GENERAL INFORMATION Passport and Visas A valid passport (or identity card for European Community nationals) is required. Visas are not necessary for citizens of European Union countries, the U.S.A., Canada and most major countries. Please contact your local Portuguese Embassy, Consulate or your Travel Agency for further information. Health Requirements With the exception of vaccination certificates for persons coming from areas where yellow fever is endemic presently there are no special health requirements. How to reach Lisboa by air Lisboa is just a few hours flying away - 6/8 hours from North America and 2/3 hours from most European cities. Lisboa Airport welcome desk TA DMC own office, located right at the arrivals hall of Lisboa airport, provides personalized assistance to the incoming participants. Car rental Special arrangements are made with the main reliable rent-a-car outlets to grant special discounts to delegates and companions. Accommodation The Portuguese Hotel Industry has established a good reputation abroad basically due to the high standard of services rendered. Also good professional teams together with the Portuguese natural warmth and friendliness make a powerful combination that will certainly help you feel welcome. Language The official language is Portuguese. English and French are widely spoken. Local time Mainland Portugal is 1 hour behind European Standard Time. Currency As a member of the European Monetary System the € [euro] is the Portuguese monetary unit. At present, the bills in circulation are: € 5,00 ; € 10,00 ; € 20,00 ; € 50,00 ; € 100,00 ; € 200,00 ; and € 500,00. The coins are as follows: 1 cent ; 2 cents ; 5 cents ; 10 cents ; 20 cents ; 50 cents ; € 1,00 and € 2,00. Tipping Tipping is optional, but normally 10% is customary in taxis, restaurants and bars. Exchange Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops and restaurants. Travellers cheques and currency can be changed at hotels or at a bank - these are open Monday to Friday from 08h30 to 15h00. Automatic changing and cash dispensing machines linked to international networks are also widely available. Post and Telecommunications Automatic direct dial telephone service is available to and from most countries in the world. Public phones accept either a pre-paid card, or coins (see signs on the booth). Credit systems such as AT&T are also available. Post offices are open Monday to Friday from 08h30 to 12h00 and 14h00 to 18h00. Medical Care Clinics and hospitals provide round the clock emergency service. The national emergency phone number is 112. Hotels have a doctor on call through the reception. Reciprocal European Union cover is available at out-patient departments, otherwise private consultation fees are charged. Electrical Current European type 2 pin sockets with 220 volts AC at 50 cycles are used. The phase 380 volt current is normally available in meeting and exhibition rooms. Smoking Smoking is forbidden by law in public transportation, and in closed public areas. Shops Shops are open from 09h00 to 13h00 and 15h00 to 19h00 Monday to Friday, and 09h00 to 13h00 on Saturdays. In major town centres and in many shopping malls, they stay open during lunch hours, and close later at night, including weekend. Main Shopping Areas The Pombaline section at downtown, bordered by the magnificent Praça do Comércio [Black Horse Square] facing the river Tejo, the Rua do Ouro, Rua Augusta and Rua da Prata finishing at Rossio Square, Avenida da Liberdade, and the "Chiado" leading to Bairro Alto. The new areas of Av. de Roma, Praça de Londres and Av. Guerra Junqueiro. Some of the main Shopping Centres are Colombo [one of the biggest in Europe], Vasco da Gama, Amoreiras, Imaviz, Monumental, Atrium Saldanha,Via Veneto, El Corte Inglês, etc... Shopping Fine leather goods, lead crystal ware, porcelain, vintage wines, golden and silver filigree, pottery and specialist textiles are considered excellent buys in Portugal. Driving Vehicles drive on the right side of the road. The use of safety belts is compulsory, and children under 12 must ride in the back seats. Portugal has actually a large freeway network crossing the whole country from the North to the South in Algarve, and from the Ocean front to the border with Spain. Valid driving licenses from European Union countries, the USA, Canada and other major countries are acceptable for use in Portugal up to 6 months stay. Public transportation There is a wide inexpensive network in all towns and cities. In Lisboa, city of the seven hills, you can choose between bus, underground metro, elevators, electric trams or railway, within the city or to the suburbs. Trains and express bus service also links the main towns of the country. Meals Breakfast is normally served between 07.30 and 10.00 hrs., lunch from 12.30 to 15.00 hrs., and dinner from 19.30 to 22.00 hrs. Dinning There are a wide variety of restaurants and cafés in Lisboa ranging through the elegant and sophisticated to the casual and inexpensive. Take-away and fast food is also available from many outlets. Restaurants, bars, some with living shows, and discos along the river Tagus, at Rocha Pier and at the Expo 98 site, become very popular, specially at weekend nights. Entertainment Lisboa has a variety of theatres and venues catering for most tastes. Opera, ballet, plays, concerts, etc. take place on a regular basis all year round. Portuguese Fado and Folklore shows are popular, and an international show at Casino Estoril [the largest in Europe], with glittering cabaret complements the many discos and other night spots. Recreation Excellent golf courses, tennis and squash courts, water sports and horse riding tempt the energetic delegates. The more relaxed might choose from many noteworthy museums and monuments, sunny beaches and interesting cities to explore. Religious Services Portugal is predominantly Catholic, but a wide number of other faiths [Protestant, Christian, Moslem, Jewish, and Hindu, among others] are also followed. Please inquire at hotel reception for times and places of services. Security Crime rates in Portugal are among the lowest in the world. Hotels have their own security staff, which is sufficient for most events. Specialist firms are also available if necessary, and the police provide special protection for visiting dignitaries and high risk individuals. Check in / out policy Should hotel rooms be required for guaranteed occupancy before 14.00 hrs, the previous night should be reserved. Check out time is 12.00 hrs. noon. Accessibility Lisboa International Airport located 4 kms from the congress venue, 6 kms. from the city centre, and about 20 minutes driving time from Estoril, is served by all major international airlines from all over the world. Climate The climate in Lisboa is temperate, offering the best of both Atlantic and Mediterranean sea breezes all year round. V.A.T. Value added tax (I.V.A. in Portuguese) is included in prices quoted. For non EU residents, tax free shopping schemes are available at many shops. Water Tap water is safe to drink. Portuguese and imported bottled mineral water is also readily available. Public Hospital (Closest to Meeting Venue) Hospital de Santa Maria Avenida Professor Egas Moniz 1649-035 Lisboa Tel: (+351) 217 805 000. Download GENERAL INFORMATION PDFdocument