Lisbon Travel Tips
A map is always helpful in pedestrian-friendly Lisbon; (c) Jose Carlos Cerdeno-iStock
Lisbon Facts
Official Language: Portuguese
Currency: Euro
Time Zone: Western European Time (5 Hours ahead of EST); Lisbon uses 24 hour Military Time
Dates: written as Day/Month/Year
Metro Population: 3 Million
Lisbon Travel Tips
Passports are necessary for U.S. citizens.
Lisboa = Lisbon.
Even in spring or summer, check the weather report before leaving your hotel. Lyon often has sunshine and rain on the same day.
Though French is proudly the official language and English is spoken by many locals. Locals respect Americans more when they first attempt to speak French.
Most large stores are open Monday-Saturday 10am-7pm. Small shops usually close for lunch.
Electricity connection is different than America, so bring an European adapter or buy a more expensive one at the airport.
Buy a Lisboa Card to save money visiting the most popular attractions.
Pedestrians have the right of way at designated crosswalks. When crossing the street at a major intersection, however, look both ways and walk swiftly.
Before leaving America, find out if your health insurance covers an unexpected hospital visit in Portugal and the locations of the hospitals covered by your health insurance. Bring anti-bacterial wipes for your hands.
Locals dress comfortable chic at nice restaurants. During summer months however, wearing jeans and a t-shirt is acceptable. For clues, note how locals dress entering the Metro station. Dress in a similar fashion.
Lisbon is a hilly walker’s paradise, so bring good walking shoes and hop on Trams often.
For budget meals, if you want more than a quick hamburger, try lunch specials at the sidewalk cafes. Places serving American cuisine usually have large portions.
For International Calls use WhatsApp, Skype or FaceTime on your smartphone.
Overlooking the magnificent April 25th Bridge of Lisbon; (c) EyeEm Mobile GmbH-iStock
Portuguese Language
Bring a Portuguese phrasebook. You will use the Portuguese equivalent for the following English words/phrases often so memorize their pronunciation before your trip:
Sir
Madame
Hello
Please
Thank You
Excuse Me
Goodbye
I don’t understand
Where is?, How much?
Do you speak English?
Where is the toilet?
Charm and good manners are appreciated by the Portuguese. Avoid being an “Ugly American.” Start every interaction in Portuguese, then follow with English with a pleasant voice. You will receive assistance from most people, if they understand some English.
You are expected to greet small shop owners, elderly people, etc. The more you use Portuguese (Sir, Madame, Hello, Please, Thank You, Excuse Me), the more help you will receive.
Safety
Public display of affection among couples is more common than the U.S. Some sisters, especially single women age 35 and over, may receive more attention from local men than they are accustomed to in the U.S.
Several Metro stations attract hustlers trying to sell you something or want to take you somewhere. Don’t engage in conversation with these men. Just walk away.
American sisters may notice a significant increase in the number of Portuguese sisters dating European men compared to the U.S.
Compared to major U.S. cities, Lisbon is a safe city. You should use common sense when walking around. Sisters traveling alone at night should take the necessary precautions.
Pickpockets don’t fit a profile and include children. Use care at tourist attraction areas and on public transportation.
Seek help or information only from official personnel (train station agents, tourist office, tour bus drivers, airport information desk, airline employees, hotel desk clerks).
Interactions with Local People of African Descent
Many sisters and brothers living in Lisbon are from French-speaking African countries and Brazil. Don’t expect them to greet you the same way that they do in America.
Handling Money and Valuables
Major credit/debit cards are accepted by most establishments. Bring at least one debit card and one credit card from America. ATMs are plentiful and the most convenient way to get Euros.
Anticipate the need for Euros at very small shops and cafes away from tourist attractions.
The ATMs only accept PIN numbers with 4 digits, so check with your bank before going. Use the ATM card to purchase Euros, since they usually have a better rate than many currency exchange offices.
Banks are open from Monday-Friday 9:30am-5pm. Some are open on Saturday.
Locals don’t wear money belts because they stand out as “tourist.” Get one that you wear inside a shirt or blouse. Otherwise, place money in hidden pockets or deep inside your bag, so that it’s hard for pickpockets.
Put only things that you are willing to lose in your visible pockets. When using the Metro, carry little cash, a debit card, and a copy of your passport for identification. It’s easier to replace those items.
Store your original passport, extra money, plane ticket, list of debit/credit card customer service phone numbers and other valuables in the locked hotel safe.