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On this page we explain the difference between Airport transfer companies in Portugal and Algarve and that of the traditional Taxi.
Whilst both Taxis and Transfer companies must both be licensed and insured to carry passengers, The taxi can be hailed at any point, they will have a light on the roof showing if they are already carrying passengers, or free to pick up passengers, they will carry a meter that will show the minimum fare on the meter in 2012 the daytime minimum rate is €3.25 this rate runs during the hours of 6:30am to 9pm then the rate can change as they are considered unsociable working hours the rate then changes to a minimum of €3.90. unless you have used a licensed taxi in the past to your current destination, you are unlikely to know the cost of the journey, the driver will normally have a distance chart that will give you a rough guide to the cost of your journey.(you can print off your own distance chart from this website click here to visit page),
Often there can be a language problem it is suggested that you write on a piece of paper the phrase (Quanto irá custar o meu destino?) (How much will my destination cost?).
Airport Transfer normally known as transfer companies as they can take you too many destinations other than just the Airport. These will normally have to be booked in advanced they are fully licensed to take you to pre-booked destination and may not be flagged down or hailed.
The price is given in advanced and you must either prepay for your journey online in advance or when you reach your destination, never pay up front in cash as this is against the law and licensed Transfer companies will not ask.
If you have booked a return journey to the Airport it is normal practice to pay for the return when you reach your destination, as after all you have pre-booked.
The advantage to using an airport transfer company is that you know they will be there to greet you at the airport terminal, rather than taking a chance of getting a taxi as you could be left waiting especially in high season.
You will also find that most airport transfer companies use mini busses or people carriers which have the advantage of carrying larger groups along with plenty of luggage space. Nowadays they even have WiFi on board which gives you the advantage of booking in for your flight whilst on the way to the airport. Also remember if you are disabled and use a wheelchair ask if they have the facilities to accommodate your needs. How do I know if they are Licensed? (See bottom of the page)
Most people will have their holiday head on and not realize that it is not just restriction on customs when you return home but there are in fact restriction for entering Portugal on what amount that you are legally allowed to bring in below is the following guide line for August 2012. Remember these are for personal use per person. (you must be 17 years and older) arriving with goods purchased within the EU Tobacco, 800 Cigarettes,
400 cigarillos (max. 3g each), 200 cigars, or 1kg Pipe or rolling tobacco.
Alcohol is the following, 10 litres of spirits over 22%, 20 litres of alcohol drinks of less than 22%, 90 litres of wine (though no more than 60 litres of sparkling wine), 110 litres of beer.
Free import to passengers arriving from non-EU Member States (incl. Aland Island, Canary Islands, Channel Islands and other similar territories) :
Tobacco, Beers and Spirits (you must be at least 17 year of age)
200 cigarettes; or
100 cigarillos (max. 3g each); or
50 cigars; or
250g of tobacco,
-1 litre of spirits over 22% volume, or non-denatured ethyl alcohol with more than 80% volume; or 2 litres of spirits or aperitifs made of wine or similar less than 22% volume, or sparkling wines or liqueur wines, 4 litres of wine or 16 litres of beer
Medicine products sufficient for your journey and for personal use only.
other goods (for air travellers) up to a total value of EUR 430. ( adults) or EUR 150.- (per passenger aged under 15 years).
Currency Import regulations:
Import of local currency (Euro-EUR) and foreign currencies are without restrictions.
But if you are entering the Country with more than €5,000 it is a good idea to declare it upon arrival as you could find delays if you return with the amount of €5,000
How Much Duty Free am I allowed to Bring in to Portugal ?
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that one of the first regulations for Taxis was founded in England in the days of horse drawn carriages, it was known as the Hackney Carriage Act and was introduced in 1635, even today London Black cabs are known as Hackney Cabs.
DID YOU KNOW?
The first Taxi in Portugal was first seen in Lisbon in 1907 in the form of an automobile, whilst most of the country still used horse and carriage until the 1930’s. horse and carts were still being used in Portugal as late as the 1970’s for private transport.
DID YOU KNOW?
The name Taxi derived from the word Taximeter it was invented in Struttgard in Germany by its inventor Wilhelm Bruhn in 1891 and to this day the taximeter is used worldwide and the name Taxi has Stuck ever since.
What should I Tip?
If you feel that the service has been a good one then the normal tip is between 10-15%. However if you did not find the service a pleasant one you have the right to complain as every company that offers a public service must have a complaints book.
HOW DO I KNOW IF THEY ARE LEGAL?
If you have booked your transfer company online most will give the Licence number on there website, but what if they have not you can check with the Portuguese equivalent to companies house, but what if you do not have the time , here is one thing to watch for, at most airports in Portugal there is a barrier that the public are not allowed to enter at the arrivals gate, and it is normally supervised by a guard, all Licensed Transfer companies will have a ID card that allows them to be in this area, if your Transfer company meets you the other side of the barrier you should ask Why. Ask them to show you their licence, legal companies will gladly show you, if you fail to show you do not get in the Vehicle, but go to a policeman/woman at the airport and report it, they will also point you to a licensed one at the airport so you will not be stranded.
Contact Information on Major UK Airports
Aberdeen Tel: 0844 481 6666
www.aberdeenairport.com
Belfast International Tel: 028 9448 4848
www.belfastairport.com
Birmingham Tel: 0844 567 6000
www.birminghamairport.co.uk
Bristol Tel: 0871 334 4444
www.bristolairport.co.uk
Cardiff Tel: 01446 711 111
www.tbicardiffairport.com
East Midlands Tel: 0871 919 9000
www.eastmidlandsairport.com
Edinburgh Tel: 0844 481 8989
www.edinburghairport.com
Glasgow Tel: 0844 481 5555
www.glasgowairport.com
Glasgow Preswick Tel: 0871 223 0700
www.glasgowpreswick.com
Leeds Bradford Tel: 0871 288 2288
www.leedsbradfordairport.com
Liverpool John Lennon Tel: 0871 521 8484
www.liverpoolairport.com
London Gatwick Tel: 0844 892 0322
www.gatwickairport.com
London Heathrow Tel: 0844 335 1801
www.heathrowairport.com
London Luton Tel: 01582 405 100
www.london-luton.co.uk
London Stansted Tel: 0844 335 0711
www.stanstedairport.com
Manchester Tel: 0871 271 0711
www.manchesterairport.com
Newcastle Tel:0871 882 1121
www.newcastleairport.com
Portugal Airports
Acores Tel: 351 29 6205400
www.ana.pt
Beja Tel: 351 284 001 020
www.ana.pt
Faro Tel: 351 289 800 800
www.ana.pt
Lisbon Tel: 351 21 8413500
www.ana.pt
Porto Tel: 351 22 9432400
www.ana.pt
Marble statues at Faro airport roundabout
