Organize your stay Lisbon
Money Lisbon
We are in the European Union, so we are in the euro zone. The only thing that will differ will be the drawings on the coins!
Budget & Tips Lisbon
The cost of living in Portugal remains a little lower than in France's major cities. However, Lisbon, like any capital city, is a special case and therefore more expensive than the rest of the country. Especially since the Covid-19 crisis. Prices have risen sharply in recent years. You also need to take into account the tourist season, which will increase the price of your accommodation. Indeed, prices rise by up to 15% in summer (especially for accommodation). This is especially true in seaside towns. Prices: 1L of petrol costs an average of €2, 1 coffee between €0.8 and €2.5, 1 beer between €1.5 and €3.
Small budget: from €60 (staying at a campsite, youth hostel or new-generation hostel) to €90-100 (staying in a modest guesthouse).
Medium budget: around €160 (staying in a very decent residencial or bed & breakfast).
Large budget: from €300 (staying in a luxury or boutique hotel).
For students, an international student card (ISIC card) entitles you to numerous discounts (transport, accommodation, leisure, culture) worldwide, including in Portugal.
Passport and visas Lisbon
For European Union nationals, an identity card is sufficient. For unaccompanied minors, an authorisation to leave the territory is required (forms at town halls or police stations). Canadians are not required to obtain a visa if their stay is less than three months. For Swiss nationals, a valid identity card or passport is required.
Driver's license Lisbon
You can rent a car with your French driver's license and ID.
Health Lisbon
Portugal now has a "Clean & Safe" label guaranteeing compliance with health requirements. There are therefore no particular risks to report when visiting Lisbon. 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. Otherwise, if you incur medical expenses in France, don't forget to keep the original invoices, which will be used for reimbursement on your return.
The French consulate has a list of French-speaking doctors in Portugal. In the event of a serious problem or accident, it is also the consulate that is notified and then informs the family. The family then decides whether or not to repatriate the child.
Security Lisbon
The only big, real danger you can face in Lisbon, where a few pickpockets are in action, is theft. Especially on the streetcars. Be particularly careful not to leave anything in your car, as thieves work in groups and are quite well organized. However, there's no question of becoming paranoid: you just need to rediscover the vigilance reflexes you lose on vacation! If you're travelling by car, you need to be extra careful on the roads, and try to anticipate as much as possible some of the inconsistent behaviour of local motorists. For women traveling alone, you won't encounter any real difficulties. Be warned, however, that certain neighborhoods, such as Intendente, are not the most welcoming late at night.
Time difference Lisbon
1 hour gap with France: when it is noon in Paris, it is 11am in Lisbon all year round. In Portugal, 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 Lisbon
The language spoken in Portugal is Portuguese. It is expressed differently depending on the region or Portuguese-speaking country of origin of the person you are speaking to. When it comes to foreign languages, the Portuguese are quite gifted, and many of them speak more than respectable French. Whatever happens, it's always a good idea to say hello (" bom dia " or " olá! ") and follow it up with a few words of Portuguese to establish a dialogue. Since Portuguese words have Latin roots, the difficulty for us French speakers lies mainly in pronunciation, which has an unfortunate tendency to suppress vowels. Indeed, it's sometimes easier to understand what's being said when reading than when speaking; Brazilian, which is more lilting and slower, is often easier to understand.
Communication Lisbon
No worries for telemóvel (cell phone) addicts: it's on! Whatever your network, it's adapted to Portugal. The network covers Lisbon and the surrounding area very well, but is sometimes unreliable in small, remote towns. You'll easily find free wifi in some squares, parks and gardens, as well as in hotels and restaurants.
Electricity and measurements Lisbon
Portugal is connected to 220 volts AC, 50 Hz like the rest of continental Europe. Sockets are the same as in France. The Portuguese have adopted the international metric system. So, like the French, they speak in meters and kilograms.
Luggage Lisbon
In Lisbon, good walking shoes aren't just for hikers, as the steep streets require a real effort from the feet, and the beautiful Portuguese cobblestones that cover the sidewalks wear out, wear out the shoes! The ideal footwear: sturdy, comfortable, waterproof for the rain and light enough for the heat. Don't forget that even in summer, it can be chilly because of the wind, which tends to pick up in the evening, so pack a little wool. On the whole, the onion-skin strategy is applicable, i.e. something light to bask in (even between showers, it can get very hot in the sun), followed by a sweater and an umbrella. In winter? Don't forget your raincoat, because the enemy is humidity rather than cold! And since heating isn't always a priority, it's not uncommon to feel colder in a hotel or restaurant than outside.
