuguese National | |
| Tourist Office | |
| 22-25A Sackville Street | |
| London W1X 1DE | |
| Tel: | 09063 640610 |
| Fax: | 020 7494 1868 |
| www.rtalgarve.pt | |
| USA | |
| Portuguese National | |
| Tourist Office | |
| 590 Fifth Avenue, 4th Floor | |
| New York, NY 10036 | |
| Tel: | 212/354 4403 |
| Fax: | 212/764 6137 |
| www.portugal.org | |
Money
The Euro € is the official currency of Portugal. Euro banknotes and coins were introduced in January 2002. Banknotes are in denominations of 5,10,20,50,100,200,500 euros. Euro traveller´s cheques are widely accepted, as are major credit cards, although cash is expected in the countryside. Credit and debit cards can also be used for withdrawing euro notes from automatic teller machines (ATMs). Banks can be found in most towns, although they do not necessarily offer the best deal for changing money when charges are taken into account.
Time
The Algarve observes Greenwich Mean Time during the Winter months. During the Summer, the Algarve is on GMT + 1. Basically this means that Portugal, the U.K and Ireland are all on the same time( no need to adjust your watch), unlike, for example, Spain or France which are one hour ahead.
Telephones
Telephone booths can be found in every town and are particular plentiful in the resorts. On rare occasions where a booth cannot be found the local bar usually has a public phone. Most phones only take phone cards or credit cards. Phone cards (for 50, 120 or more units) can be bought at newsagents and cafes. A 50-unit card should give you around 5 minutes of international calling time.
To call the Algarve from the UK, dial 00 351 (the international country code for Portugal), then the 9-digit number, which starts with a 3-digit area code (282, 289 or 281)
International Dialling Codes
| From the Algarve to: | |
| UK: | 00 44 |
| Rep. of Ireland: | 00 353 |
| Germany: | 00 49 |
| USA & Canada: | 00 1 |
| Netherlands: | 00 31 |
| Spain: | 00 34 |
Post Offices
Post Offices (correios) are found in main towns. In Faro, the most central post office is on Largo do Carmo. Stamps can be bought from newsagents and kiosks. Open: main office Mon-Fri 8:30 or 9-6 Sat 9-12.30. Smaller offices close 12:30-2:30.
Health
Insurance
Nationals of EU member countries can get medical treatment in state hospitals with the relevant documentation (Form E111 for UK nationals) although private medical insurance is still advised and is essential for all other visitors. Most private clinics and doctors in the Algarve will treat you in your hotel provided you have insurance cover.
Dental Services
Dental services in the Algarve are excellent. Dentists advertise their services in the free English and German-language magazine available from mot hotels, and in monthly publications such as Algarve Living.
Drugs
Chemists are open Mon-Fri 9-1 and 3-7, and Sat 9-1. Some open through lunch, and there is a late night duty rota posted in pharmacy windows. Take supplies of any drugs that you take regularly, since there is no guarantee that they will be available locally. However many drugs are available from chemists in Portugal that require prescriptions in other countries. This is partly because pharmacists are skilled paramedics, trained to diagnose a range of problems and sell appropriate medicines.
Safe Water
Tap water is safe to drink, but can be unpleasant to taste because of the minerals it contains.
