Contacts
For any question or information please send e-mail to psa2006@oal.ul.pt
Useful links
- Detailed Aveiro Map
- University of Aveiro Map
- Pictures of Aveiro and its surroundings
- Portugal Info
- Tourism information about the Aveiro region
- Weather
Various information
Medical Care
Health Services
Consultations are given at the Centro de Saúde (Public Health Centre) through the "Serviço de Atendimento Permanente" (SAP), where you should go in the first instance.
Location:
Praceta Rainha D. Leonor
3810 Aveiro
Tel: 234 378 650
08h00 - 22h00 -- Monday-Friday
08h00 - 20h00 -- Saturday and Sunday
Who can use SAP?
- European Union Citizens holding the E111 or E128 health certificate;
- Brasilian citizens holding the PB4 health certificate;
- International researchers enrolled in the Portuguese Social Security System;
- Portuguese nationals enrolled in the Portuguese Social Security System
Note: If you do not have access to the SAP user card, you may still use the service but have to pay full rates.
The organizers suggest that participants who are not covered by SAP should get a health insurance for the duration of their stay in Portugal.
Urgent Medical Assistance is available in hospitals providing 24 hours a day emergency service. In case of emergency dial 112.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are identified by a green cross which will be lit up at night if the pharmacy is on duty. When it is closed there will be a notice in the window showing the nearest pharmacy on duty, which is open 24 hours a day. The Portuguese word for pharmacy is "farmácia".
The address and telephone number of the duty pharmacies during weekend and during the night are provided in the local newspapers and in the front windows of all pharmacies.
Timetable: working days - 09h00 to 13h00 and 15h00 to 19h00
Saturdays - 09h00 to 13h00
Electricity
Voltage: 220/380 volts at a frequency of 50 Hertz. All sockets follow European standards. To use American (or other) type plugs an adapter should be used.
Money Matters
Currency: Euro
Credit cards (such as American Express, Eurocard/Mastercard and Visa) are widely accepted in Portugal.
Automatic Cash Machines and Cash Cards
Portugal has a national network of ATMs (Automatic teller Machines), known as "Multibanco", which allows the withdrawal of up to 200 euros per day on cash cards. Machines are located in banks, shops, petrolstations and other convenient places. Multibanco point-of-sale devices are also in wide use in shops, restaurants, cafés etc.
Multibanco machines recognise the international cash cards Visa International, Eurocheque, Cirrus, and American Express. In addition, cards, which function through the following networks, are accepted (ask your bank at home for advice about which network your card works through):
- Telebanco System 4B (Spain)
- ServiRed (Spain)
- CLAU (Andorra)
- BANCONTACT - Banksys (Belgium)
- Buildings Societies and LINK networks managed through NEXUS (UK)
- BANKONET network managed through SSB (Italy)
Banks are open from 8.30 - 15.00 from Monday to Friday.
Transport and Communication
Public Transport
The integrated city bus network is run by the Urban Transport Services of Aveiro (TUA) serving all parts of the town. Lines 5, 6 and 12 serve the University. Tickets can be bought in advance at any post office or at the University Students Union. It is also possible to pay the driver directly although this is more expensive.
Minibuses (tua - SMA) are an alternative to city buses, travelling every ten minutes by two routes between the railway station and the university Campus. Ticket purchase and prices are identical to the city bus network.
"Buga" is a bike, which can be hired on a casual basis for getting around Aveiro town centre. There are bike parks located throughout the town and at the University Campus. Buga users simply insert a 50 cents coin in a slot and take a bike. The coin is returned at any bike park (works like a shopping trolley system).
Trains - There are 5 types of train service. "Alfa" and "Intercidades" are express trains that stop at large cities only. "Inter regional" and "regional" trains stop at smaller towns and are less expensive than the others. "Suburbano" trains travel short distances to serve daily commuters. Travelling 60 km costs about 3 euros on the "Inter Regional" and the "Regional trains". The "Alfa" and "Intercidades" are generally a little over double the price but much quicker.
Taxis - These can be called by telephone, at taxi-ranks or on the move. Most taxis are beige and display the letter A on the car's door. Fares vary from district to district, but generally speaking taxis are not as expensive in Portugal as in most other European countries. The fare is based on the distance travelled, with extra charges for luggage. It is not necessary to tip the driver.
Rent-a-car
At airports, international railway terminals and all main locations there are rent-a-car services. Specially adapted or automatic vehicles are available for the disabled. To hire a vehicle you must be over 18, present some identification (identity card for EU citizens or valid passport for others) and a driver's licence held for more than one year.
The green card is obligatory and it is advisable to be insured.
For further information please contact Associação dos Industriais de Automóveis sem Condutor ( Tel: +351 21 395 7234) or a Travel Agent.
For further information relating to transport for the disabled, please contact TURINEGRA - Turismo Integrado, CRL ( Tel: +351 21 859 5332)
In Aveiro, you can hire a car at:
Avis- Rent-a-Carand other places.
Avenida Dr. Lourenço Peixinho, 181
Tel: +351 234 371 041,
Driving in Portugal
In Portugal we drive on the right and overtake on the left. Headlights must be used during heavy rain, fog and, of course, at night. On some major roads, for example on the IP5, which links Aveiro to European E80 highway, the use of headlights is obligatory at all times.
Driving Licences
Driving licences issued in other EU member states are valid in Portugal. Licences issued beyond the European Union are generally not recognised, although it is possible to apply to have a foreign licence if it was issued in a country with which Portugal has signed a bilateral agreement on the equivalence and exchange of driving licences. International driving licences purchased in your home country are recognised in Portugal.
Telephones
All telephone numbers functioning from the national network provider and the numbers of mobile phones purchased in Portugal have 9 digits. We do not use any regional codes. The international access code for Portugal is 351.
The telecommunications industry in Portugal is buoyant and expanding, with many independent operators competing to provide communications services. At present, independent operators provide national and international lines, but not local lines. If you intend to bring a mobile phone, make sure it is compatible with the Portuguese networks (GSM 900/1800). Mobile phones in Portugal do not function with disposable phone cards.
Post
Post Offices are open Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Regular stamped mail ("correio normal") can be dropped into the red post-boxes for collection. Stamped express mail ("correio azul") can be dropped into the blue post-boxes. Stamps can be purchased at the post office, at many newspaper kiosks, news agencies, bookshops, and from stamp machines in public places.
General Tourist Information
Some Basic Words and Phrases
| Thank you | Obrigado | 1 | um | 20 | vinte | |
| Please | Por favor | 2 | dois | 30 | trinta | |
| Good morning | Bom dia | 3 | três | 40 | quarenta | |
| Good afternoon | Boa tarde | 4 | quatro | 50 | cinquenta | |
| Good evening | Boa noite | 5 | cinco | 60 | sessenta | |
| Yes | Sim | 6 | seis | 70 | setenta | |
| No | Não | 7 | sete | 80 | oitenta | |
| Bank | Banco | 8 | oito | 90 | noventa | |
| Exhange | Câmbio | 9 | nove | 100 | cem | |
| How much is it? | Quanto custa? | 10 | dez | 1000 | mil | |
| Do you speak English? | Fala Inglês? | |||||
| I don't understand | Não compreendo | |||||
Culture and Entertainment
In all the main urban centres there are cinemas, theatres, bookshops, art exhibitions, galleries, concerts, ballet, opera, etc. In Portuguese cinemas the films are generally shown in the original language, with subtitles in Portuguese. In various locations around the country and at regular intervals there are displays by folk dancing groups and there are regular pilgrimages and fairs of a highly regional nature where popular art and artefacts are available. Portugal has a wide variety of choice for entertainment: casinos, bingo halls, discos, bars, pavement cafes, piano bars, sporting events, etc.
For information and dates for events and cultural programmes please contact ICEP Tourist Offices (Tel: +351 21 346 3658) or the local tourist board.
Monuments
Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe, politically independent since A.D. 1143. From the North to the South of Portugal there is a rich heritage of various monuments. Castles, Palaces, Monasteries and Convents, Churches and other sites offer the public an amazing choice of works of art.
With the exception of public holidays and /or weekly closing days, they are generally open from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 to 5 p.m.
Some palaces close on Wednesday.
Museums
National museums are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. They close on Monday and sometimes for part of Tuesday morning.
For more information on national Museums please contact Instituto Português de Museus (Tel: +351 21 364 2230)
Some 15 museums in the region tell of the history and past civilization of Aveiro and the surrounding district, with exhibitions of local crafts, dress, machinery, ceramics, life with the sea and popular traditions. In general, Museums open daily (except on Mondays) from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. Further details can be obtained from the Tourist Office in town.
Bullfights
The Portuguese bullfight is unique in the world and originates in the 16th century. Known in Portuguese as "Arte Marialva" it consists of a fight on foot between the bull and the bullfighter, bullfighting on horseback and ends with the exciting "pega". In this genuine Portuguese event, a group of men called the "forcados" taunt the bull (which may weigh over 600 kg) from a distance and then when it runs towards them they grab it by the horns and tail until it comes to a standstill. Since the 18th century it has been forbidden to kill the bull during bullfights in Portugal. The bullfighting season traditionally starts on Easter Sunday throughout the country and finishes in October.
Fado
Fado originated in sailors' bars in Lisbon towards the end of the 18th century. Its name came from the Latin word "fatum", fate. From the last quarter of the 19th century it was adopted by the aristocrats to express their romantic feelings using the words of great Portuguese poets and writers, and became linked to the word "saudade" (a longing for home and familiar places). The voice of Amália Rodrigues has made fado known internationally.
Fado is considered the typical musical form of Lisbon and can be heard in the typical areas of Alfama and Bairro Alto in places known as "casas de fado". Coimbra's fado, sung in this city by students in their black gowns, is closer to troubadour origins. Many of the songs still tell of students' adventures with local girls. One of the differences between these two types of fado sung in Lisbon and Coimbra is that the second is traditionally sung as a solo by a man. The instrumental accompaniment for either of the types is the 12 string Portuguese guitar and the classical guitar.
Sports
With its mild climate and the high number of sunny days throughout the year, Portugal is an excellent country for sports. Thanks to natural conditions and built infrastructures, the most important activities are footbal (soccer), most indoor sports, golf, cycling, tennis and water sports: sailing, rowing, fishing, underwater exploration, surfing, bodyboarding and windsurfing. For anglers out on the high seas, the "big game" Portugal offers along the continental coast and in Madeira and the Azores provides an opportunity to break international records with sword fish, tuna and shark among others.
For the various types of sporting events please contact the respective sports Federations or Associations or Instituto do Desporto (Tel: 351 21 395 32 71)
Weather and Climate
The Portuguese climate can be described as maritime temperate. It is cool and often rainy in the north, warmer and drier in the south. In Aveiro, average temperatures range between 8 and 14 degrees centigrade in January, while August temperatures vary between 17 and 30 degrees centigrade. The periods of highest rainfall are generally in March and April. Aveiro enjoys the luxury of a cool sea breeze, even at the hottest times of the year (August and September). The best advice we can offer is to bring sun and rain protection clothing and equipment. The actual weather report can be seen at http://www.euroweather.net/pt/
Aveiro is located on the west coast of Portugal offering a picturesque view of Portuguese coastal life. The "Ria" - the largest lagoon in Portugal - is a natural inlet from the sea that runs into the city through canals, giving the city a feeling of being built over water. In June, the weather is pleasantly mild providing an invitation to visit the sandy beaches only 10 kms away. Additional information about the region of Aveiro is available here.
Shopping For International Food
Although there is no supermarket on the Campus, there are a number of supermarkets within easy reach where a wide variety of international foods are available. In addition there are a number of health food shops in town, which sell a wide range of cereals as well as some spices. Sweet potatoes, fresh fruit and vegetables as well as fresh meat, fish, eggs are available not only in the supermarket but also at the open marketplace just 5 minutes from the residential complex. Unfortunately, there are no Halal or Kosher butchers in Aveiro.
Note that tap water is perfectly safe to drink in Portugal. If you come across a drinking fountain however, it is better to ask the local people whether or not it is safe to drink from.
Shopping
The Shopping Centre "Forum", which lies in the centre of town, offers a variety of shops, as well as a supermarket. Shops are open from 9:00 to 12:30 and from 2:30 to 7:00 p.m. On Saturdays most shops close at 1:00 p.m.
Time Zone
In September Portugal is in GMT+1 time (except for the islands of Azores).
Culture and Entertainment
In town, there are large swimming-pool complexes with which the university has special arrangements for students, details of which can be obtained through the Students Union. Aveiro also has health centres, gymnasiums, tennis complexes and a football stadium.
Information about access to these facilities can be found on location or through the Students Union Sports Department.
Beaches and Mountains
The geographical location of Aveiro is ideal for those who enjoy the outdoors. An extensive stretch of sandy coastline is located just 10 km from town, with the beaches "Costa Nova" and "Barra" very popular among surfers, swimmers, and nature enthusiasts. Buses from Aveiro run every hour. If you want to go swimming seek advice about the safe places to swim. "Freita" and "Caramulo" Mountains lie some 50 km inland, offering some spectacular scenery along the many and varied hiking routes.
Cinema, Theatre and Events
There are two large multi-screen cinemas in Aveiro within 10 minutes walking distance from the University Campus. In town there are also a further two film theatres showing alternatives to the mainstream commercialised type of films.
In Aveiro there is no shortage of other types of cultural activity! The University is well known for promoting the arts through its monthly programme of cultural events, including poetry readings, exhibitions, plays, recitals etc.
Aveiro also has a large exhibition centre where music festivals, theatrical productions and conferences are held on a regular basis. Rock concerts are occasionally organised by the Students Union, especially during student week, which is usually held in the second week of May.
