PORTUGAL

Helpful Hints

PLANNING AHEAD

Your passport will be inspected in your home city airport and again in Europe upon your arrival.

As a safety measure, we would suggest that you photocopy the front pages of your passport, your traveler’s check agreement (with check numbers), airline tickets and everything you will be carrying in your wallet. Leave one copy at home and carry one copy separate from your passport. This will be of immense help to you if your documents are lost or stolen. It is also a good idea to have two extra copies of your passport pictures made for use in case your passport must be replaced because of loss.

GOLF EQUIPMENT

Caddies
Caddies are a rare commodity in Portugal, therefore it is more likely to have a trolley, if buggies are not available. Where a caddy has been reserved, they are independent from the course and are paid directly. The fee ranges from 30.00€ to 40.00€ euros, the amount of tip is at your discretion. Pull trolleys are approximately 3.00€ euros or 4.00€ euros for an electric one.

Golf Balls
Bring enough for the trip, unless money is no object, as you will pay premium for golf balls in Spain and Portugal.

Pencils & Wooden Tees
Courses overseas do not provide pencils, so bring 3 or 4 of your own. The tees in Europe are much shorter than ours, and sometimes plastic, so bring your own.

Band Aids & Sunblock
You should also bring Band-Aids for blisters and sun block to prevent an uncomfortable burn.

Towel
Ball washers are very uncommon overseas, so bring a small towel for your clubs and golf balls.

Rain Suit & Umbrella
Although you will be traveling during the dry season, there is always the possibility of rain. The umbrella can also come in handy in case of hot sun.

Golf Shoes
Two pairs should be plenty. Make sure they are well broken in before you travel. New shoes that cause blisters could be a disaster, as you are walking each day. Soft spikes are used at all courses.

WHAT TO TAKE

Travel Documents
Don’t forget to take your AIRLINE TICKETS AND PASSPORT!! Always be sure to check your airline tickets as soon as you receive them to be sure that they are accurate and complete. DO NOT pack your airline tickets or passport in your suitcase and DO NOT carry your airline tickets around with you. It is a good idea to use the hotel safe for valuables.

Money
We suggest that you do not take large amounts of cash, but instead take a widely recognized brand of travelers checks and a well known credit card. Be sure to make a list of your credit card and check numbers and keep it in a separate place from your wallet, purse or passport. ATM machines are available in Europe and your US ATM cards can be used. Be sure to check with your bank what the charges will be. The banks are also a good place to change money. It is more expensive to change money at travel agencies or hotels.
Clothing
Pack lightly, since it will simplify your travel. Laundry and dry cleaning is very expensive, so drip dry clothes might come in handy.

Acceptable attire for golf courses in Europe is equivalent to many places in the US. T-shirts must have collar and sleeves, golf shoes should have SOFT SPIKES and Bermuda shorts are allowed. Strictly no denim.

Packing Suggestions
For the men: Sports Coat (Jackets can be required for dinner in some hotels). Two or three pairs of slacks, light weight sports jacket, two sweaters – one for golf and one multipurpose, dark shoes and a pair of walking shoes, eight golf shirts (unless you want to do laundry), dress shirts and ties.

For the ladies: Dress code for dinner at hotels can be described as smart. Slacks are acceptable attire. Walking shoes are essential, as is a light jacket or raincoat.

Appliance Converters
You should ensure that all electrical appliances, such as shavers and hairdryers, can be used on European voltage, which is 220. Some hotels will supply adapters upon request, although we recommend that you carry one.

Hotel Extras
Try to pay your extras (laundry, bar, bill etc) the evening before departure. You will have much more time to check your bill. Some hotels can’t accommodate this, but try to do it wherever you can.

GENERAL NEED TO KNOW

Baggage Allowance
Your international baggage allowance is two pieces checked, of which a golf bag counts as one plus one carry-on. These pieces should not exceed 107 linear inches, i.e. length plus width plus height, and should, if possible, be restricted to less than 44lbs per bag (check with airline). The airlines also require that your full name and home address is on the outside of your bag. It is also a good idea to put your name and address somewhere on the inside of your bag. We suggest you bring a golf bag, one suitcase and one carry-on flight bag. Use your flight bag for toilet articles and it is also a good idea to pack an extra set of clothing in your flight bag in the unexpected event that for some reason your suitcase is misplaced.

A golf bag should be contained in a secured bag rather than a hard carry case (hard carry cases can be a problem in terms of the space they take up in a rental car or mini bus). It is much safer for your golf equipment if you put a belt (canvas, plastic or leather) around the middle of the golf bag to keep the handle in its proper position. Bag covers are easily torn and clubs damaged when the bag handlers can’t find the grip and carry (or toss) the bag by the cover.

Check In
You should check in for your international flight at least 2 ½ hours before departure.

Customs
Check at the airport your duty free allowances for Europe. On your return you can bring up to $400 worth of duty and tax free purchases. Purchases up to $1,000 over your exemption will be assessed at a flat rate of 10%. Also unsolicited gifts with a limit of $50 may be sent, duty free, to the U.S. – no more than one to the same address, and none to your home address.

Travellers entering Portugal may bring in a series of personal items (such as personal jewelry, still and movie cameras, musical instruments, portable video and sound equipment, athletic gear, etc) without having to pay customs charges.

For certain articles, such as cigarettes, cigars, perfume, wines and liquor, maximum limits have been established, with customs duties leviable on amounts exceeding these limits.

Value Added Tax
VAT is a sales tax which is levied at a uniform rate of 7% on most goods and services a visitor buys. Some larger stores participate in a VAT refund scheme. When buying something, ask if the store operates this scheme. If a participant, you will get a form to fill out listing your goods and costs, you keep a copy of this with the address of the store on the form. After going through customs on your return you will post this back to the store, ie. before leaving Europe.
Please note: you should pack all VAT refund items in one bag in case customs asks to see them. The customs official at the airport will sign your form, then you post it back to the appropriate stores.

Further details can be obtained from leaflet 701/1/85.

Tipping
Tipping is a longstanding tradition in Portugal. While practically all establishments currently include a surcharge for service it is still common to leave something of a tip. This custom, common in bars and restaurants, has extended to hotel porters and taxi drivers, though in none of these cases is it obligatory nor will anyone recriminate a client for not tipping. It is customary to leave a tip in the room for the chambermaid.

INTERNATIONAL ACCESS

Airports
Lisboa, Porto, Faro, Funchal (Island of Madeira); the Islands of São Miguel, Terceira and Faial (The Azores)

Trains
Lisboa/Paris (The Sud Express); Lisboa/Madrid (Lusitânia); Porto/Vigo.

Principal International Roads
From Vigo: E1/A55-A3; From Badajoz: E90/NV-A6; From Huelva: N431-IP1, N125

COUNTRY ACCESS

Principal Road
N-S: A1/IP1, A2/IP1, A3/IP1, IP2, IP3; W-E: A4/IP5, IP6, A6/IP7,IP8

Trains
There are express trains between Lisboa and Porto, with a stop in Coimbra (Alfas) and regional trains (Intercidades and Inter-regional) that connect different parts of the country. There are special tickets available for tourists.

Coaches
A country-wide net, including an express network.

HOW TO GET AROUND

Urban Transport
The principal cities have a complete network of transport systems. In Lisboa you can use buses, the subway, trams or travel on its various lifts. In Lisboa and Porto there are tourist passes available from the information kiosks of Carris (Lisboa) or STCP (Porto), open on working days from 8 am to 8 pm.

Taxis
They are beige, with a luminous identification sign on the roof. If this is on, it means the taxi is occupied. Between 10 pm and 6 am there is an extra tariff of 20%. It is advisable to ask for a receipt. Baggage transported in the boot has a fixed rate. All taxis have a price table in two languages.

Car Rental
With or without a driver, in all principal cities and international airports. Obligatory conditions: show an identity card (E.U. citizens) or a valid passport (other nationalities), green card, aged over 21. Insurance obligatory.

Driving
In Portugal we drive on the right. Seatbelts are obligatory as is a helmet for moped or motorbike riders. The maximum level of alcohol is 0.5g/1. Maximum speeds: cities and built up areas: 50 km/h; main roads: 90 km/h; motorways: 120 km/h. Insurance is obligatory. Most petrol stations are open between 8 am and midnight, and some are open 24 hours a day. Service stations open on working days from 8 am to 7 pm. In the big cities, motorways and dual-carriageways have service stations open 24 hours a day.

REGIONAL ACCESS

Principal Roads
EN125; IP¬1 (Via do Infante)

Trains
Connection Algarve-Lisboa between Barreiro and Vila Real de Santo António, with a fork in Tunes for Lagos.

ELECTRICITY
The current is 220 volts AC, with a continental round pin plug. It’s always recommended to carry a travel adaptor.

CLIMATE
Coast and islands: average winter temperatures, 12°C; in summers, 21°C. Interior and mountains: in winter, 5°C; in summer 25°C.

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS
1st January, 25th April, Holy Friday, 1st May, Corpus Christi (movable), 10th June, 15th August, 5th October, 1st November, `1st, 8th and 25th December.

LOCAL HOLIDAYS
Albufeira 07/20; Alcoutim – second Friday in November; Aljezur – 08/29; Castro Marim – 06/24; Faro – 09/07; Lagoa – 09/08; Largos – 10/27; Loulé – Asantion Thursday (Dia da Espiga); Monchique – Asantion Thursday (Dia da Espiga); Olhão – 07/16; Portimão – 12/11; São Brás de Alportel – 06/01; Silves – 09/03; Tavira – 07/24; Vila do Bispo – 01/22; Vila Real de Santo António – 05/13.

LOCAL TIME
On the continent and the island of Madeira, Portugal follows GMT. In the Islands of the Azores an hour earlier.

OPENING HOURS
Banks
From Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 3 pm. Shut on holidays and Sundays.

Shops
Working days: from 9 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 7 pm. On Saturdays, most shut at 1 pm. In the shopping malls of the big cities, you will find the shops normally open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays as well between 10 am and 11 pm.

A new shopping centre opened in 2001 in the centre of Faro, The Algarve Forum, which houses top international designers to local merchandise.

Museums
National: 10 am to 6 pm; Tuesdays until 2 pm, Holy Friday, Easter Sunday, the 1st May and the 25 December. Regional and private museums normally close for lunch and have different closing days. National palaces close on Wednesday.

CREDIT CARDS AND ATM CASHPOINTS
Most establishments accept credit cards: Visa, Amex, Eurocard, Euro-cheque, Diners Club and Mastercard. Cashpoints (ATM) are in great quantity throughout the country and can be identified by an MB sign.

EMERGENCIES
Call 112 at any time and at any place. In case of an accident on a motorway, use the closest SOS phone (orange in colour).

TELEPHONE
All over Portugal, there are crediphones where phone cards can be used. These can be bought in post offices and newsagents. At post offices, calls can be paid for at the end of the conversation, which is a most convenient way to call home. To phone abroad, dial 00 then the country code and city/local code.

Please note that telephone calls from your hotel room are charged at a higher rate than normal and can be expensive. Please check charges before calling especially long distance. Local calls in Europe are NOT free. Most of the US long distance carriers now have 0-800 numbers in Europe that connect directly to a US operator. You can then charge the call to your phone or credit card. To get the 0-800 number contact your service prior to departure. This is the most cost effective way to call home.

CHEMISTS
From 9 am to 1 pm, then 3 pm to 7pm from Monday to Friday. Saturdays: from 9 am to 1 pm. There are 24 hour chemists.

CURRENCY
The unit of currency is the Euro. Some banks have automatic exchange machines. Reception in most hotels will change money although charge higher commission rates. Travelers cheques and Eurocheques are accepted by all Portuguese banks and exchange bureaus. Visa, Amex, Eurocard, Diner Club and Master Card are the most useful credit cards.

GUIDES & INTERPRETERS
Contact your SGH Golf representative for assistance.

BEACHES
They are numerous and many in their splendour along the coastline, with changing characteristics depending on whether they are on the Barlavento section of the coast or the Sotevento caves and coves wind changing. Be careful not to swim in areas where there are flags warning not to. Red flags mean total prohibition to swim and yellow flags mean you should be very careful. Green flags mean there is no danger at all.

GOLF
Golf is the most popular participation sport among visitors to the Algarve. The game can be played all-year-round and most of the Algarve’s 20 courses, including some of the finest in Europe, are open to any player with a handicap certificate.

RIDING
There are many riding centres with Lusitano horses for adults and ponies for children. Those who have been in a saddle for a while may want to take a few lessons before riding out over sand dunes or on trails through pine forests.

TENNIS
Tennis is another very popular, year-round sport and there are a great many courts which can be hired at hourly rates, some of which offer coaching.

GAME-FISHING
Game-fishing boats are based in Vilamoura and Portimao. Blue sharks are the normal quarry, but record catches of the very much rarer blue and black marlin have been made by boats out of Vilamoura.

SIGHTSEEING BOAT TRIPS
These show the best side of the Algarvian coastline. The town most scenic sections of the south coast are between Armadao de Pera and the mouth of the river Arade at Ferragudo, and from Lagos around the Ponte da Piedade headland. Day and half-day trips depart form Portimao and Lagos. Shorter trips operate from these two harbors and any number of beaches.

RIVER CRUISES
River cruises from Vila Real de St. Antonio penetrate far up the Guadiana that separates the Algarve from Spain. The much shorter river cruises from the quayside at Portimao go up on the high tide as far as Silves.

AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
January: 60, February: 61, March: 63, April: 67, May: 71, June: 77, July: 83, August: 83, September: 78, October: 72, November: 66, December: 61

SIGHTSEEING INFORMATION

Washed in the south and west by the Atlantic, protected from the north by mountain ranges that temper the strong winds, this region of calm, warm water has a mild climate with average temperatures around 24?C/75oF in summer and 15oC/58oF in winter. The sun shines brilliantly almost all year round giving the region its characteristic light. More than 150km of beaches caressed by the warm winds from North Africa have secured the Algarve’s role as a year – round holiday destination.

The climate is mild and mellow and so is the character of the land and its people. Spring, with its profusion of wildflowers, comes very early. Summers are long; winters are short. The Atlantic that laps the southern shore of this most southwesterly corner of Europe is nearly always calm. The air is free of pollution and light breezes prevent even the hottest midsummer days from becoming oppressive. The Algarvean lifestyle is easy-going, fatalistic and unfettered by concern for time. The predominant influences in this unique and remarkable beautiful region are as much Mediterranean as Atlantic, and as much North African as Southern European.

The Algarve is a compact, well-defined and historically ancient province, quite distinct from the rest of Portugal. The coastal belt, where most Algarveans live, is fringed with sand-spit islands, lagoons, drifted dunes, spectacular headlands, cozy coves and vast open beaches. From the coast the land slopes gently up through vineyards, orchards of oranges and lemons, almonds and avocados, to ranges of rolling hills which separate it from the wide-open plains of neighboring Portuguese province of Alentejo. The placid Gadiana River forms the border with the Spanish province of Andalusia.

One of the most appealing aspects of life in the Algarve is that it seems to be locked in a paradoxical time warp. As international airlines strain to shuttle visitors in and out of Faro airport according to strict schedules, Algarveans feel no compulsion to be punctual, no reason to rush. Nothing is more important than conversations with friends over small cups of coffee. Some of Europe’s most sophisticated residential and holiday developments with their manicured golf courses and first-class restaurants are viewed without envy by ordinary folks who like to sit outside the front doors of their humble town houses grilling sardines on mini makeshift barbecues.

The Algarve’s healthy climate is nicely complemented by wholesome, locally caught and homegrown food. In particular, there is a wonderful wide range of seafood, including all sorts of clams, prawns and lobster, and delicious fresh fish such as swordfish, tuna, sea bass and sea beam. Eating out in restaurant is all the more delightful because Portuguese wines are so good and reasonably priced.

Clarity of light and brilliance of color are startling features of the Algarve. The coastline is made up of various shades of gold set in a translucent turquoise sea. The vast vault of sky is usually vivid blue. Town and village houses as well as country cottages are dazzlingly whitewashed.

Inhabited since pre-historic times and settled successively by the Phoenicians and Greeks, it was the Romans who have left us with the most enduring signs of an important human presence predating the Arab conquest. It is most clearly in evidence at archeological sites in Cerro da Vila in Vilamoura, Milreu in Estói (on the Faro to São Brás de Alportel road) and Quinta da Abicada in Portimão.

Golf is one of the principal attractions of tourism in the Algarve there are twenty courses and more in the planning, many of them located in excellent hotel complexes, regularly hold national and international level competitions, the most famous being the Algarve Open of Portugal, which is held annually in March. Here you can count on the participation of world famous golfers. Due to the great climate and lack of rainfall, golfers from around the world choose the Algarve’s courses throughout the year.

On holiday every moment is to be taken advantage of, and the Algarve does not let you forget it. With the sunset in the streets, which during the day are alive with dynamic business where you can find interesting artisan and souvenir shops, a new ambiance sets in and the magic scene of the Algarvian nights begins. Bars and discos for all tastes emerge at night with their seductive lights and contagious music, because in the Algarve the night lasts until well after sunrise and the fun is unlimited.

Those feeling lucky can take a chance at one of the regions three casinos – the Hotel Algarve casino or the casinos in Vilamoura and Monte Gordo.

For those who prefer something calmer, you can opt for one of the innumerable restaurants, some right next to the beach, and why not round off the evening with a moonlit stroll by the sea.

The Fish and seafood are the height of the region’s gastronomy – in particular the famous “caldeirada” (fish stew), “arroz delingueirão” (razor clam rice), “carapaus alimados” (skinless mackerel), “feijoada de buzinas” (whelks with beans), “cataplana” (hearty casserole) is, no doubt, it’s biggest symbol, joining in majesty meat and seafood.

Carveiro
The village of Carveiro stands in a steep valley leading down to the sandy cove of Praia de Carvoeiro. Old houses and narrow streets of Carvoeiro climb up the valley sides from what has now become a popular resort village. The beach of Praia de Carvoeiro is a bay of pure golden sand between rocky cliffs. It is unspoilt by high-rise buildings and from the top of the cliff are the remains of the walls of the fort Nossa Senhora de Concicao from where one has a great view.

The coast is high and rocky, with little beaches sheltered between cliffs from Sagres Point to Lagos. Albufeira sees a transition to cliffs of golden or rosy sandstone that reach a peak at Falésia Beach.

Albufeira
The Arabs rightly named Albufeira Castle of the Sea, Al-Bhuera, whiles centuries before the Romans called in Ballum. When Albufeira was visited in the XVI century by Kind Sebastian the Desired, it boasted a fort and walls of defence against the English and French corsairs, then the scourge of the Algarve coast. The harbour walls offer a panorama of the white houses tumbling down the cliff to the sea.

Albufeira began as a small fishing village huddled in a narrow valley. To aid access to the sandy beach where fishermen hauled their boats above the waves a passage was cut through the rocks to steps down to the sand. The passage and the village square remain but the village has grown.

The early growth of Albufeira was east along the cost to include the once separate communities of Oura and Olhas de Agua. Today the tourist centre of this most popular of resorts has moved out of the old village to The Strip, an Avenida of bars, restaurants and clubs form the apartment complexes of Montechoro down to the beach.

There are also many places to be explored, such as the caves and tunnels under the cliffs.

From Vilamoura onwards appear extensive sandy beaches that stretch to the mouth of the Guadiana, intersected by the Ria Formosa, a natural park extending between Ancão (Loulé) and Manta Rota (Vila Real de Santo António).

Close to Castelejo beach is one of the highest points of the Algarve coast: the Torre da Aspa. Looking out from this formation of 150 m, we have a panorama of black, white or green rocks separated by lines of fine sand and flowers, and we can hear the natural symphony of rough waves pounding the rocks.

Delight in this natural gift from the terrace next to the beach as you enjoy a drink. In the peaceful locality of Vila do Bispo remember to visit the parochial church, covered from floor to ceiling in 18th century tiles.

Lagos
Historically linked to the sea, once inhabited by the Romans (Lacóbriga) and the base for Portuguese exploration of the African coast in the 15th century, has a significant collection of monuments and religious buildings, making it an unmissable place to visit. The Church of Santa Maria da Misericórdia, with its renaissance doorway; the magnificent jewel of the Algarve, the Church of Santo António) or a look at the local exhibition dedicated to the Portuguese Discoveries, housed inside the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city and the sea, are also interesting options. Spreading from the centre where the statue of King Dom Sebastião stands (a work of art by José Cutileiro, a contemporary Portugues sculptor), various restaurants, shops and bars give life to this part of town. A stroll through the centre can be an invitation to shop, to meet people or to have a drink and a snack. Lovers of night life will not be disappointed, as Lagos is famous for its energetic partying. Towards the interior, don’t forget to visit the beautiful doorway of the Parish Church in Odiáxere.

Where ever you choose to stay, your Algarve holiday will not be complete without a visit to the historic city of Lagos. Visit Lagos today and you cannot help but be aware of its history. The modern town centre lies within the high stone walls built first by the Arabs when this was the capital of their kingdom in Portugal.

Later Lagos came to be the port form which explorers set out to discover lands in Africa and Asia and build the trade routes which made Portugal rich. No trade richer than that in Slaves and first slave market in Europe still stands here. Today it is an art gallery where local artists exhibit their works.

Today Lagos is expanding, across the river along the length of Meia Praia apartments and tourist complexes are developing to form the next Algarve resort. Thankfully the old town and its very unique character are being preserved from the developers. A meeting place of Portugal’s history and today’s tourism.

SOME USEFUL WORDS AND PHRASES

Thank you: Obrigado (if you’re male) or Obrigada (if you’re female)
Please: Por favor
Good morning: Bom dia
Good evening: Boa tarde
Yes: Sim
No: Nao
Bank: Banco
Change: Cambio
How much is it?: Quanto e?
Do you speak English: Fala ingles?
I don’t understand: Nao compreendo
The bill please: Pode trazer a conta, por favor?
Excuse me (when asking a waiter/waitress): Se faz favor
Excuse me (when someone’s attention): desculpe

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