Carameltrail questions
Frequently Asked Questions – Portugal
Solve all your doubts about trips to Portugal, organized by Carameltrail. We answer all the important questions that our customers usually ask before making their trip.
FAQS – Additional or Extra services
For U.S. citizens, no visa is required for stays of up to 90 days in Spain and Portugal, which are part of the Schengen Area. For Morocco, no visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. However, it is always good to check specific requirements before traveling as policies can change.
FAQS – Safety and risks
Yes, laundry services are commonly available in hotels across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Most hotels, especially mid-range and upscale ones, offer laundry and dry-cleaning services. If you’re staying in smaller hotels or hostels, they often have arrangements with local laundromats or provide self-service laundry facilities.
However, laundry services might be less readily available in rural areas or small villages compared to cities. Here you can choose the basic laundry services as many rural accommodations offer this service often for a small fee. Or you may take advantage of some local laundromats.
When traveling to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, we advise you to have a travel insurance that should cover a few key areas to ensure a stress-free trip:
- Medical Coverage: Ensure it covers illness, injury, and any necessary medical treatments or hospital stays.
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption: This helps if your trip gets canceled or cut short due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Lost or Stolen Belongings: Coverage for lost luggage, passports, or personal items can save you a lot of trouble.
- Emergency Evacuation: In case of a serious medical issue, coverage for emergency transportation is crucial.
- Travel Delays: Compensation for significant delays can help cover unexpected expenses.
Having comprehensive travel insurance will give you peace of mind and let you enjoy your adventure without worries.
In Spain and Portugal, tap water is generally safe to drink. In Morocco, it is advisable to drink bottled water to avoid stomach issues, especially in rural areas.
FAQS – My luggage
For exchanging money in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, banks and official exchange offices are your best bet. ATMs also offer good rates. However, paying by card is often the easiest and most convenient option, as cards are widely accepted and usually give you the best exchange rates.
In Spain and Portugal, Wi-Fi is widely available in most hotels, cafes, and public areas, especially in cities. You can expect free and reliable connections in many places.
Morocco also offers good Wi-Fi coverage in hotels and cafes in popular tourist destinations like Marrakech and Casablanca, though it can be more variable in rural areas. To ensure you stay connected, consider getting a local SIM card or bringing a portable Wi-Fi hotspot.
Enjoy your trip while you stay connected!
In Spain and Portugal, the currency is the euro (€). In Morocco, the currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). It is easy to exchange money at airports, banks, and exchange offices in major cities. Additionally, ATMs are widely accessible.
In Spain and Portugal, the standard voltage is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz, and plugs are of type C and F. In Morocco, the voltage is also 220V with plugs of type C and E. It is recommended to bring a universal adapter to avoid issues with your electronic devices.
We suggest you talk to your phone company and check with them if your phone will work in Portugal. If it is a GSM phone then generally it will work, but please check before. You always have the option to buy a pre-pay SIM card in Portugal. It will be cheaper and you will have access to data, email, etc.
Yes, Portugal is a safe country. However, you must be very careful with pick pocketing, especially if you take a tram in Lisbon. Be careful not to leave unattended belongings in public spaces, restaurants and bars.
In Portugal you can pay with credit card almost everywhere. The best way to get cash is by withdrawal. That is why we don’t recommend you bring too much cash.
Ask your bank about commissions for withdrawal money from ATM in Portugal. The commission you are charged to withdraw money from ATM is set by your bank, so please check with them before you leave.
The best months to travel to Spain, Portugal and Morocco are Mar-May, Sept & Oct.
Our favorite months are Abril, May, June, Sept and Oct.
From June to August expect warm, sunny and dry weather in Spain and Portugal. In Morocco you should expect high temperatures in July and August, especially in the South of the country.
Electricity in Portugal is 220 Volt, 50Hz. Almost all electronic devices will adapt automatically to the different voltage. If in the labelling of your device says “120V” or “100-120V”, you will need a voltage transformer. If it does not say this, generally your device will adapt automatically.
What you may need is a plug adapter. Sometimes the plugs adapters are combined with voltage transformer. Please read carefully the information on the unit. If the label of your device says “110-220” or “100-240” then you will only need a simple plug adapter (in this case, no transformer needed).
If you need more information on this website you will find more detailed information about electricity and adapters: http://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/
You just have to select on the right side of the page where are you travelling, then say which country you live in and you will see all the information.
I suggest Google Maps. I have used many apps and this one is accurate, updated and works perfectly both in big cities or small villages in Portugal.
If you want to use it to move around the cities we suggest downloading from the app on your phone, the maps of the cities you will be visiting so you can use them without a connection. Look for this option 
in the menu, click it and just drag the world map to the required areas.
June, July and August are sunny and dry months. So, our suggestion is to wear sun glasses, sun cream and hat if you are not used to sun.
FAQS – Means of transport
Driving in Spain and Portugal is relatively easy for those who are accustomed to driving in Europe or other right-hand traffic countries. Both countries have a well-maintained network of highways and roads, particularly the major motorways, and road signs follow international conventions and are usually clear and well-placed. Traffic can be heavy in major cities, but we will always suggest having a rental in small towns that will allow you to discover scenic rural routes. A GPS or navigation app can be very helpful and connection work well in both territories.
Domestic flights, trains, private transfers, public transportation.
In both Spain and Portugal, people drive on the right-hand side of the road.
FAQS – Schedules and traditional habits
In Spain and Portugal, most tourist sites and public areas welcome photography. However, some museums, churches, and historical sites may have restrictions, especially regarding flash photography. Always look for signs or ask staff if you’re unsure.
In Morocco, photography rules can be a bit stricter. While many public places and markets are photo-friendly, some religious sites, palaces, and government buildings prohibit photography. Additionally, always ask for permission before photographing people to show respect for local customs.
Please always check for any specific rules at each site to ensure you’re following local guidelines.
In Spain and Portugal, it’s generally acceptable to take photos in markets and public places. Most people don’t mind, but it’s always polite to ask first, especially if you’re taking close-ups of individuals or their stalls.
In Morocco, it’s a bit different. While taking photos in markets is usually okay, it’s important to be respectful. Always ask for permission before photographing people, as some may find it intrusive. If you’re unsure, a friendly gesture and a smile can go a long way.
Enjoy capturing the beautiful moments on your trip, and remember to be considerate of local customs and people’s privacy!
During the day it’s perfectly acceptable to wear shorts and sneakers. However, if you plan to dine at restaurants, it’s better to opt for longer pants. In these countries, people tend to dress more formally than in the US.
While speaking the local language can enrich your experience, many tourism professionals and younger people speak English in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. However, learning a few basic phrases in the local language is always appreciated and can be very useful.
In Spain and Portugal, vegetarian and vegan options are increasing, especially in large cities and tourist areas. In Morocco, while the traditional diet includes meat, there are many vegetarian dishes available, especially in markets and tourist restaurants.
Each country has its own customs and traditions. In Spain, it is common to greet with two kisses on the cheek. In Portugal, people are very polite and appreciate good manners. In Morocco, it is important to dress conservatively, especially in rural and religious areas, and always ask permission before taking photographs of people.
