Staying Safe in Portugal

Local Laws

When visiting Portugal, it's a good idea to be aware of a few local laws and customs. For instance, you need to be 18 or older to legally drink alcohol. Keep in mind that drinking alcohol in public spaces is generally not allowed, unless it's at an organized event.

You should also know that littering is against the law, and making too much noise is also prohibited, particularly between 11 PM and 7 AM. Vandalism and graffiti are also forbidden. While Portugal has decriminalized possessing and using small amounts of drugs for personal use, selling or trafficking drugs remains illegal and can result in serious consequences.

It's important to always have some form of identification with you. A photocopy of your passport's main page is usually fine, but they might ask to see your original passport. If you're interested in gambling, remember that it's only permitted in licensed venues.

When you visit religious sites, it's customary to dress modestly. Lastly, if you're traveling with children under 18 and their parents or legal guardians aren't with you, you might need to have a letter of parental consent.

LGBTQ+ Travellers

Portugal is widely recognized as a very safe and friendly destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. The country has strong legal protections in place, including constitutional bans on discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, legalized same-sex marriage since 2010, and adoption rights since 2016.

Social attitudes are generally accepting, especially in major cities like Lisbon and Porto, which boast vibrant LGBTQ+ scenes and events. While more rural areas may have more traditional viewpoints, overall, visitors can expect a welcoming environment with rare instances of homophobic hate crimes.

Scams

Watch out for people trying to sell you bracelets or offer "free" gifts that actually come with a hefty price tag. You might also encounter fake charity collectors asking for donations, or taxi drivers who overcharge or won't use their meter.

It's a good idea to be cautious of anyone approaching you with clipboards for surveys or petitions, as they might be after your personal details or money. In popular tourist spots, some individuals might pretend to be drug dealers, but their real aim is often to scam visitors rather than sell anything.

Some restaurants might bring you appetizers, like bread, olives, or cheese, without you asking, and these aren't complimentary – they'll show up on your bill. Lastly, be skeptical of anyone offering discounted tickets to attractions, as these are often fakes.

Crime

You'll find that petty theft, like pickpocketing and snatching bags, is quite common, especially in bigger cities such as Lisbon and Porto, and also in the Algarve. Keep an eye out for thieves who tend to go after tourists in busy spots. These often include popular attractions, museums, train stations, cruise ports, public transport (particularly trams 15, 25, and 28 in Lisbon), bars, clubs, restaurants, hotel lobbies, and even beaches.

While serious crime is uncommon, it's not unheard of, and you might encounter robberies or assaults. Be cautious about drink spiking, particularly in bars and clubs. It's best to avoid accepting drinks from people you don't know or leaving your drink unattended.

Theft from cars and places you're staying also happens. Rental cars and vehicles with foreign license plates are often targeted. To help prevent yourself from becoming a victim, it's a good idea to keep your valuables out of sight, stay aware of what's going on around you, and avoid walking alone on dimly lit streets after dark. Try not to flash signs of wealth.

If you're driving, make sure your car doors are locked, windows are up, and never leave anything valuable where it can be easily seen, either inside the car or in the trunk. Stick to using official taxis or ride-sharing apps, and be mindful when using ATMs – it's best to avoid ones that are in isolated or poorly lit locations.

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