If you are an expat planning to move to Portugal, one of the essential things to sort out is your telephone service. In this article, we will provide you with all the necessary information on telephone service in Portugal, including international codes, area codes, major providers, arranging connections, and payment methods.
International Code and Area Codes in Portugal
The international code for Portugal is +351. The country is divided into several regions, each with its own area code. Some of the popular expat destinations and their area codes are:
- Lisbon: 21
- Porto: 22
- Faro: 289
- Albufeira: 289
- Madeira: 291
Major Telephone Providers in Portugal
There are several telephone service providers in Portugal, both for landline and mobile connections. Some of the major providers are:
Landline Providers
- MEO: MEO is the largest provider of landline services in Portugal. They offer different plans depending on the usage and requirements of the customer. You can contact MEO customer service by calling 16200 from your landline or +351 969 001 620 from abroad.
- NOS: NOS is another major provider of landline services in Portugal. They offer various plans, including internet, television, and phone services. You can contact NOS customer service by calling 16990 from your landline or +351 911 690 400 from abroad.
- Vodafone: Vodafone is a popular provider of landline services in Portugal. They offer different plans, including internet, television, and phone services. You can contact Vodafone customer service by calling 16912 from your landline or +351 911 690 200 from abroad.
Mobile Providers
- MEO: MEO is the largest provider of mobile services in Portugal. They offer different plans, including prepaid and postpaid options. You can contact MEO customer service by calling 12091 from your MEO mobile or +351 969 001 2091 from abroad.
- NOS: NOS is another major provider of mobile services in Portugal. They offer various plans, including prepaid and postpaid options. You can contact NOS customer service by calling 1693 from your NOS mobile or +351 919 391 693 from abroad.
- Vodafone: Vodafone is a popular provider of mobile services in Portugal. They offer different plans, including prepaid and postpaid options. You can contact Vodafone customer service by calling 16912 from your Vodafone mobile or +351 911 690 200 from abroad.
Procedure for Arranging Telephone Connection in Portugal
The procedure for arranging a telephone connection in Portugal varies depending on whether you want a landline or mobile connection.
Landline Connection
To arrange a landline connection in Portugal, you need to follow these steps:
- Choose a provider and plan that suits your requirements.
- Contact the provider’s customer service to request a connection.
- The provider will ask for some personal details, such as your name, address, and identification documents.
- The provider will send a technician to your residence to install the connection.
- Once the connection is installed, you can start using the service.
Mobile Connection
To arrange a mobile connection in Portugal, you need to follow these steps:
- Choose a provider and plan that suits your requirements.
- Visit the provider’s store or website to purchase a SIM card and plan.
- The provider will ask for some personal details, such as your name, address, and identification documents.
- The provider will activate the SIM card and plan, and you can start using the service.
Payment Methods for Telephone Service in Portugal
The most common way to pay your telephone bill in Portugal is through a bank transfer or direct debit. Most telephone providers offer online payment options through their websites, where you can set up automatic payments or make one-time payments using a credit card, debit card, or bank transfer.
Another option is to pay your bill in person at a physical location, such as a post office or retail store authorized by your telephone provider. You can usually find the nearest authorized location on your provider’s website or by calling their customer service number.
It’s important to note that failure to pay your telephone bill can result in disconnection of your service. If you’re having trouble paying your bill, it’s best to contact your provider as soon as possible to discuss your options and avoid any service interruptions.