Europe
Portugal
Safe, relatively affordable for Western Europe and English-friendly, with large nomad communities in Lisbon, Porto and Madeira. Rents have risen sharply, and the Algarve is quiet outside summer.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- Visa93 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyEURUS$1 ≈ €0.89Details
- Price level60%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English5/5Spoken almost everywhereDetails
- PlugsType C, F230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe and good quality nationwide, though chlorinated in places.Details
- LGBTQ+Marriage equalityAccepting, especially in Lisbon and Porto, with visible scenes and June Pride events.Details
- Internet252 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 128 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightNon-EU licences are accepted for short visits; carry an IDP too to avoid problems at checks and rentals.
- Digital nomad visaYesDigital Nomad Visa (D8, remote work)Details
Where to go in Portugal
19 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LisbonCapital city | 4/5 | $2,930–4,050 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 18/100 |
| PortoCity | 4/5 | $2,250–3,380 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 33/100 |
| AlgarveRegion | 4/5 | $2,480–3,600 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 30/100 |
| MadeiraIsland | 5/5 | $2,250–3,380 | May–Jul, Sep–Oct | 39/100 |
| SintraTown | 4/5 | $2,480–3,600 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 26/100 |
| LagosTown | 4/5 | $2,590–3,710 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 25/100 |
| AlbufeiraTown | 4/5 | $2,250–3,380 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 35/100 |
| CascaisTown | 5/5 | $2,930–4,280 | May–Jul, Sep–Oct | 22/100 |
| AzoresIslands | 5/5 | $2,140–3,150 | Jun–Sep | 46/100 |
| FaroCity | 4/5 | $2,030–3,040 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 44/100 |
| EriceiraTown | 5/5 | $2,360–3,490 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 37/100 |
| CoimbraCity | 5/5 | $1,800–2,590 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 59/100 |
| Douro ValleyRegion | 5/5 | $2,030–2,930 | Apr–May, Sep–Oct | 49/100 |
| ÉvoraCity | 5/5 | $1,690–2,480 | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | 60/100 |
| BragaCity | 5/5 | $1,800–2,590 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 59/100 |
| AveiroCity | 5/5 | $1,910–2,810 | May–Jul, Sep–Oct | 53/100 |
| NazaréTown | 4/5 | $1,910–2,700 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 45/100 |
| Silver CoastRegion | 5/5 | $2,030–2,930 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 50/100 |
| TaviraTown | 5/5 | $2,250–3,260 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 40/100 |
When to visit Portugal
April–June and September–October. The Algarve peaks July–August; the north is rainy November–March. Madeira and the Azores are mild year-round.
Good to know
Entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across all Schengen countries; passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months past departure.
- The EU Entry/Exit System has replaced passport stamps since April 2026: fingerprints and photo at your first entry. Allow extra time.
- ETIAS, the planned €20 online authorisation, isn't required yet (October 2026); check travel-europe.europa.eu for its start date.
- Border police may ask for a return ticket and proof of funds. The optional Travel to Europe app pre-fills an entry questionnaire.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Personal drug use is decriminalised, not legal; police can fine you, and dealing or smuggling means prison.
- Sleeping overnight in campervans or tents outside authorised sites is banned and fined.
- Albufeira fines anti-social behaviour in public €150–1,800 under its code of conduct.
Etiquette
- Say 'Bom dia' and 'obrigado' or 'obrigada'; politeness matters.
- Don't default to Spanish; English or a little Portuguese goes down better.
- Bread, olives and other couvert items are charged if eaten; send back unwanted ones.
Tipping
Not expected. Leave 5–10% for good restaurant service and round up taxi fares; cafés and bars need nothing.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Portugal visa portal (MNE)
- GOV.UK: Portugal travel advice
- SNS 24
- Speedtest Global Index: Portugal
- EF English Proficiency Index: Portugal
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.