Popular 交通卡＆通行證 in 葡萄牙

Portugal's transport cards and passes, such as Lisbon's VIVA Viagem card, can primarily be purchased at ticket offices or self-service machines in major metro and train stations. Some newsstands, tobacconists, or convenience stores with transport signage may also sell them. For city-specific combined tourist passes, like the Lisbon Card, besides buying them at local tourist information centers, you can also consider booking them through online travel platforms for convenient collection upon arrival.

The Lisbon Card is a versatile tourist pass that primarily includes unlimited travel on public transport within Lisbon, such as the metro, buses, trams, and funiculars (like the Santa Justa Lift). Additionally, it offers free or discounted entry to many renowned museums, historical sites, and attractions, such as Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and the Lisbon Story Centre. Having the card eliminates the hassle of buying individual tickets, enhancing travel convenience.

While not being completely impossible to use public transport in Portugal without a transport card, it can certainly lead to some inconvenience. Especially in major cities like Lisbon or Porto, you'd need to purchase a single ticket for each ride. This can be time-consuming, and single tickets are generally more expensive. Using a transport card allows for more convenient transfers, a simplified payment process, and potential cost savings, significantly improving the smoothness and overall experience of your trip.

Portugal's VIVA Viagem card is a rechargeable contactless card that can store single journeys, 24-hour passes, or be used in 'Zapping' e-wallet mode for various transport options. Each journey typically costs less than a single paper ticket. Regular single tickets are for one-time use, usually valid for a single trip and at a higher price. For travelers planning multiple public transport journeys, the VIVA Viagem card is a more economical and convenient choice; if you only plan to travel once or twice, a single ticket will suffice.

The prices and basic usage of Portugal's transport tickets typically do not vary significantly between low and high seasons. However, during peak season (summer and major holiday periods), transport and ticket counters can be crowded due to the influx of tourists. In such cases, purchasing or topping up your transport card (like the VIVA Viagem card or a city pass) in advance can effectively save you time queuing for tickets. Off-season travel generally has fewer crowds, but using a transport card still offers convenience and efficiency, especially for those who travel frequently.

Physical public transport cards in Portugal (like the VIVA Viagem card), once purchased and topped up, are generally non-refundable or non-cancellable. The purchase cost of the card itself is usually low, and the value or tickets loaded onto the card are typically considered final sale. However, for certain tourist passes booked online, such as the Lisbon Card, if unused, you might be eligible for flexible cancellation or refunds based on the booking platform's policy. For instance, booking through platforms like KKday may offer Chinese customer support and flexible cancellation guarantees, alleviating language communication concerns.

The main ways to purchase tickets for public transport in Portugal include: buying tickets or topping up at automated machines in metro and train stations, which usually support multiple languages and accept cash or credit card payments. Additionally, ticket counters are available at major stations. Some buses or trams allow direct purchase of single tickets from the driver, but these are usually slightly more expensive than pre-purchased tickets and may not offer change. It's recommended to purchase a VIVA Viagem card and load it to cater to the needs of different transport modes.

Public transport in Portugal's Algarve region mainly consists of buses and regional trains. Unlike Lisbon, the Algarve region typically does not use universal transport cards like VIVA Viagem. Bus tickets can be purchased directly from the driver or at the bus terminal. Train tickets can be bought at ticket counters or machines at train stations. As cities in this region are relatively far apart, if you plan frequent travel, it's advisable to check with local bus companies (e.g., VAMUS Algarve) for multi-day passes or regional travel options.

Common transport card issues encountered in Portugal include: card reader failures or improper functioning. In such cases, try using a different reader or seek assistance from station personnel. If you lose your transport card, as they are usually non-transferable and cannot be reissued, it's best to purchase a new card immediately. For confusion regarding different ticket types or zones, it's recommended to carefully read the instructions on the ticket machine before purchasing or consult a station ticket agent. Also, ensure you top up your card at stations or designated locations when the balance is low to ensure smooth journeys.

Portugal's VIVA Viagem card is the primary transport card for the Lisbon region, valid for Lisbon's metro, buses, trams, funiculars, and some ferries and suburban trains. However, the VIVA Viagem card is not applicable in Porto. Porto has its own independent transport card system called the 'Andante card', used for local metro, buses (STCP), and some regional trains. Therefore, if you plan to visit both Lisbon and Porto, travelers will need to purchase these two different transport cards separately to use local public transportation.