Abercrombie & Kent Destination Management

Time Zone

• Spain operates on GMT + 1

• Portugal operates on GMT

Language

• Spain’s official language is Spanish, derived from a dialect of Latin. The language is spoken in several distinct regional variations, including Castilian, Catalan and Galician. Spain is also home to a small number of Basque speakers. The sole surviving non-Indo-European language in Western Europe, Basque is one of the world’s “mystery” languages, a genuine linguistic anomaly. Most people who come into regular contact with visitors from overseas speak English to some degree, although English speakers are relatively rare outside larger cities.

• Modern Portuguese, the official language of Portugal, is the result of many linguistic forces: rooted in Latin, influenced by Germanic and Arab invaders, and flavoured by the languages of Portugal’s one-time colonies in Africa, Asia and the Americas. Today, Portuguese is one of the most widely spoken Western languages in the world.

Currency

• The Euro is the official currency of both Spain and Portugal.

Money Matters

• Travellers cheques are widely accepted for exchange to Euros or purchases. Major credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) are widely accepted; Diner’s Club and American Express much less so. Spain has more ATM outlets than any other country in Europe and their use is also widespread in Portugal.  

• Exchange currency only at authorised outlets such as banks and hotels, and exchange only what you think you will spend in-country. Coins cannot be reconverted on departure. Save all receipts from any currency exchange transaction. You may be asked to produce them when you exit the country, and they are required if you intend to reconvert local currency.

Tipping

• An amount equivalent to approximately €30 per full day of sightseeing (€20 in Portugal) is suggested as a tip for your local guide(s), with €30 suitable for your driver (€10-€15 in Portugal). For half-day excursions, equivalents of €15 and €8 are appropriate for guide and driver (€10 and €8 respectively in Portugal). Transfer drivers should be tipped at a rate of about €10 per service (€5 in Portugal) and transfer reps at your own discretion. These suggestions are per service.

• Hotel porters will expect the equivalent of about €0.50 per bag. Tips to hotel maids and other hotel staff are at your discretion. 

•  Taxi drivers don't expect tips, but it's polite to round up the fare.

•  A charge for service is often added to restaurant bills but, if it’s not, a typical gratuity would be equal to 15% of the total.

Weather

• For full details on climate, please see Best Time to Go.

Clothing

• Conservative “smart casual” clothing will be most useful for daytime touring. While standards in Spain and Portugal tend to be more relaxed than those of other European countries, street wear here still tends to be somewhat more formal (especially in larger cities). 

• Cotton and other light fabrics are comfortable choices for summertime in both Spain and Portugal. Spring and autumn temperatures dictate medium-weight clothing selections.

• When dining at better restaurants and for any special occasion during your journey, dress is more formal. For gentlemen, a “jacket and tie” standard is appropriate and expected, with an equivalent standard of eveningwear for ladies.

• An umbrella or light raincoat may come in handy. In Winter and Spring, some light rainwear is recommended in Portugal, especially in the north of the country.

• Cathedrals, churches and other religious sites require conservative dress. Both sexes should cover their arms, legs and shoulders.

Health

• For up to date information on latest health and vaccination recommendations, please contact your doctor.

Electricity

• Electrical service in Spain and Portugal is supplied at 220-240 volts/50 hertz.

Photography

• Photography is not permitted at some designated locations, which may include some museums and private houses, for example. Please exercise consideration at religious/pilgrimage sites such as Fatima (Portugal). If in doubt, please ask—and avoid having your film or camera confiscated.

Arrival and Departure Formalities

• In general you should have a signed, valid passport that will remain valid for at least 6 months beyond the completion of your trip. Your passport must have enough blank pages (excluding amendment pages) available for entry and exit stamps issued when entering and exiting immigration points.

• Visas are required for certain nationalities and you are strongly advised to check your status with your nearest Spanish and/or Portuguese embassy allowing plenty of time for visa application. Visas are not required for citizens of the EU.