Portuguese customs regulations
Let's embark on an exciting journey, a tax-friendly adventure to the picturesque hills and serene shores of Portugal. Whether you're going to take a bite of a delectable pastel de nata or to sip on a glass of Port wine, knowing about the duty-free, tax-free, and alcohol allowances can absolutely tip the scale from good to great in your holiday experience.
Duty-Free allowances
"Free" becomes the most wonderful word when it's attached to "shopping," don't you agree? If you're traveling from a non-EU country, Portugal greets you with generous duty-free allowances. Cherish the liberty of stocking up to 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco. Aficionados of fragrances, note that you're permitted to carry 50 grams of perfume and 0.25 liters of eau de toilette.
Feel like indulging your sweet tooth or planning a picnic on the sunlit beaches of the Algarve? You can ferry in 1 kilogram of coffee or 2 kilograms of coffee extracts. The good news doesn't stop there! Delightfully, there's no restriction on carrying medication for personal use.
Tax-Free allowances
Now dig this, in Portugal, non-EU residents can benefit from tax-free shopping. Clothing, shoes, and those irresistibly cute souvenirs could actually be up to 15% cheaper. Thank the VAT refund for this and follow these simple steps: Shop at stores displaying 'Tax-Free Shopping' signage, spend a minimum of 61.35 Euros at a single shop, request a Tax-Free form and get it stamped by customs when exiting the EU. Do keep in mind, this should be done within three months of your purchase. Simple enough, right?
Alcohol allowance
Ah, the part you've all been waiting for (I can hear the corks popping already)! Lovers of spirits and wine, Portugal doesn't disappoint. You can carry 1 liter of spirits over 22% volume, 2 liters of spirits or aperitifs under 22% volume, and 4 liters of still wine. Beer enthusiasts, don't fret. The land of Super Bock and Sagres allows an impressive 16-liter beer allowance!
Concluding this fun foray into the financials of Portuguese travel, here's something that's as necessary as the cork is to a wine bottle. While these allowances provide a guideline, always cross-verify with the official website of the Portuguese customs authority, especially during these unpredictable pandemic times. So, with that said, pack your bags, knowledge up, and savor the joy ride that is Portugal!
