LISBON
TIME ZONE
GMT+1
GENERAL
Beach, bars and some of the best food in Europe – Lisbon might be one of the lesser-known greats on the continent, but it certainly packs a punch. With a backdrop of cobbled streets, hidden courtyards and overlooked by seven spectacular hillsides, you’ll be surrounded by all the romance of Europe. Catch one of their iconic trams around the city, hopping from café, to restaurant, to bar – all with the same laidback feel of a city that knows how to eat and drink. And whilst you’re there make sure you don’t miss out on their famed pastel de nata – these Portuguese tarts are what legends are made of.
GEOGRAPHY
Lisbon is located at the mouth of the Tagus River and is the westernmost capital of a mainland European country. To the west of the city is one of the largest urban parks in Europe. The Monsanto Forest Park is 10 square kilometers and occupies ten percent of the city. The rest of the Greater Lisbon Area extends all the way to the city of Setúbal and includes several administratively defined cities and municipalities.
LANGUAGE
The official language is Portuguese.
CURRENCY
Euro is the currency (abbreviation is €). Cash can easily be exchanged in hotels, authorised banks and travel agencies. International credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops and restaurants. The exchange rate varies and must be checked at the hotel front-desk.
WEATHER
Being a coastal city the weather can be quite changeable with thunderstorms, wind and rain all possible. Early Spring temperatures fluctuate similar to Sydney, averaging 18 degrees with chilly nights nights but have been as high as 26.
HEALTH AND VACCINATIONS:
We strongly encourage you to discuss any required vaccinations for your travel with your GP.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory and a copy of your policy must be provided to CWT M&E.
CWT M&E are offering all AHA Study tour attendees 20% off travel insurance. Please email AHA@cwt-me.com or call 1300781 011 for a quote.
The standard of private medical facilities and care in major cities is comparable to Australia. Public facilities, particularly in regional and rural areas vary in standard. Costs for medical treatment are very high, especially for treatment at private medical facilities. Payment for medical services is expected at the time of treatment. However, private hospitals may seek confirmation of insurance cover or seek a guarantee of payment before admitting a patientIf you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.
FOOD AND DRINK:
Tap water is safe to drink and food standards are similar to those of Australia, so take the same precautions as you would at home.
VISAS:
Portugal is a part of the Schengen area, along with a number of other European countries. This allows you to enter Portugal without a visa in some circumstances.
Other entry & exit formalities
Make sure you get a legible entry stamp in your passport when you enter the Schengen area (including Portugal) for the first time.