18 holes Golf, not including buggy

VAT - 21%

Open Monday to Friday 08:30 - 15:00; closed Saturdays, Sundays and National Holidays. You'll need your passport to exchange travellers cheques. Look for the sign “câmbios”. Commission is charged per transaction regardless of amount.

BUSES
Buses are a practical, clean, cheap and reasonably comfortable way to travel round. All buses display their destination (destino) at the front. Avoid long, boring journeys within the Algarve by booking express regional services. The Faro based EVA (www.eva-bus.net) run good local and regional services, and also frequent services to Lisbon and Spain. The Rede Nacional de Expressos (www.rede-expressos.pt) run a comprehensive national service. Both have good on-line routes and timetables.

TRAINS
Portuguese trains (Comboios de Portugal) are a clean, efficient, comfortable and inexpensive way to travel about the county. They run right on-time and are one of Portugal's secret gems, and well worth exploring. If you travel between Algarve to Lisbon, take the train! It is far cheaper and much more fun than the bus. The route pass through some spectacular scenery, particularly the hills and valleys of the lower Alentejo. Consider paying the little bit extra for 1º class, where you have soft reclining and aircon. Comboios de Portugal can be reached at 808 208 208 or visit www.cp.pt.

CAR HIRE
Cars from reputable companies are clean, recent models. Drivers must be at least 21 and have had a licence for at least one year. Hire price always includes third party insurance. A government tax of 21% is a compulsory extra. Optional extras: collision damage waiver, theft insurance, personal insurance.

Open from 09:00-13:00; 15:00-19:00. Each chemist displays a card showing the address of the nearest all-night chemist and a list of those with late closing (22:00). The sign for a chemist (farmácia) is a green cross on a white background.

Chemists (farmácias) will advise on minor matters. Social Security coverage is available for all EU nationals, although you may have to pay first and reclaim later. You must obtain an E111 form before you travel. These forms are available at post offices in your country or from your Department of Health. The E111 covers emergencies only, so medical insurance is strongly advised. Private doctors (British, German, Dutch and Portuguese) will give more personal treatment, but without insurance can be expensive.

Speed Limits

• Towns 60km
• Out of town 90km
• Motorways 120km
  
• Insurance is compulsory and normally provided with a hire car.
• EU licences are valid at all times
• Other foreign driving licences are valid for up to six months.
• Seat belts are obligatory for the driver and front passenger.
• Alcohol is readily available and cheap but the maximum alcohol limit is 0.05 per cent. If you drink and drive and are caught, you will be immediately locked up and in court the next morning.

DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!
The standard of both road building and driving is much lower than in Northen European countries, and you need to be continually alert and cautious. Be especially aware of vehicles suddenly emerging from side roads, and of maniac overtaking.

ZERO TOLERANCE!
High-profile police patrols  are becoming ever more vigilant and ever less tolerant of bad driving, speeding and drink driving. Besides risking your life and those of others, you also risk heavy penalties if you break the law.

Value added tax (IVA) can be reclaimed by non-EU residents who stay for less than 180 days. Ask for an Isenção de IVA form or invoice in triplicate, and present the forms at customs on departure.

220 volts AC with Continental two-pin plugs is usual. Earthing can be erratic in older buildings.

1-1-2 is the single emergency telephone number for the European Union.
On motorways and main roads, use the orange SOS telephone to call for help. The service is in Portuguese; press the button and then wait for the operator who will connect you.

Hospitals:

Faro	Main number	289 891 100
Faro	Information	289 891 130
Portimão	Main number	282 450 300
Portimão	Information	282 413 400
Lagos	Main number	282 763 034