Portugal - Travel Tips Need a Gift for a Family Member? Gift Idea-World Cup Items
- mcoelho813
- Oct 4
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 5
Quick Facts
Lots of items are not made in Portugal. Look at the label if you want a gift made in Portugal
Euros are the type of money used in Portugal and all of the EU countries
Souvenir ideas My ideas since I travel so often I can’t bring back expensive souvenirs
Travel tips Portugal
Euro coins from different countries Caramulo ‘0’ euro bill- value keepsake Shells from the beach Stress rings- the center turns, helping you destress Rosaries from Fatima Anything made from cork-a handbag, a wallet, a change purse, a key ring Port wine Gold jewelry- it’s pricey right now Table linen embroidered- my favorites are from Luso and Serra Estrella Cheese Handmade slippers Viseu Mateus festival, Luso, Estrella Wooden spoons Rocks from the ocean central area -the colors are so unique, and the rocks are smooth from churning in the ocean - Tocha, Nazare Portugal hats baseball style are cheap, @$5 euros For my Grandchildren- handmade sweaters, ceramic singing bird whistle- Nazare, candy, rosaries, Portugal jersey, Portugal hat Cork from Southern Portugal
Salt from the Algarve
Canned Sardines
Cork Purse
Linen
Travel tips Portugal
Always thinking of what to buy for family and friends as a souvenir? Travel Tips Portugal
Portugal uses Euros
There are 8 commonly used coins.
You can accumulate coins quickly
I save some coins and give them out as souvenirs when I go home
Euro coins are a cheap and unique keepsake to give someone
On 1 January 1999, 11 EU countries launched the euro as their new common currency. The euro was initially an electronic currency. Euro banknotes and coins were introduced three years later. The euro is the currency of 19 EU countries and over 340 million Europeans.
The euro coin series has eight different denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, €1, and €2. That is 8 coins. The euro coins have a common side and a national side. The national side indicates the country the coin represents. The common sides of the coins were designed by Mr. Luycx of the Royal Belgian Mint.
Since there are 8 coins, you are always counting coins or looking for a special coin when you are paying for items.
Each country may issue two commemorative coins per year. These coins have the same features and properties and the same common side as normal €2 coins. What makes them different is their commemorative design on the national side. Only the €2 denomination can be used for commemorative coins. It's difficult to locate commemorative coins. We went to 5 different banks and couldn't locate one. Commemorative coins are very limited.
If you travel with an empty pillow case, you can put the overflow gifts or clothes in the case and carry it. Most airlines, including Delta, do not consider a pillow as a carry-on.
So pack an extra pillow case in case you go overboard and purchase too many gifts.
GLOBAL ENTRY
I am so excited to announce that I was approved for Global Entry.
How do you obtain a Global Blue Card?
I applied online, paid the fee ($100), and completed the TSA in-person interview when I landed in the Philly airport. My AA credit card covered the cost of the application.
Which website do you use to apply?
Do I need an appointment to complete the application?
I didn’t need an appointment because the calendar was backed up for one year, so they waived the requirement to have an appointment. You can complete the interview at specific international airports in the US. The interview took about 15 minutes. I needed my NJ driver’s license and current passport. I was electronically fingerprinted. I answered a few questions.
How do you know if you are approved?
Two weeks later, I received an email that I was approved. I should receive my Global Entry card in the mail shortly. The card is valid for 5 years.
How do you use the card?
When you enter the US or fly domestically, you go to a Global Entry kiosk and scan yourself in. You don’t have to wait in line for TSA or passport checks.
It fast-tracks you in a few minutes.
I am so excited. I have waited for hours in the TSA and passport lines over the past 36 years of traveling.
Do I still need TSA Pre-Check?
The agent also told me that I don’t need TSA Pre-Check. Global Entry gives you pre-check.
Who can apply for Global Entry?
Global Entry is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and U.S. legal permanent residents as well as citizens of certain countries with which CBP has trusted traveler arrangements, including Argentina, Colombia, Germany, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, Panama, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Canadian citizens and residents enrolled in NEXUS may also use the Global Entry kiosks.
Where can I find more information about traveling, tax-free shopping, airport details, sites to see, what to pack for a trip, and airline perks?
Check out my blog for other travel ideas
Comments