Europe
Below is a summary of how I entered, whether through a visa or another permitted route.
I entered this country using my Finnish residence permit, which allowed entry without a separate visa.
Last updated 2 weeks ago
| S.No | Date | Details (Notes) | Category | Unit | Cost / Unit | Amount | Currency | Amount (NPR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | — | ~30/night | Accommodation | — | — | — | — | 90.00 |
| 2 | — | ~25/day | Food & Dining | — | — | — | — | 75.00 |
| 3 | — | — | Activities | — | — | — | — | 10.00 |
| 4 | — | — | Activities | — | — | — | — | 10.00 |
| 5 | — | — | Activities | — | — | — | — | 3.80 |
| 6 | — | Free | Activities | — | — | — | — | — |
| 7 | — | — | Food & Dining | — | — | — | — | 8.10 |
| 8 | — | — | Transport | — | — | — | — | 20.00 |
| 9 | — | — | Connectivity | — | — | — | — | 10.00 |
| 10 | — | — | Insurance | — | — | — | — | 35.00 |
| 11 | — | — | Miscellaneous | — | — | — | — | 25.00 |
| 12 | — | — | Miscellaneous | — | — | — | — | 10.00 |
| 13 | — | — | Transport | — | — | — | — | 10.00 |
| 14 | — | — | EUR 271.90 + USD 35 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Total | 306.90 |
Last updated 5 days ago
Portugal uses the Euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted in cities, but carry cash for small cafes, markets, and tipping. Avoid Euronet ATMs which charge high fees; use bank ATMs from Santander, Novo Banco, or Caixa Geral de Depositos instead.
Tipping is not obligatory in Portugal but appreciated. In restaurants, leave 5-10% or round up the bill for good service. Cash tips are preferred so the server receives it directly. In cafes, leaving small change is common.
Lisbon's public transport includes trams, buses, metro, and the iconic Tram 28. Buy a rechargeable Viva Viagem card for discounted fares. Trains connect Lisbon to Porto (about 3 hours) and Sintra (40 minutes). For the Algarve, consider domestic flights or long-distance buses.
Spring (April-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Summer (July-August) is peak season with hot temperatures, especially in the Algarve. Winters are mild but rainy, particularly in the north.
Buy a prepaid SIM card from MEO, Vodafone, or NOS at airport kiosks or shops. Tourist data plans with several GB cost around EUR 10-15. If you have an EU SIM, roaming is free within Portugal under EU regulations.
Portugal uses Type F plugs with 230V/50Hz. Travelers from the US, UK, or Asia will need an adapter. Most phone and laptop chargers are dual-voltage (100-240V) and only need a plug adapter.
Portuguese is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, especially in Lisbon and Porto. Useful phrases: 'Obrigado/Obrigada' (thank you, male/female), 'Por favor' (please), 'Bom dia' (good morning). Portuguese people appreciate visitors who try a few words.
Last updated 5 days ago
📍 Lisbon
Ride the iconic Tram 28 through the narrow streets of Alfama and visit the Sao Jorge Castle for panoramic views over Lisbon's terracotta rooftops and the Tagus River. Explore the Belem district to see the Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery. Taste the original pasteis de nata at Pasteis de Belem and enjoy a fado performance in Alfama at night.
📍 Sintra
Take a day trip to Sintra and explore the colorful Pena Palace perched high on a hilltop amid lush forests. Visit the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira with its initiation well spiral staircase descending underground, and walk through the gardens. Explore the Moorish Castle ruins and enjoy travesseiros pastries at Piriquita bakery in the town center.
📍 Porto
Travel to Porto and walk along the Ribeira waterfront, a UNESCO World Heritage area, with views of the Dom Luis I Bridge and colorful buildings. Cross to Vila Nova de Gaia for a port wine tasting at one of the historic cellars like Taylor's or Graham's. Visit the Livraria Lello bookstore and the azulejo-covered Sao Bento Railway Station, then sample a francesinha sandwich.
📍 Algarve
Fly or drive south to the Algarve and explore the dramatic sea caves and golden limestone cliffs at Ponta da Piedade near Lagos. Take a boat tour to see the Benagil Cave with its natural skylight opening to the sky above. Relax on Praia da Marinha, one of Europe's most beautiful beaches, and end the day with grilled sardines at a seaside restaurant in Albufeira.
Last updated 2 weeks ago
Crispy puff pastry cup filled with caramelized egg custard, dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar.
Shredded salt cod with matchstick fries, scrambled eggs, onions, and olives.
Porto-style sandwich layered with meats and cheese, covered in melted cheese and beer-tomato sauce.
Chargrilled fresh sardines seasoned with coarse salt, a summer staple at Portuguese festivals.
Comforting potato soup with thinly shredded kale and slices of chouriço sausage.
Last updated 2 weeks ago
Belem Tower is a landmark of Portugal's Age of Discovery, set along Lisbon's riverfront with nearby maritime monuments and museums.
📍 Open in Google Maps →Ribeira is Porto's colorful historic riverside district, known for tiled facades, steep lanes, and Douro waterfront views.
📍 Open in Google Maps →Pena Palace is Sintra's iconic hilltop royal palace, known for vivid colors, romantic architecture, and surrounding forested estates.
📍 Open in Google Maps →The Algarve coastline is famous for sandstone cliffs, hidden coves, and beach towns ideal for road trips and seaside stays.
📍 Open in Google Maps →Madeira is an Atlantic island destination with volcanic scenery, levada trails, and mild year-round climate for nature-focused travel.
📍 Open in Google Maps →Last updated 2 weeks ago
