As regular readers know I am currently back in England have fun helping to organise Winchester’s Heritage Open Days. Not only is this a fabulous festival but it is taking my mind off the fact how much I am missing Portuguese sunshine, food and the walks! However there is also a downside I am so busy with everything that I am struggling to find the time to write the many posts I have planned for you this month. Fortunately however Catarina of the lovely A Portuguese Affair blog has kindly agreed to me sharing a link to some very helpful tips she wrote a few weeks ago. As Catarina says;
Hopefully these tips will make any unexpected hiccups on your trip a little easier to bear. Remember, in an unforeseen situation, it’s better to be prepared so you don’t have to research where to go, who to call, or what to do in the event that something does happen.
Her post I think is essential reading if you are planning a trip to Portugal as it covers what you should do if:
- You need a insect repellent, pain relief tablets or something stronger
- A medical emergency happens
- You need extra cash (do note away from tourist areas cash is often the only way to pay)
- You mislay your passport or it is stolen
To find out what you should do if any the above arise visit The Portuguese Affair, but before you go to visit Catarina why not make a note of the number 112.
112 is the emergency number and it is the same throughout Europe including the UK. It is free to call and the operator will put you in contact with the emergency service that you require including medical, fire and police. It can be used for any life-threatening situation, serious medical problems and any type of fire.
PS And for those irritating and unexpected hiccups, try drinking a glass of water upside down! This is easier than it sounds, simply press the far side of the glass against the inside of your upper lip. Now bend over forwards and drink the water from the far side of the rim of your glass.
Re travel.
1.ehic
2.travel insurance. this is particularly important ,as there are a lot of clinics which are private,at a min 50 e a pop.
3 beware some cash machines will charge for using a card so match the logo and always use debit card.
4.always check prices and if in doubt ,get it written down.
5.us dollars always a reasonable back up.
John
Great additional tips John, particularly the one about the EHIC and the travel insurance. Thank you.
Re the hiccups, I’ve got a much better (and funnier) cure – you’ll need to get someone to hold the glass for you though. Grip both your ear lobes between thumb and forefinger and pull your ears as far away from your head as you can, then drink the water. If you can actually manage to drink it without dissolving into fits of giggles the hiccups will be gone 🙂 🙂 I don’t know where I first got that method from (a school friend I think) but I used to do it in my teens and it always worked 🙂
Oh my?!!!! Never heard of this one sounds brilliant. I’ll try it next time I get them 😂
Found you through Jo. Looking forward to following you.
Delighted to meet you Ruth. Jo’s fabulous isn’t she, I feel honoured to call her a friend.
Yes, I agree- she is absolutely fabulous!
Good to know about the cash v card situation.
It has caught quite a few of our visitors out as they never quite believe us! Fortunately though as it is generally cheaper everywhere they’ve managed until they found a cash machine.
It’s the same in Japan. Cash is the only way to go there too.
I like it as I always find it gives me a clearer idea of how much I am spending!
Are you a contortionist? I’m sure I’d fall over if I tried this. 🙂 🙂
Dare you to have a go this morning but maybe lean over the kitchen sink just in case!!!
The upside down water thing is neat. Is that required fie Portugal? 😉
Hee hee . . . certainly works in England!