FAQ
What type of clothes should I bring ?
Summer in Portugal is usually hot and dry, so make certain you bring sunscreen, a sun hat and your swimming costume. We also recommend you bring a lightweight jacket as there can be a cool breeze in the evenings. Make sure you bring comfortable walking shoes.
What about luggage ?
Because you are taking a taxi directly to the hotel, you can bring 20 kg of luggage and a carry-on bag on the plane, but remember you have to travel back with the same 20Kg… so if you want to buy some souvenirs….you may have to pay excess baggage.
Travel - jet lag ?
When travelling between Portugal and the US (to a location with a difference of seven hours) you need to be prepared for mild jet lag. Try and rest on the day you arrive, and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Insurance ?
We suggest you take out comprehensive travel insurance. Art Paradise won't be responsible for any incidents that may occur during your stay in Portugal.
Do I need a visa ?
No.
For visits of less than 90 days, U.S citizens need a passport valid for at least three months after the end of their stay.
Can I use US dollars ?
Portugal is one of the European Union countries which use the Euro.
1 Euro is divided into 100 cents. The coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and 1 and 2 Euros.
The notes are differentiated by their size and colour and come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros.
One side of the coins has a common design (the European side), and the other side has a national symbol. All euro coins can be used in any euro-zone country, irrespective of which national symbols they display.
Where can I exchange money ?
You can exchange money at banks, which are open from 8.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. five working days a week; at bureaux de change; and at automatic currency exchange machines (these are for currency sale transactions only).
Bank Machines:
Portugal has a national network of cash machines (ATMs) identified by the symbol MB (Multibanco), from which you can withdraw cash 24 hours a day.
Can I use credit cards ?
Although in Portugal, Visa, American Express, Diners Club, Europay/ MasterCard, JCB and Maestro are used, you should confirm with each establishment as many only accept “Multibanco”.
What are the facilities for disabled access?
Before travelling, learn more about the facilities available in Portugal for persons with restricted mobility. In light of the inevitable travel constraints experienced by persons with motor disabilities, we recommend that you seek detailed prior information concerning the services you intend to use.
Driving:
Vehicles drive on the right in Portugal. Unless otherwise indicated, vehicles coming from the right have priority in squares and at intersections.
Can I use my electric tools from USA ?
The electric current in Portugal is 230/400 volts at a frequency of 50 hertz and sockets comply with European standards.
You will need a 230 volt transformer and an adaptor to use American-style flat-prong plugs.
Where can I use the internet ?
Internet access is available on payment in some Cafés and in numerous Post Offices that have the Netpost service.
In various hotels and public facilities, like Airports, Conference centres, Restaurants, Service Areas in motor-ways and Shopping centres, there are duly marked "wi-fi" areas where it is possible to access wireless Internet.
You can also use it for free at Margarida's School, located at Art Paradise.
Just ask Margarida!
How is the climate ?
The climate in Mainland Portugal varies considerably from one region to another and is influenced by the relief, latitude and proximity to the sea, which offers mild winters, especially in the Algarve. The summers are hot and dry, especially in the inland areas.
Food & Wine:
If eating is one of life’s greatest pleasures for you, then Estoril has many unforgettable experiences in store.
The closeness of the sea and the mild climate combined with the region’s gastronomic traditions, give an impressive and varied menu and makes it a unique place to enjoy the very delicious delicacies that are made with fish and shellfish.
As for wines, the quality of the finest Portuguese red wines is world-famous. Estoril Coast produces wines and other drinks such as the renowned Colares wine and exquisite Carcavelos, treasures you can’t afford to miss tasting at local restaurants.
The list of restaurants in Estoril Coast is long and varied and the prices are very competitive.
You can drink tap water with no problem.
Do Portuguese speak english ?
Portuguese is the official language of Portugal and is the third most spoken European language worldwide. This is due to it being the official language of the former Portuguese colonies (Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde etc.) and Brazil. English is taught in schools as the main foreign language so a very large proportion of the population has a good understanding of it.
When I arrive in Portugal, how do I get to Art Paradise ?
Arriving in Portugal/Getting to Art Paradise:
1) You can contact Luis's Taxi and arrange with him to pick you up at the airport. just let him your flight number, city you are coming from and time of arrival. Then let him know if you are going to Art Paradise in Av. Portugal-Estoril or if you are going to Amazonia Hotel. You can ad him on facebook or send him an email to:
luis.taxi.cascais@hotmail.com
In case you have missed him, just take a taxi from Lisbon International Airport. Taxis are usually cream in colour, although there are still some painted black with a green roof in the traditional Portuguese style.
Taxi services operate around the clock. The fare is shown on the taximeter. The prices are affixed inside the car or you can ask the driver about them. If you phone for a taxi you have to pay an extra 0.80 Euros. There is a charge of 1.60 Euros for luggage, regardless of weight or the number of pieces. Carry cots, pushchairs, wheelchairs and walking aids are carried free of charge.
Tipping is at the passenger’s discretion, though it is normal to tip 5-10% or round the amount up to the nearest euro.
2) Ask the driver to take you to Estoril and tell him the address of Art Paradise or the name of your Hotel in Estoril and make sure to ask him for a factura (faatoorah) so can reimburse you later
The fare from the airport should not exceed 35€ or 40 €
3) Once you are the Hotel, please contact me : 96358797
4) We will all meet at Art Paradise on the first day of our program at 6:00 pm in Av. Portugal, 616 C Estoril
Travelling around Estoril/Lisbon:
Taxis: Taxis in Estoril are connected to a central office and available by telephone throughout the area. Tel: 21 466 0101/21 465 95 00.
Trains between Cascais and Lisbon take little over half an hour and only stop running between 02h00 and 05h30.
Cell Phones:
Portugal is one of the countries with the highest number of mobile phone users. However American SIM cards will not work here. Pay-as-you-go SIM cards can be bought quite cheaply.
There are three network service providers - TMN, Vodafone and Optimus – which provide users with a good coverage nationwide.
What are the telephone numbers for ART PARADISE IN PORTUGAL ?
Make sure your family has our number in case they need to call in the event of an emergency:
Margarida’s cell phone number: 351 963589797
Margarida’s School number: 351 214681571
e-mail: margaridalberty@sapo.pt
Pay phones:
In public telephone booths, coins and special cards can be used. They are sold in Portugal Telecom shops, post offices and some kiosks and news-stands (with a sign indicating this).
All telephone numbers in Portugal are composed of nine digits. To call from abroad to Portugal, it is necessary to dial the international access code 00 and the country code 351.
To call abroad from Portugal, dial 00, the country code, the area code and then the number wanted. The dialling codes of the various countries are affixed in public telephone booths.
Pharmacies/Medicine:
In general, pharmacies are open on weekdays between 9am and 7pm (some close for lunch between 1 and 3 pm) and on Saturdays between 9am and 1pm. They display an illuminated green cross outside when open at night. All of them have information posted on the door indicating the nearest pharmacies that are open at night.
When bringing medication into the country it is advisable to have a copy of your prescription for customs.
Post Offices:
In general, post offices are open from Monday to Friday; from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central and airport offices have extended opening hours and may be open on Saturdays and in some cases also on Sundays.
Shopping:
Traditionally, shops are open from Monday to Friday, from 9 or 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Some close for lunch from 1 to 3 p.m. Traditional shops with Portuguese products can be found particularly in the streets of the older neighbourhoods of towns and cities.
There are many shopping centres in Estoril/Cascais that are usually open from 10 a.m. to midnight every day of the week. They generally have stores with the main international brands.
Smoking in Public Places:
Since 1 January 2008, smoking has been prohibited in enclosed public spaces in Portugal.
Weights and measures:
1 cm = 0.39 inches
1 metre = 3.28 feet / 1.09 yards
1 km = 0.62 miles
1 litre = 0.26 gallons (USA) / 0.22 gallons (UK)
1 inch = 2.54 cm
1 foot = 0.39 metres
1 yard = 0.91 metres
1 mile = 1.6 km
1 gallon (USA) = 3.78 litres
1 gallon (UK) = 4.54 litres