What are the dos and don ts in Portugal?

Casual attire (e.g. barefoot, beachwear) is inappropriate in public and can make one seem unsophisticated. Similarly, it is important to speak respectfully and politely. Portuguese place high importance on being polite. Reciprocating this politeness will be appreciated by your Portuguese counterpart.



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11 Portugal travel tips to know before you visit
  • Bring walking shoes with a good grip. ...
  • Visit during the off-season to skip the crowds. ...
  • Opt for cash in most cases. ...
  • Round up your bill at restaurants for good service. ...
  • Seek out fresh seafood—especially cod. ...
  • Indulge in pastéis de nata. ...
  • Shop for sardines & ceramic swallows.


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Shorts are fine on the beach, but if you wear them around the city, you'll quickly brand yourself as a tourist. At nicer restaurants, bars and nightclubs, you'll want to follow the local lead and dress things up a bit.

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While there's no obligation to tip in Portugal, it's also important to remember that when you do leave a tip, it's essential to use cash euros (the European currency), so the recipient of your tip can easily use the money without having to make a special trip to a bank (and then pay a transfer fee).

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It's generally safe and healthy to drink the public tap water across Portugal. Get a water filter such as TAPP 2 to improve the taste and reduce the risk of contaminants. Avoid plastic bottled water in Portugal as most plastic doesn't get properly recycled. Get a high quality reusable water bottle like TAPP.

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The cost of living in Portugal is generally considered about 46 percent cheaper than in the United States. This, coupled with the country's excellent quality of life, beautiful beaches, stunning mountain ranges, reliable public transport, and rich history and culture, make it very easy to fall in love with Portugal.

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When is the best time to visit Portugal? Where is this? The best time to visit Portugal is in spring (March-May), when the country is in bloom and waking after the winter. You could also go in fall (between September and October) when the sun is still shining, the weather is warm, and many of the crowds have dispersed.

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But to the contrary, Portugal does not abide by the same rules – except in cafes and pastry shops. Although typically lacking a host or a “Please Wait To Be Seated” sign, you will almost always have a server spot you, waiting for you to give the ubiquitous hand gesture as to the number of people in your party.

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While Portugal has all the facilities to accept card payments you'd expect from a modern economy, there are going to be many instances when you need cash on your trip. Some places won't take cards if you're spending less than €10 – €20 Euros, while other merchants won't take cards at all.

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Yes, Portugal is very safe for American tourists, with many US citizens visiting and even moving to Portugal each year.

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