10 useful apps to use in Portugal
Are you planning a trip to Portugal? Whether you're a student, a traveler, or a resident, having the right apps on your phone can make all the difference. That's why I’ve put together a list of the must-have apps for anyone visiting or living in Portugal. So, download with confidence and make your life a little easier!
Transportation
Moovit. If you're planning a trip to Portugal, getting around by public transportation can be a convenient and affordable option. And to make things even easier, you can use Moovit, a real-time public transit app that provides up-to-date information for buses, trains, and metro systems. Moovit is available in several areas of Portugal, including Lisbon, Porto, and parts of the Algarve. With this app, you can plan your travel route and navigate your way around the city using a variety of modes of transportation, including buses, ferries, metro, trains, trams, shared bikes, walking, rideshare, and scooters. One of the benefits of Moovit is its real-time information, which allows you to avoid delays and plan your trip more efficiently. You can see the arrival and departure times for each mode of transportation, as well as any alerts or notifications that may affect your route. Another great feature of Moovit is its ability to work offline. This means that you can download maps and directions ahead of time and use them even when you don't have an internet connection.
Bolt. If you want to avoid the hassle of hailing a taxi on the street, then you might want to consider installing Bolt. Bolt is an app that allows you to book a taxi from your smartphone, making it a convenient option for travelers who want to get around without any stress. While Bolt is available in some European countries, if you're coming from North America, you'll need to install the app to use it. Once you've downloaded Bolt, you can easily book a ride by selecting your destination and choosing from a variety of vehicle options, including cars, scooters, and bikes. Another great feature of Bolt is its food delivery service. If you're feeling hungry and don't want to venture out, Bolt allows you to order food from local restaurants and have it delivered straight to your door. This is a great option for travelers who want to sample the local cuisine without having to leave their accommodation.
Gira. Gira is a city bike network that offers a variety of pass options for both residents and tourists. If you're a resident, you can get a yearly pass for just 25 EUR. For tourists, there are two options: a monthly pass for 15 EUR or a daily pass for 2 EUR. With any pass, you can take one ride for up to 90 minutes. If you exceed this time limit, you'll be charged an extra 2 EUR for every additional 45 minutes. One of the great features of Gira is its app, which allows you to locate all Gira stations in Lisbon on a map. You can also see the number and type of bikes available, whether they're electric or not. This makes it easy to find a bike near you and plan your route around the city. And because Gira has stations located all around Lisbon, you can easily drop off your bike when you're done with your ride.
Food
TheFork. When it comes to food, the most useful app for finding the best places to eat in Portugal is TheFork. TheFork is a user-friendly app that provides reviews and ratings for thousands of restaurants, cafes, and bars throughout Portugal. By using the app, you can quickly find highly-rated places to eat in any given area, and easily make reservations online. One of the advantages of TheFork is that it allows you to filter your search based on your preferences, such as cuisine, price range, or location. This means you can easily find the type of restaurant you're looking for, whether it's a cozy cafe for breakfast or a fancy dinner spot for a special occasion. In addition to its easy-to-use interface and comprehensive database of restaurants, TheFork also offers a loyalty program that rewards users with points for each reservation they make. These points can be redeemed for discounts on future meals.
Glovo. Glovo is a popular delivery app that has been growing in popularity in recent years. If you're visiting Portugal and find yourself in need of something - be it groceries, medication, or even some Swedish meatballs from IKEA - Glovo can help. While the delivery fee for Glovo varies depending on the distance and urgency of the order, there is a way to save money on your deliveries. If you plan on using the app frequently, it's worth considering signing up for Glovo Prime. For a flat fee of 6€ per month, you can enjoy free delivery on all of your orders - a great way to save money in the long run. Another benefit of using Glovo is its easy-to-use interface. With just a few taps on your smartphone, you can quickly browse through the various items available for delivery, select what you need, and track your order in real-time. This means you can always stay up-to-date on the status of your delivery, and know exactly when to expect it.
Driving
Via Verde. If you're planning on driving in Portugal, you'll want to know about Via Verde - an app that makes toll payment and other driving-related tasks a breeze. With Via Verde, you can drive through designated toll booths without stopping to pay the toll, as well as access convenient parking and even some gas stations. All you need is a Via Verde electronic toll payment transponder, which you can easily obtain from a Via Verde office. Once you have the transponder, you can attach it to your car and start driving with ease. Using Via Verde is incredibly convenient, especially for visitors who may not be familiar with the toll system in Portugal. Instead of having to stop and pay the toll at each booth, you can simply drive through and let the app take care of the rest.
Other
MB Way. If you're planning on moving to Portugal, there's one app that you simply cannot live without: MB Way. This digital wallet app is a true gem, offering a wide range of services that will make your life in Portugal easier and more convenient. With MB Way, you can send money, pay for services, and withdraw money from your bank account. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to use. MB Way also allows you to make purchases online or in-store, without the need for a physical credit or debit card. This is perfect for those times when you forget your wallet or simply don't want to carry cash. So whether you're a digital nomad, an expat, or a Portuguese national, MB Way is an essential tool that you need in your life. It's reliable, convenient, and easy to use, making your financial transactions a breeze.
SNS 24. SNS 24 is a healthcare app that allows you to access all of your vaccines and prescriptions in one place, making it easy to manage your health while on the go. With SNS 24, you can access a range of healthcare services, including booking consultations with doctors. The app also offers access to important health information and advice, making it a valuable tool for travelers who may not be familiar with the local healthcare system. Beyond its core features, SNS 24 also offers a range of other useful tools. For example, you can set medication reminders to help you stay on top of your prescriptions, and access important health resources like emergency numbers and healthcare facilities near your location. For those who prefer to access healthcare services online, the SNS 24 website is also a great option. Here, you can book consultations with doctors and access a range of other healthcare services from the comfort of your own home.
Oscar. This handy app can help you with a range of installations, repairs, and other services, making it a valuable resource for everyone living in Portugal. Whether you're dealing with a broken sink or need help installing shelves, Oscar has you covered. The app offers a range of handyman services, from basic repairs to more complex installations, and their prices are reasonable, so you won't have to break the bank to get the help you need. But that's not all. Oscar also offers a range of other services, including dog washing and car washing, making it a one-stop-shop for all your needs. And with their convenient booking system, you can easily schedule an appointment at a time that works for you. For some services, such as sofa deep cleaning, it's best to book in advance to ensure you can secure a spot. But for others, such as shelves installation, Oscar can be there in as little as 30 minutes, so you won't have to wait around for long to get the help you need.
DeepL. If you are traveling to Portugal and don't speak the local language, communication can be a major obstacle. But thanks to technology, there are now several translation apps available to help bridge the gap. One such app is DeepL, a translation tool developed by a former Google employee that produces more natural-sounding text than other translation tools. DeepL is available as both a mobile app and a desktop application, allowing you to translate text in real-time from wherever you are. The app is known for its accuracy and its ability to produce contextually appropriate translations, making it a favorite among language learners, travelers, and business professionals. It's important to note that DeepL offers European Portuguese translations and not Brazilian Portuguese.
