Travel Tips

Planning a trip to Europe can seem overwhelming - there's so much information out there, it's easy to fall into the "analysis paralysis" trap and spin your wheels. We've done the hard work for you and written up how we do things.

Most Important Things To Know

A passport is required to enter Portugal and other EU countries

You and your traveling companions need passports - you cannot travel internationally without one!

Apply or renew if expired 6 months in advance of travel to make sure you'll have it with time to spare.

Read more in our Passport Guide.

Europe uses different power outlets

You should buy adapters before traveling. Rechargeable power bricks are super helpful so you never have to worry about your phone dying.

Read more in our Power Adapters Guide.

Your phone won’t “Just Work”

Unless you have a global provider like Google Fi, you need to make plans in advance to use your cell phone/data plan internationally.

Read more in our Cell Service & Data Plans Guide.

You can’t use US Dollars

US dollars are not accepted in Europe, just like shops in the US don't accept Euros.

Always carry some cash - get Euros from the Lisbon Airport ATM when you land. But if you really want to get Euros ahead of time, go to your bank and not a mall Travelex kiosk.

You can use your credit cards as usual, but make sure you understand (and avoid) foreign transaction fees first.

Read more in our Money Guide.

COVID requirements dropped as of July 1 2022

There’s no longer a need to bring proof of a negative test to enter Portugal, and also no need to test before re-entering the US.

We recommend bringing your Vaccine card just in case you are asked to show it. In July 2021 we had one restaurant ask for it.