Organize your stay Alentejo
Money Alentejo
Portugal was part of the first wave of Europe's transition to the single currency. The euro replaced the escudo on March 31, 2002. International credit cards can also be used for payments and cash withdrawals.
Budget & Tips Alentejo
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. Similarly, to promote culture and art, museum admission 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. For example:
◗ A meal consisting of a main course (often a hearty one), a drink and dessert: between €10 and €15.
◗ An espresso(bica): from €1.
◗ Average budget per day and per person (high season), including meal, overnight stay and a basic activity: around €100 for a low budget, €140 for a medium budget, €200 for a higher budget.
Passport and visas Alentejo
Portugal is part of the Schengen area, so you don't need a visa or passport to come to Portugal. Your identity card is sufficient and will be checked at the airport, not when crossing the French and Spanish borders if you're coming by road. For students, the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) entitles you to numerous discounts, particularly on public transport.
Driver's license Alentejo
To rent a car, you need a valid national or international driving license. If you're bringing your own vehicle, you'll need your driving license, registration certificate and insurance card. It's also compulsory to have country-of-origin identification on the rear of the vehicle. Last but not least, you'll need a certificate stating that the vehicle is being used by a third party, to avoid problems in the event of an inspection. Be very careful on the roads of Alentejo: Portugal is one of the countries with the highest number of road accidents in Europe..
Health Alentejo
Portugal now has a "Clean & Safe" label guaranteeing compliance with health requirements. There are therefore no particular risks to report when visiting the Alentejo. Before you leave, make sure you have your Carte Vitale or, better still, ask for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your health insurance fund (AMELI website: www.ameli.fr), or go to a Social Security automatic payment machine. Thanks to this card, your medical expenses will be covered. Otherwise, if you incur medical expenses while you're in France, don't forget to keep the original invoices - they'll be useful for your reimbursement claims when you return.
Security Alentejo
In the Alentejo, you feel particularly safe, wherever you go! Portugal is now one of the safest countries in the world! Petty crime, such as pickpocketing or vehicle theft, does occasionally occur in summer. Be vigilant in general, and don't leave any objects in plain sight in your car, especially when it's a foreign-registered vehicle or a rental car: these are simple, common-sense recommendations... Wherever you are in Portugal, in an emergency call 112. This is a free number that also works from cell phones. You'll be put in touch with INEM, the equivalent of our SAMU.
Time difference Alentejo
When it's noon in Paris, it's 11 a.m. in Alentejo, all year round. In Portugal, as in the rest of Europe, summer time changes on the last Sunday in March, and winter time on the last Sunday in October.
Spoken languages Alentejo
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 Alentejo
4G is becoming increasingly widespread throughout the country. What's more, most towns and cities now have free, municipally-run Internet access points 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 Alentejo
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 Alentejo
The Alentejo is one of Europe's sunniest regions, and in summer some days can be very long when there's not the slightest trickle of air to cool the atmosphere... Reserve the early hours of the morning and the later hours of the day for your most intense activities. Bring a hat, sun cream and a bathing suit for impromptu swims, avoid long car journeys and remember to hydrate regularly! Good walking shoes aren't just for hikers! In the fortified villages of the Spanish border, on the cobbled sidewalks of towns, in the steep streets of castles..., you'll bitterly regret not having better footwear. Low shoes are all you need, as long as they're sturdy and have notched soles!
