What You Should Know

Internet connection is pretty easy in Portugal, Spain, and France. Most modern cellphone will work across all three countries, although service may be spotty in some more remote locales. Please check with your service provider to learn about the fees and options for cell service while traveling to Portugal, France, and Spain. Also, most hotels and restaurants (and some town squares) will have free WiFi. 

The electrical current in Europe is 220 volts, 50 cycles alternating current (AC); wall outlets take plugs with two round prongs.

Consider making a small investment in a universal adapter, which has several types of plugs in one lightweight, compact unit. Most laptops and mobile phone chargers are dual voltage (i.e., they operate equally well on 110 and 220 volts), so require only an adapter. These days the same is true of small appliances such as hair dryers. Always check labels and manufacturer instructions to be sure. Don’t use 110-volt outlets marked “for shavers only” for high-wattage appliances such as hair-dryers.

Monetary unit The official monetary unit of Portugal, France, and Spain is the Euro, and no other money is accepted, so you will have to exchange your currency with the euro. You can do it in the banks, in currency exchange offices, or at the airport. Most stores accept credit cards.

Citizens of the United States need a valid passport to enter Portugal, France, and Spain for stays of up to 90 days; passports must be valid for three months beyond the period of stay. Visas are required for longer stays and, in some instances, for visits to other countries outside the European Union.

Restaurants, cinemas, theaters, libraries, and service stations are required to have public toilets. Restrooms can range from marble-clad opulence to little better than primitive, but in most cases, they’re reasonably clean and have toilet paper, although it’s always useful to carry a small packet of tissues just in case! Few are adapted for travelers with disabilities. Restrooms are occasionally looked after by an attendant who customarily receives a small tip. Train stations are likely to have pay toilets. Always keep a few Euro coins on-hand for restrooms.

Service is not always included in café, restaurant, and hotel bills. Waiters and other service people are sometimes poorly paid, and leaving a tip of around 10% will be appreciated. If, however, you received bad service, never feel obligated (or intimidated) to leave a tip. Also, if you have something small, such as a sandwich or at a bar, you can leave just enough to round out the bill to the nearest €0.50.