How to call Portugal | In-depth guide with examples

Connecting with Portugal from the United States is essential for various reasons, whether for business, personal, or cultural connections.

Portugal boasts robust industries such as technology, tourism, agriculture, and finance—each offering significant opportunities for international collaboration. Additionally, Portugal's rich cultural heritage, including its traditions, festivals, and world-renowned cuisine, makes it a unique and compelling partner.

Understanding the nuances of engaging with this vibrant European nation is crucial for fostering both business and personal relationships effectively.

Guide to calling Portugal

Before dialing, ensure you're aware of the rates charged by your carrier for international calls to Portugal. You should also make sure your connection is reliable to avoid any issues caused by latency or choppy voice transmission.

1. Check the time in Portugal

Considering the time difference is important when calling Portugal. The country operates on Western European Time (WET) or Western European Summer Time (WEST) during daylight saving time, which is UTC+0 or UTC+1 respectively. Portugal is typically 5–8 hours ahead of U.S. time zones, depending on your specific location in the U.S. and daylight saving time adjustments.

You should always check the local time in Portugal to ensure your call is made at a convenient hour.

2. Dial the exit code

For international calls from the U.S., the exit code is 011, indicating you're making an international call.

3. Enter Portugal's country code

Next, dial Portugal's country code (+351) to connect your call to Portugal.

4. Dial the area code and local number

Start with 011, followed by 351, the country code for Portugal.

For a landline

Input the area code for the specific region in Portugal you're calling, which is typically two digits, followed by the seven-digit local number.

For example, to call a landline in Lisbon with the area code 21 and the local number 1234567, you would dial 011-351-21-1234567.

For a mobile phone

Dial the mobile number directly after the country code, starting with 9, followed by the eight-digit sequence.

For instance, to call a Portuguese mobile number like 912345678, the correct sequence would be 011-351-912345678.

Tips for a successful call

Before placing a call to Portugal, ensure you have a strong connection to avoid dropped calls. It's crucial to have a backup plan in case of technical issues, such as knowing whether to call back or wait for the other party to initiate a reconnection.

Understanding and respecting Portuguese business culture and etiquette will enhance your communication. Portuguese business interactions often start formally. Use titles such as “Senhor” (Mr.), “Senhora” (Mrs.), or professional titles like “Doutor” (Doctor) when addressing your contacts. Greetings usually involve a handshake and eye contact.

Be aware of local holidays that might affect business operations. Portugal has several national holidays, such as Portugal Day on June 10th, and regional holidays that may vary. Scheduling calls around these times can prevent disruptions.

English is commonly spoken in business settings, but showing appreciation for the local language can build rapport. Simple greetings like “Bom dia” (Good morning) or “Boa tarde” (Good afternoon) could be beneficial.

Lastly, be patient and flexible. The pace of decision-making in Portugal might be different from what you're accustomed to in the U.S. Allow time for thorough discussions and avoid rushing the process to foster a successful business relationship.

Considerations for calling Portugal

When planning to call Portugal from the United States, several factors can impact your experience. These include understanding the language spoken in Portugal, being aware of the time zone differences, and knowing how much it costs to call Portugal.

Language and culture

The official language of Portugal is Portuguese. While English is increasingly spoken, especially in tourist areas, don't assume everyone you're calling will be fluent. If you don't speak Portuguese, consider using a translation service or asking someone who does to help.

Starting your call with a polite greeting in Portuguese can go a long way in establishing a positive connection. Here are a few common Portuguese greetings:

• "Olá" - This is a general greeting, similar to "Hello" in English. It's appropriate for most situations.
• "Bom dia" - "Good morning," used until noon.
• "Boa tarde" - "Good afternoon," used from noon until evening.
• "Boa noite" - "Good evening/good night," used from evening onwards.

Portuguese culture emphasizes politeness and formality. When addressing someone you don't know well, use "Senhor" (Mr.) or "Senhora" (Mrs.) followed by their last name.

Time zones

Portugal observes Western European Time (WET). During Daylight Saving Time, Portugal switches to Western European Summer Time (WEST), which is six hours ahead of UTC. Here's a table illustrating the time differences between Portugal and various U.S. time zones:

To avoid calling during inconvenient hours, use a world clock tool to check the current time in Portugal before making your call.

How much does it cost to call Portugal?

Call costs to Portugal vary based on your service provider, call type (landline or mobile), duration, and time of day. Carrier rates differ, with some offering standard per-minute charges or international calling plans. Generally, calling Portuguese mobile numbers is pricier than landlines.

Call duration impacts cost, so be mindful of conversation length, especially without an unlimited plan. Some carriers provide off-peak hour discounts. For precise pricing, consult your service provider's website or customer service. Alternatively, consider VoIP services, which often offer competitive international call rates.

Make affordable calls to Portugal with Telnyx

With these tips and recommendations, you're ready to call Portugal with confidence.

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