Business trip to Lisbon, Portugal
The Lisbon region is the wealthiest region in Portugal. That is well above the European Union’s GDP per capita average, it produces 45% of the Portuguese GDP. Lisbon’s economy is based primarily on the tertiary sector.
Lisbon Metropolitan Area is heavily industrialized, especially the south bank of the Tagus river. Most of the headquarters of multinationals operating in Portugal are concentrated in the Grande Lisboa subregion, specially in the Oeiras municipality.
Portugal’s chief seaport, featuring one of the largest and most sophisticated regional markets on the Iberian Peninsula, Lisbon and its heavily populated surroundings are also developing as an important financial center and a dynamic technological hub.
Read more...
Lisbon has the largest and most developed mass media sector of Portugal, and is home to several related companies ranging from tv networks and radio stations to major newspapers.
The Euronext Lisbon stock exchange, part of the pan-European Euronext system together with the stock exchanges of Amsterdam, Paris and Brussels, is tied with the New York Stock Exchange since 2007, forming the multinational NYSE Euronext group of stock exchanges.
Being a major seaport, Lisbon is today the major commercial center and wealthiest region in Portugal. Being the center of Portugal’s transportation network and home to the largest international airport of the nation, Lisbon is the ideal venue for international business conventions, seminars and expos.
Where the Metropolitan Area of Lisbon is heavily industrialized, most of the headquarters of multinationals operating in Portugal are also concentrated in Greater Lisbon sub-region. Lisbon’s economy is highly driven by services sector as well.
For more in-depth information I suggest you buy and read the "Global Business Etiquettes" book.
- Communication:
Use formal names, professional and academic titles. Hierarchy is very important.
The Portuguese are not direct, they prefer subtlety to directness.
Never interrupt somebody.
Dress formal and conservative. - Meetings and negotiations:
When making appointments use the 24-hour clock time format to avoid misunderstandings.
Be very punctual, if you suspect you will late, call and explain the situation.
Never cancel a meeting at the last minute.
Shake hands with everyone upon arriving at the meeting and leaving.
Remain standing until invited to sit down or others do so.
Agenda’s are not strictly followed and a meeting can take much longer then planned.
First appointments are more socially oriented, The Portuguese would like to know you a bit better at first.
Keep your presentation as short as possible, to the point, accurate and precise, do not exaggerate.
Follow up a meeting with a letter or an e-mail with all agreements outlined. - Table manners:
If unsure on how to behave, mimic the behavior of others.
Wait until you are appointed a seat.
Avoid alcohol if possible, otherwise drink little.
If making a toast, stand up.
The napkin stays folded next to the plate, eat not too much, leave some food on your plate when finished.
Keep your hands above the table when eating.
After finishing your plate lay your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles to the right.
Thank your host at the end of the meal.
Portugal, together with its semi-autonomous island regions of the Azores and Madeira, offers foreign exporters a market of approximately 10,6 million people in a country roughly the size 92.345 km2. As a member of the European Union, it is fully integrated with the EU. Portugal uses the euro currency, and follows directives from the European Commission in Brussels.
As with all EU countries and as one of the countries that participates in the Schengen Agreement, Portugal’s borders and ports are completely open to the free flow of trade with other EU member countries. It has a politically stable environment with a democratically elected parliamentary government and is welcoming of foreign business and investment.
Portugal’s GDP per capita is € 13.350 (2008), and its language is the 6th most widely spoken in the world. The country retains close political and economic relations with it former colonies, which are spread throughout Africa, Asia, and South America. Internal reforms have been underway since 2005 to address chronic budget deficits and economic stagnation. These (mostly structural) reforms have borne fruit, as the economy grew by 1.2% in 2006, 1.8% in 2007, and is projected to post a 0.3% gain for 2008. Portugal succeeded in bringing its budget deficit down from a high of 6% in 2005 to 2.6% in 2007 – well under the EU’s limit of 3% - and is expected to post a deficit of only 2.4% for 2008.
For 2009, against the backdrop of a severe global economic downturn, Portugal faced a recession which may see the economy contract by up to 2%. Negative growth and a concurrent rise in unemployment will undoubtedly hinder the government’s ability to implement further public-sector reforms, as will an impending general election planned for the second half of 2009.
Instead of that, there is increasing pressure for greater public spending to avoid a deeper economic crisis. That said, the government has stated it will prioritize large project investments such as a high-speed train link to Spain and a new international airport in Lisbon, which are anticipated to create diverse opportunities for technology imports and international service contracts.
| Currency | EUR |
| Time zone | GMT |
| Population | 10.707.924 |
| Area | 92.345 km2 |
| Population density | 114/km2 |
| GDP | € 145,42 billion |
| GDP per capita | € 13.678 |
  | Product tip: There are also nice looking laptop bags on the market! A laptop bag doesn’t have to be a dull conservative black bag. There are lot’s of great looking bags on the market these days. Special laptop bags with the protection that is needed for your laptop but also with nice designs in models and materials. |
Lisbon Airport is seven kilometers northeast of the Portuguese capital. It was opened on October 15, 1942, after WW2 rapid expansion was necessary.
Lisbon Airport has to deal with the rapidly growing amount of passengers and freight. Therefore, plans have been drawn to build a new airport 50 kilometers northwest of Lisbon, a decision about this has not yet been made. However, it has been decided to make substantial renovations to the existing airport.
From a study it became clear that the division of the airport and the ground movements of the airplanes were unnecessarily complicated. In the meantime there are other improvements being made, including, among others, the construction of a new runway. There was considerable work done at the Portela Airport, the whole renovation was completed in 2008.
Address
Lisbon Portela Airport
Alameda das Comunidades Portuguesas
1700-007 Lisbon
Portugal
Telephone: +351(0)21 841 3500
Fax: +351(0)21 841 3675
Email: lisbon.airport@ana-aeroportos.ptwww.ana.pt
Airport codes
IATA airport code: LIS
ICAO airport code: LPPT
Lost property
The counter for found objects can be found at the police station in the Arrivals Hall (tel: +351 (0)21 849 6132).
Terminal info
Lisbon Airport has two terminals.
Terminal 1 is for International Departures and International and Domestic Arrivals.
Terminal 2 is for Domestic Departures only. This Terminal connects Lisbon to Faro, Oporto, Bragança, Vila Real, Madeira and Azores. There are several ways to get to this terminal:
- free shuttle, that connects both terminals. Available at the Departures of Terminal 1 and 2.
- Taxi
- Tourism buses
- Car, as long as drivers accompanying passengers do not need to park
Note: Terminal 2 does not have yet its own car park.
Connectivity from the airport
Bus
There is a special shuttle bus, Carris number 91, one-way costs €1.30, that takes passengers to the center of Lisbon in 20 minutes, the bus also stops at Cais do Sodré Train Station.
Another shuttle bus, Scotturb, costs €9.00, connects the airport with places such as Estoril. You can purchase a ticket with the driver for both of the shuttle buses.
There are town bus lines: 5, 22, 44, 45 and 83 to Lisbon.
Taxi
There are always plenty of taxis at the Arrivals and Departures Halls. All the taxis have meters, a ride to Lisbon costs approximately €10.00, depending on the traffic. During weekends, nights, and holidays there is a 20% surcharge.
Keep the following tips in mind if you need to order a taxi during your business trip to Lisbon. Taxi fares are calculated on the basis of an initial flat charge (called the "bandeirada" or "flag-fall"), which applies for the first section of the journey. Fares thereafter are calculated per distance covered. In addition, if the taxi has been called out, rather than hailed in the street there is a small surcharge.
| Company name | Phone number |
| Auto Taxis Andrafer.lda | +351964120673 |
| Radio Taxi | 218119000 |
| Autocooperativa de Taxis de Lisboa | 217932756 |
| Central Taxis Canal Cinco | +351219010550 |
Tágide Restaurant
Tágide is a gourmet / formal restaurant offering Portuguese cuisine. A pricey and rather formal restaurant but with tantalizing regional dishes and sweeping views of Lisbon from the light and airy dining room. You’ll want to book in advance and request a window seat.
Largo Academia Nacional de Belas Artes 18/20
Mártires, Baixa. 1200-005 Lisbon
Tel.: 213404010
www.restaurantetagide.com
Via Graça Restaurant
Via Graça is a modern restaurant offering Portuguese cuisine. While you savour a delicious lunch or dinner at Via Graça enjoy the best view in the city. The Castle, the Hills, the River Lisbon with all its light and charm.
Address: Rua Damasceno Monteiro 9-B
Anjos, Graça. 1170-108 Lisbon
Tel.: 218870830
www.restauranteviagraca.com
Bica do Sapato Restaurant
Bica do Sapato is a modern restaurant offering Portuguese cuisine. This warehouse conversion is the trendiest and most talked about of all Lisbon restaurants, gaining fame for its owner, actor John Malkovich (who also owns club Lux next door). If you are on a business trip to Lisbon, this is a great restaurant for entertaining your hosts.
Avenida Infante Dom Henrique, Armazem B.
Doca do Jardim do Tabaco, Alfama. 1900 Lisbon
Tel.: 218810320
www.bicadosapato.com (Not in English)
Tips to save money on hotel costs during your business trip to Lisbon.
To get the best price for a good hotel room during your business trip to Lisbon it's not only important to compare the prices the hotel charges for a room, but also compare the prices of the different booking agencies.
This can save you, or your company, a lot of money!
- Go to this hotel listing for Lisbon.
- Select the "Check-in" and "Check-out" date.
- Select filters like: "Hotel brand", "Ratings", "Location" and "Price ranges".
- Select the hotel you like.
- You will get an overview of the prices from up to 24 booking sites
- Select the best offer in the list and book the room!
We have selected the following established business hotels for your convenience:
Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & Spa
The Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & Spa is located in a prestigious business district of Lisbon, close to shops, theaters, art museums and nightlife, only 15 minutes from Lisbon’s International Airport which is very convenient during a busy business trip.
Lisbon Rua Latino Coelho 1
1069-025 Lisbon
Tel: 213120000
More info about Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & Spa
Olissippo Lapa Palace Hotel
Built in the 19th-century, this luxurious palace is nestled on a hilltop overlooking the Tagus River. Tucked away in the city’s diplomatic quarter, Lapa Palace is set in a beautiful sub-tropical garden.
Lisbon Rua do Pau da Bandeira 4
1249-021 Lisbon
Tel: +351 213 949 494
More info about Olissippo Lapa Palace Hotel Lisbon
Hotel Radisson SAS Lisboa
Just 10 minutes from Lisbon city centre, the hotel Radisson SAS Lisboa is only a few minutes ride from the international airport and within walking distance of the Campo Grande underground station, as well as from the city’s main shopping area. Radisson SAS is the perfect base for business travelers.
Lisbon Avenida Marechal Craveiro Lopes 390
1749-009 Lisbon
Tel: +351 21004 5000
More info about Hotel Radisson SAS Lisbon
In Lisbon you will find Europe’s largest shopping centres, namely Centro Colombo and the Amoreiras Shopping Centre.
Some of Lisbon’s smaller independent shops can be found downtown in the Baixa quarter and strolling through these streets, visitors can enjoy the unique exteriors of shops such as Luvaria Ulises and Ourivesaria Aliança.
The most famous market in Lisbon is the Feira da Ladra, which is held every Tuesday and Saturday on the Campo de Santa Clara. Here bargain hunters can sift through clothing, hand-made goods, CDs, books, antiques, furniture etc.
For high fashion head to Avenida da Liberdade, home to well-known international names like Emporium Armani, Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, Carolina Herrera, Ermenegildo Zegna, D&G, and Escada, while Portuguese designers are based in Bairro Alto and Chiado.
In the Chiado quarter you will also find luxurious international brands from Hermés to Cartier along with popular modern retailers like Zara, H&M, United Colors of Benetton, Foot Locker, and some quaint traditional old shops and bookstores.
Lisbon Oceanarium (Oceanario de Lisboa)
Marketed as the second best aquarium in the world, the world-class Lisbon Oceanarium is the most impressive achievement of EXPO ’98, which used to be an abandoned waterfront. The centerpiece of the stone and glass building is the 1.3-million gallon holding tank and the Oceanarium consists of 4 distinct ecosystems that replicate the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Antarctic oceans, each featuring the aboveground birds, amphibians, and reptiles associated with those waters.
Visitors are encouraged to learn fascinating things about the oceans and, more importantly, how to make decisions in their daily lives that actively promote the conservation of nature. Like most modern aquaria, the Oceanário continuously develops new educational activities, focused on today’s environmental challenges, which are the focus of the company’s mission.
If you have enough time for sightseeing during your business trip to Lisbon, this would be the place to visit.
The oldest part of Lisbon, the Alfama quarter sprawls down the hillside from below the Castelo de Sao Jorge, retaining much of the traditional color and atmosphere from the days when it was the ancient seat of the Saracens.The Alfama is also packed with historic buildings and churches, which are well worth exploring. Some of the buildings display fading coats of arms, which bear testimony to the fact that the Alfama was once home to aristocrats. At night the Alfama takes on a more mysterious aspect with street lanterns throwing shadows on the medieval walls, and it is advisable to avoid the area after dark in favor of the Bairro Alto café and nightclub district.
Castelo de Sao Jorge
Located on one of the highest hills in Lisbon, the São Jorge Castle stands on the riverside landscape of Lisbon’s downtown.The Castelejo and the old Fortress’ Royal Palace that exist today are not the exact reproduction of what they were before, but more a result of the most important aspects from the different ages that shaped it.
The walls of Saint George’s Castle date from the Moorish occupation in the tenth century, but the site has been a fortress for centuries, possibly from 500 AD. The castle is regarded as the cradle of Lisbon, and today it provides a panoramic view of the River Tagus and the Alfama medieval district, which is spread out below it. The castle grounds are planted with olive, pine and cork trees and provide a pleasant spot to relax.
Tower of Belem
The famous Tower of Belem is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of Lisbon’s most photographed landmarks because of the decoration on its exterior. The tower was built in the 16th century to serve as a fortress in the middle of the River Tagus.
With the passage of time and with the construction of more modern and efficient fortresses the Tower of Belém lost its main purpose - the defense of the Tagus harbor. During the centuries that followed it acquired new functions: that of customs post, telegraph office and even lighthouse. It was also a political prison, with its storerooms transformed into dungeons, from the time of the Spanish occupation in 1580 and during periods of political instability.
Parque das Naçőes
The futuristic architecture of Eastern Lisbon is a complete contrast to the city’s old quarters. Most of it was built by innovative architects for Expo 98, the World Fair that took place in Portugal’s capital between May and September of 1998.
Make sure your health care insurance is sufficiently covered.
Maybe this is already covered in your regular health care insurance but often you will need to cover this with the travel insurance. Also a good travel insurance should cover the costs of travel for a relative in case of seriously illness or an accident.
The business trip travel insurance should also cover the costs of search, rescue and repatriation.
When you go on business trips on a regular basis, the easiest way to get insured is with an annual multi-trip insurance.
Keep in mind that you can also use this insurance for your pleasure trips so don`t forget to include to insure your leisure activities.
| General emergency number | 112 |
| Forest fire | 117 |
In case of a medical emergency you can contact:
Hospital Particular de Lisboa, Hospital with an emergency department
Avenida Luis Bivar 30
1069-142 Lisbon
Tel: 213 586 200 International: +351 213 586 200
Fax: 213 522 627
www.hpl.pt
Portuguese is a Romance language that originated in what is now Galicia and northern Portugal. It is derived from the Latin spoken by the romanized pre-Roman peoples of the Iberian Peninsula around 2000 years ago. It spread worldwide in the 15th and 16th centuries as Portugal established a colonial and commercial empire (1415–1999) which spanned from Brazil in the Americas to Goa and other parts of India, Macau in China and Timor (north of Australia).
Today it is one of the world’s major languages, ranked seventh according to number of native speakers (between 191 and 230 million). It is the language of about half of South America’s population, even though Brazil is the only Portuguese-speaking nation in the Americas. It is an official language in nine countries (see the table on the right), also being co-official with Cantonese Chinese in Macau and Tetum in East Timor.
Young people in Portugal speak good English but when you encounter a non-English speaking Portuguese, here are some phrases to help the conversation...
| Good day | Bom dia |
| Good evening | Boa tarde |
| Good night | Boa noite |
| Good bye | Adeus |
| See you soon | Até logo / Até a vista |
| Yes / No | Sim / Não |
| I don’t know | Não sei |
| True | Verdade |
| With pleasure | Com prazer |
| Where? | Onde? |
| When? | Quê? |
| Enjoy the meal! | Bom apetite! |
| Please | Se faz favor / Por favor |
| Thank you (very much) | (Muito) obrigado / obrigada |
| Excuse me | Com licença / Desculpe |
  |   |
