Organize your stay Algarve
Money Algarve
Portugal was part of the first wave of Europe's transition to the single currency. The euro replaced the escudo on March 31, 2002. You can also use international credit cards to pay and withdraw money free of charge.
Budget & Tips Algarve
The cost of living in Portugal is generally lower than in France. Thanks to lower taxes and cheaper labor, drinks in bars and other establishments are usually much cheaper than in France. But the Algarve does have an unfortunate reputation for being an expensive region, due to the massive tourist numbers in certain towns in summer. Nevertheless, it's always possible to find cheap addresses offering excellent value for money. And the small villages in the hinterland belie the clichés. Similarly, in order to promote culture and art, admission to museums is often very cheap or even free, especially for students.
The basic guide prices depend on the location and the number of visitors. Sometimes you only have to travel a few kilometers to see the prices drop. By way of example
a meal consisting of a main course (often hearty), drink and dessert: between €7 and €10.
coffee(bica): from €1.
Average price per day per person in high season, including meals, accommodation and a basic activity:
around €70 for a low budget, €100 for a medium budget, €180 for a high budget.
Passport and visas Algarve
No visa required for French nationals. Nationals of countries other than the European Union and Switzerland can stay for up to 90 days without a visa. French Consulate: Edifício Paços do Concelho, Câmara Municipal de Lagoa, Largo do Município, 8401-851 Lagoa. Telephone +351 281 38 06 60 and +351 281 38 06 62. Email: [email protected] - Open Mondays and Tuesdays from 9am to 12:30pm and by appointment.
For students, the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) entitles you to numerous discounts, particularly on public transport.
Driver's license Algarve
To rent a car, it is necessary to have a valid driver's license, whether national or international. When you come with your own vehicle, as far as compulsory documents are concerned, you will need your license, registration certificate and insurance card. It is also compulsory to have an identification of the country of origin on the back of the vehicle. And finally, a certificate of use of the vehicle by a third party, to avoid trouble in case of control. Be very careful when driving in the Algarve, the number of accidents in Portugal is one of the highest in Europe.
Health Algarve
Portugal now has a "Clean & Safe" label guaranteeing compliance with health requirements. There are therefore no particular risks to report when visiting the Algarve. Before you leave, take along your Carte Vitale and, as a precaution, don't forget to check that your vaccinations are up to date. You can also apply for a European Health Card from your Social Security. With this card, your medical expenses will be covered. Alternatively, if you incur medical expenses in France, don't forget to keep your original invoices, which you can use for reimbursement on your return.
Mandatory vaccination Algarve
No compulsory vaccinations are required to visit the Algarve.
Security Algarve
In the Algarve, you feel safe wherever you go. Nor are there any neighborhoods in Faro or the towns to be singled out as dangerous. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing or vehicle theft, does occur occasionally in summer. Be generally vigilant, and don't leave objects in plain sight in a rental car or one with foreign plates, parked in a beach parking lot, for example. Potential hazards in the region include cliffslides, forest fires and strong sea currents. You can never be too careful.
Time difference Algarve
When it's noon in Paris, it's 11 a.m. in the Algarve all year round. In Portugal, as throughout Europe, summer time changes on the last Sunday in March, and winter time on the last Sunday in October.
Spoken languages Algarve
The official language is Portuguese. In tourist areas, it's not uncommon to find restaurant, hotel or shopkeeper employees who speak French, either because they grew up in France or Belgium, or because they've learned it for their work. English is, of course, widely spoken.
Communication Algarve
4G is becoming increasingly widespread throughout the country. What's more, most towns and cities have set up free, municipally-run Internet spaces and wi-fi hotspots (often in public parks or squares). In every city, you'll find a bar or restaurant with free wi-fi access. Even the most modest hotels are equipped, at least at reception.
Electricity and measurements Algarve
Portugal is connected to 220 volts AC, 50 Hz, like much of continental Europe. Sockets are of the continental type with two round plugs, identical to French plugs.
Temperatures are in degrees centigrade, and the international metric system is similar to the French system, in meters and kilograms.
Luggage Algarve
The Algarve is one of Europe's sunniest regions, but in summer the breeze cools the ocean shore. A little wool is therefore essential to complete the "seaside" outfit (swimsuit, hat, towel and sunglasses). Good walking shoes aren't just for hikers: towns with steep streets such as Sagres, Albufeira or Lagos require a certain amount of effort, so it's a good idea to pack comfortable, practical shoes for sightseeing.
