Tap water is safe to drink, but most people prefer bottled mineral water. Community health standards are high, and there are no extraordinary diseases in the Portugal. Some beaches on the Estoril Coast (close to Lisbon) are polluted.
Digestive problems may occur for people unaccustomed to the cuisine. Wash all vegetables in a chlorine solution, peel fruits, and avoid uncooked food. Drink only pasteurized milk.
The Portuguese medical service is adequate, if a little overcrowded; however, for more serious medical care, try the private hospitals.
Public Hospitals
Hospital de Sao Jose
Address: Rua José A. Serrano - 1150 Lisboa
Phone: 21 886 01 31
Hospital de Santa Maria
Address: Av. Professor Egas Moniz - 1600 Lisboa
Phone: 21 797 51 71
Hospital de Sao Francisco Xavier
Address: Estrada do Forte Alto Ducre - 1400 Lisboa
Phone: 21 301 73 51
Private Hospitals
The British Hospital
Rua Saraiva de Carvalho, 49
1250-098 Lisboa
Phone: 21 395 5067 (general)
Phone: 21 397 6329 (medical appointments/examinations)
Hospital da Cruz Vermelha
Rua Duarte Galvao, 54
1500-255 Lisboa
Phone: 21 771 4000 (general)
Phone: 21 771 4002/3 (medical appointments/examinations)
Hospital da Cuf
Travesso do Castro, 3
1350-070 Lisboa
Phone: 21 392 6100 (general)
Phone: 21 392 6320/43/70 (medical appointments/examinations)
Pharmacies
The sign for a pharmacy is a green cross on a white background. Each pharmacy displays a card in the window showing the address of the nearest all-night pharmacy and a list of those that are open until late (10:00 PM).
Opening Hours:
Mondays to Fridays 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM Saturdays 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Closed Sundays.
