Figures are estimates projected from the latest official statistics (ITU, UN, UN Tourism) and are for general reference only.
📲 How to Call Portugal from Abroad
Follow these 4 simple steps to dial any phone number in Portugal:
1
Dial your international access code
Most countries use 00 or +. From mobile phones, the + symbol works worldwide.
2
Dial Portugal's country code: +351
Dial +351 immediately after the international access code. Do not include the + again if you already used 00.
3
Dial the city or area code
For landlines, dial the city code (drop any leading 0). For mobile numbers, skip this step.
4
Dial the local phone number
Enter the remaining digits of the recipient's phone number to complete the call.
💡 Example: To call Baghdad from the US, dial 011 +351 1 [number]. From mobile: + +351 1 [number].
☎️ Complete Guide to Calling Portugal
How to Call Abroad from Portugal
To call another country from Portugal: dial the international exit code (00 in most countries, or press and hold 0 on a mobile to get +), then the destination country code, then the area code (without its leading 0), then the number. Example: to call the US, dial 00 1 [number] or + 1 [number].
International Number Format (E.164)
The global standard format for Portugal numbers is +351 followed by the national number without its leading 0. A full international number has at most 15 digits including the country code. Save all your contacts this way so they work from anywhere in the world and in every app.
💡 Example: +351 [national number without the leading 0]
Tips to Lower Your Call Costs to Portugal
Use internet apps like WhatsApp, Viber or Messenger for free calls over Wi-Fi.
Buy a local SIM or eSIM when traveling to Portugal to pay local rates.
Activate an international plan from your carrier before you travel.
Use Wi-Fi Calling when available to avoid roaming charges.
Compare calling-card and VoIP providers for the lowest per-minute rate.
Why Isn't My Call Connecting? Common Fixes
You dialed 00 and + together — use only one of them.
You kept the leading 0 of the area or mobile code — remove it for international calls.
You forgot the country code +351 — it must come right after the exit code.
You added a city code to a mobile number — mobile numbers don't need one.
Your line isn't enabled for international calls — check with your carrier.
Wrong time — make sure it isn't the middle of the night in Portugal.
Common Questions About Calling Portugal
When should I use + instead of 00?
The + symbol works from any mobile phone anywhere in the world and replaces each country's exit code, so you never need to memorize them. 00 is the most common exit code and works on both landlines and mobiles. On a mobile, always prefer + — it is the most reliable.
Why do I drop the leading 0 of the area or mobile code when calling from abroad?
The leading 0 is a national trunk prefix used only for domestic calls. When calling internationally, the country code +351 takes its place, so you remove that 0 — otherwise the number is wrong and the call fails.
How do I call a mobile versus a landline in Portugal?
For a mobile: dial +351 then the mobile number without its leading 0. For a landline: dial +351, then the city code (without its leading 0), then the local number. Mobile numbers never need a city code.
How do I send a text message (SMS) to Portugal from abroad?
Save the number in international format — +351 then the number without its leading 0 — and send your message as usual. Your carrier may apply international SMS charges.
How can I call Portugal via WhatsApp?
Add the contact in international format — +351 then the number without its leading 0. If they have WhatsApp, they appear automatically. WhatsApp calls run over the internet, are free, and need no exit code.
How much does it cost to call Portugal?
It depends on your carrier and the line type; international calls over the regular phone network can be expensive. To save money, use internet apps like WhatsApp or Viber, or get a local SIM or eSIM.
What does the code +351 mean and where does it come from?
+351 is the international dialing code assigned to Portugal by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Every country has a unique code that identifies it on the global telephone network.
How do I save a Portugal number in the correct international format?
Always store it in E.164 format: +351 then the national number without its leading 0 and without spaces. Saved this way, it works from any country and in every app without changes.
⏰ Best Time to Call Portugal
Portugal uses UTC+1. People there are usually awake from 09:00 to 21:00 local time, so the table below shows the best time to call Portugal from major countries — in the caller's local time.
From
Best time to call (local time)
🇺🇸 United States
07:00–16:00
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
09:00–21:00
🇩🇪 Germany
10:00–22:00
🇫🇷 France
10:00–22:00
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
11:00–23:00
🇦🇪 UAE
12:00–23:00
🇹🇷 Turkey
11:00–23:00
🇮🇳 India
14:00–23:00
Times are approximate and may shift by about an hour during daylight saving time.
🧭 From Your Country to Portugal
Live dial format and time difference — updates instantly
Dial from 🇺🇸 United States
011–351–XXX–XXXX
Time right now in Portugal
--:--
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🌐 Personalise for Your Passport
Select your passport country to see visa requirements and embassy info relevant to you:
🛂 Visa Requirements
Common Visa Questions for Portugal
Do I need a visa to visit Portugal?
It depends on your nationality. Some travelers can enter Portugal visa-free for short stays, while others need an e-Visa, a visa on arrival, or a visa obtained in advance from an embassy or consulate. Check the rule for your specific passport using the official IATA Travel Centre tool before you travel.
Does Portugal offer an electronic visa (e-Visa)?
Many countries now offer an online e-Visa for eligible nationalities, letting you apply and pay over the internet before arrival. Availability, eligible passports, and fees differ from country to country, so confirm whether Portugal currently offers an e-Visa for your nationality on the official IATA Travel Centre.
Is a visa on arrival available in Portugal?
A visa on arrival lets eligible travelers obtain their visa at the airport or border instead of applying beforehand. Whether Portugal grants it, and to which nationalities, can change over time, so verify your eligibility on the official IATA Travel Centre before relying on it.
How long can I stay in Portugal on a tourist visa?
Tourist stays are commonly limited to 30, 60, or 90 days depending on the country and your nationality, and overstaying can lead to fines or entry bans. Check the exact permitted duration for your passport on the official IATA Travel Centre.
What documents are usually required to apply for a Portugal visa?
Most applications ask for a passport valid for at least six months, recent passport photos, proof of onward or return travel, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for your stay. Some visas also require travel insurance or an invitation letter, so confirm the exact list for Portugal on the official IATA Travel Centre.
How much does a Portugal visa cost and how long does it take?
Visa fees and processing times vary widely by nationality and visa type, ranging from same-day e-Visas to several weeks for embassy applications. Always apply well before your trip and check the current fee and processing time for Portugal on the official IATA Travel Centre.
How long must my passport be valid to enter Portugal?
Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry, with one or two blank pages for stamps. Confirm the exact passport-validity rule for Portugal on the official IATA Travel Centre before booking.
⚠️ For guidance only. Visa rules change frequently — always verify with the official embassy website before booking.
🏢 Embassy Information
US Embassy Lisbon Avenida das Forças Armadas, 1600-081 Lisbon ☎ +351 21 727 3300 Mon-Fri 8:00-17:00
💳 Tipping Culture
Tipping not mandatory; 5-10% appreciated for good service.
🚄 Transport
CP rail network | Lisbon Metro 4 lines | Tram 28 iconic Lisbon | Porto Metro 6 lines | Rede Expressos bus | TAP Air Portugal domestic
✈️ Airports
11 airports | Lisbon Humberto Delgado LIS (main) | Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro OPO | Faro FAO | Ponta Delgada PDL (Azores) | Funchal FNC (Madeira)
🗺️ Administrative Divisions
Portugal is divided into 18 districts.
📅 Best Time to Visit
May–September offers warm, dry weather ideal for sightseeing in Portugal. June and September are best to avoid peak crowds and high prices. Winter (Dec–Feb) is excellent for Christmas markets, skiing in alpine areas, and lower hotel rates.
🛡️ Safety Advice
Portugal is generally very safe with low violent-crime rates. Pickpocketing is the main concern in tourist hotspots, train stations, and crowded transit. Solo female travel is widely considered safe. Always keep valuables in front pockets or anti-theft bags.
💉 Vaccinations & Health
No special vaccinations required for Portugal. Routine vaccines should be up to date (MMR, DTaP, flu, COVID-19). Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine recommended for hikers in forested areas. EU travelers get reciprocal healthcare with EHIC/GHIC card.
📶 SIM & Internet
eSIM widely supported (Airalo, Holafly, Nomad — €4–15 for 1–10GB). Physical SIM available at airports and convenience stores; passport required. Major operators offer EU-wide roaming under 'Roam Like at Home' regulation. Free Wi-Fi common in cafés and hotels.
👔 Dress Code & Etiquette
Smart-casual is the norm in Portugal. Dress modestly when visiting churches (cover shoulders and knees). Beach attire stays at the beach. Layering recommended due to variable weather. Locals dress neatly even when casual — avoid athletic wear in restaurants.
🌍 Portugal: Culture, Food & Places
What are the most famous foods in Portugal?
Some of the most famous foods in Portugal include: Bacalhau à Brás (salt cod), Pastel de nata (custard tart), Caldo verde (kale soup), Grilled sardines (sardinhas), Cataplana de marisco (seafood stew), Piri piri chicken, Francesinhas (meat sandwich), Alheira (bread sausage), Bifanas (pork sandwich), Vinho Verde wine.
What are the best places to visit in Portugal?
Top places and landmarks to visit in Portugal include: Pena Palace Sintra (UNESCO), Jerónimos Monastery Lisbon (UNESCO), Tower of Belém (UNESCO), Douro Valley Wine Region (UNESCO), Porto Ribeira District (UNESCO), Algarve Cliffs & Beaches, Évora Historic Centre (UNESCO), Obidos Medieval Town, Azores Islands, Madeira Island.
What are the main customs and traditions in Portugal?
Notable customs and traditions in Portugal include: 'Saudade' (longing nostalgia) emotional culture, Greet with cheek kisses (2), Slower pace — no rush, Warmth & hospitality with strangers, Late dinner — 8-10pm normal.
What is Portugal famous for?
Portugal is well known for: Fado music (UNESCO), Pastel de nata (custard tart), Football (Ronaldo mania), Bacalhau (salt cod — 365 recipes), Cork products & tile art (azulejos).
Where in the world is Portugal located?
Portugal is located in Europe.
What countries are near Portugal?
Countries in the same region as Portugal include: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia.
🆘 Emergency Numbers
112 Emergency
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Portugal?
The capital of Portugal is Lisbon.
What currency is used in Portugal?
Portugal uses the EUR · € · Euro.
What is the dial code for Portugal?
The international dial code for Portugal is +351.
When is the best time to visit Portugal?
May–September offers warm, dry weather ideal for sightseeing in Portugal. June and September are best to avoid peak crowds and high prices. Winter (Dec–Feb) is excellent for Christmas markets, skiing in alpine areas, and lower hotel rates.
How much does a trip to Portugal cost per day?
Daily costs in Portugal range from $50 (budget) to $110 (mid-range) to $260 (luxury) per person, excluding flights.
Is Portugal safe for tourists?
Portugal is generally very safe with low violent-crime rates. Pickpocketing is the main concern in tourist hotspots, train stations, and crowded transit. Solo female travel is widely considered safe. Always keep valuables in front pockets or anti-theft bags.
How many districts does Portugal have?
Portugal has 18 districts.
🧳 Practical Travel Info
🔌
Power PlugType F · 230 V · 50 Hz
💵
TippingService often included. Round up the bill or leave 5-10% for good service.
💧
Tap WaterSafe to drinkTap water is safe to drink throughout most of Portugal.
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