Portugal is known as one of Europe's most relaxing countries. Imagine how much more relaxed your vacation to Portugal would be if you could be reassured that your family members are only a phone call away. While you're admiring the peacocks at St. George's Castle and taking a cable car ride, you want to make sure that you are able to use your cell phone in the case of an emergency. Using a cell phone in Portugal is easy if you follow the correct procedures.
Purchase the correct plug adaptors from an electronics store before you leave home so that you can charge your cell phone while in Portugal. Portugal uses plug types "C" and "F."
Use a transformer that can handle 230 volts, which is the voltage used in Portugal, when charging your cell phone. Your cell phone will likely fry if you do not use the correct transformer.
Call your cell phone provider to make sure that they offer phone coverage in Portugal. Ask to be upgraded to international roaming.
Consider renting a cell phone or SIM card to use with your personal cell phone if your cellular company does not offer coverage in Portugal.
Know how to dial locally within Portugal. If you are dialing a place in Portugal with the same area code as which you are calling, just dial the number. If the number has a different area code, dial the area code, plus the phone number.
Know how to call the United States from Portugal. First dial "00" (this is the international prefix to dial outside of Portugal). Then dial "1" (this is the international code used to dial to the U.S.). Follow that by the area code and phone number.
