Travel Information
General information to help you prepare your travel
Lisbon airport
Lisbon airport is centrally located and only about 5 km away from the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, the Forum venue. There is a direct connection with the red line from the underground (metro) station at the airport. The trip takes about 20 minutes and the one-way ticket costs 1,45€
https://www.aeroportolisboa.pt/en/lis/access-parking/airport-directions/location-and-directions
Climate
The average maximum and minimum temperature in the Lisbon area in September are 27ºC / 80,6 F (high) and 18ºC / 64,4 F (low). Please take into consideration that Lisbon is located by the river and the ocean, and therefore can be somewhat windy in the late afternoon or evening. A sweater or a ladies pashmina may be necessary.
Currency
Portugal is a member of the European Monetary System, and the previous currency Escudo was replaced by the €uro on 1 January 2002.
Electric Current
Portuguese standard is the European type 2 pin sockets with 220 volts AC at 50 cycles. The phase 380 volt current is normally available in meeting rooms and exhibition halls.
Health Requirements
With the exception of vaccination certificates for persons coming from areas where yellow fever is endemic, at the present there are no special health requirements.
Hotel Check in/out Policy
Normal check in time at hotels is 15h00. The established check out time is 12h00. Should you need guaranteed occupancy before 13h00 on the day of your arrival, the previous night should be reserved.
Local Time
Mainland Portugal is 1 hour ahead of European Standard Time (C.E.T. + 1).
Language
The official language in Portugal is Portuguese. Both English, Spanish and French are widely spoken.
Medical Care
Clinics and hospitals provide 24 hrs emergency service.
The national emergency phone number is 112. Hotels have a doctor on call through the reception. Reciprocal E.C. cover is available at out-patient departments, otherwise private consultation fees are charged.
Smoking
The Portuguese law, in accordance with Regulations in force in the majority of European Countries and the USA, does not allow smoking in any public transportation or in any closed public areas (some restaurants, bars and discotecs may have a designated smoking area).
TAX Free
Sales tax (VAT) is included in prices quoted. For non E.U. residents, tax free shopping schemes are available in many shops, which give substantial savings to visitors.