Organize your stay Algarve
Money Algarve
Portugal was part of the first wave of the changeover to the single currency in Europe. The euro supplanted the escudo on 31 March 2002. International credit cards can also be used to pay and withdraw money free of charge.
Budget & Tips Algarve
It should be noted that the cost of living is generally lower in Portugal than in France. Because of lower taxes and cheaper labor, drinks in bars or other establishments are, most of the time, much cheaper than in France. But the Algarve has the unfortunate reputation of being an expensive region, due to the massive tourist traffic in some cities in the summer. Nevertheless, there is always a way to find cheap addresses, with excellent value for money. And the small villages in the hinterland make the clichés less likely. Also, in order to promote culture and art, entrance fees to museums are often very cheap or even free, especially for students
The basic indicative prices are linked to the place and its tourist frequentation. Sometimes it is enough to travel a few kilometers to see the prices drop. As an example
a meal composed of a main course, often copious, drink and dessert: between 7 and 10 €.
a coffee(bica): from 1 €.
Average price per day and per person in high season, including meals, accommodation and a basic activity:
about 70 € for a small budget, 100 € for a medium budget, 180 € for a large budget
Passport and visas Algarve
No visa is required for the French. Nationals of countries outside the European Union and Switzerland can stay for a period of 90 days without a visa. French Consulate: Rua Almirante Cendido dos Reis, 226 - 8800-318 Tavira (+351) 281 38 06 62 - email: [email protected]. Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 12pm.
For students, the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) can generate many discounts, especially in 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 and Safe label that guarantees compliance with health requirements. This means that there are no particular risks when travelling to the Algarve. Before leaving, you should take your Carte Vitale with you and, as a precaution, don't forget to check that your vaccinations are up to date. You can also apply for the European Health Card from the Social Security. With this card, your medical expenses will be covered. Otherwise, if you have medical expenses on the spot, don't forget to keep the originals of the invoices that will be used for reimbursement when you return to France.
Mandatory vaccination Algarve
There is no compulsory vaccination required to travel to the Algarve.
Security Algarve
In the Algarve you feel safe wherever you go. There are also no neighbourhoods to report as dangerous in Faro or in the cities. Petty crime such as pickpocketing or vehicle theft sometimes occurs in the summer. Be vigilant in general and do not leave objects in sight in a rental car or with foreign plates, such as those parked in a beach car park. Potential hazards in the area include: cliff falls, forest fires and strong ocean currents. One can never be too careful
Time difference Algarve
When it's noon in Paris, it's 11am in the Algarve all year round. In Portugal, as in the rest of Europe, the changeover to summer time takes place on the last Sunday in March and the changeover to winter time on the last Sunday in October.
Spoken languages Algarve
The official language is Portuguese. Please be aware that in tourist areas it is not uncommon to come across employees in restaurants, hotels or shops who speak French, either because they grew up in France or Belgium or because they learned it for work purposes. English is, of course, widely spoken.
Communication Algarve
4G is becoming more and more prevalent in the country. In addition, most cities have set up free Internet spaces managed by the municipality and wifi terminals (often in public parks or squares). You will find establishments, a bar or a restaurant in all cities, which have free wifi access. Hotels are all equipped with them, even the smallest ones, at least at the reception desk.
Electricity and measurements Algarve
Portugal is connected to 220 volts AC, 50 Hz like most of continental Europe. The plugs are continental type with two round plugs, identical to the French plugs
Temperatures are in degrees centigrade, and the international metric system is similar to the French system, here we speak in metres and kilograms.
Luggage Algarve
The Algarve is one of the sunniest regions in Europe, but in summer the breeze refreshes the ocean shore. Therefore, a little wool is de rigueur to complete the outfit (swimsuit, hat, towel and sunglasses). Good walking shoes are not only for hikers: cities with steep streets, such as Sagres, Albufeira or Lagos, require a certain amount of effort, so it is wise to bring comfortable and practical shoes for visits.
