1. There are banks and exchange offices in all major cities of the Azores. Most of government agencies work from early in the morning and close at 15:00.
2. Many large hotels, car rental offices and trading centers accept payments with Master Card and Visa credit cards.
3. Leaving tips in restaurants and cafes is not common here. However, if you really want to thank an obliging waiter, you can add round 10% of the sum to your total bill.
4. Guests are encouraged to visit the islands during the period of one of the national holidays. There are always many interesting cultural events at this time of a year.
6. Buses remain the most convenient way of travelling on the island. The connection between the islands is maintained by steamers.
7. Tourists, who plan to rent a car, are recommended to replace it with a scooter. There are many narrow streets of the islands, so navigating through them in a car will not be quite convenient.
Guests of Azores will have an opportunity to spend a few days in the hotel with unique historic spirit. The unusual hotel Pocinhobay is situated in a picturesque bay on the island of Pico. … 
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9. Stretching and yawning is not accepted in public places. The local residents may consider such actions as a sign of a bad behavior and lack of education.
10. In no case the locals should not be compared with the Spaniards. The comparisons of this kind are very painful to them.
11. Visitors are advised to make an insurance policy prior to vacation. It is not expensive and gives the right to use the services of the local round the clock hospitals.
Portugal: travelling advices
The Portuguese adhere to the traditional routine of eating: breakfast, lunch, mid-afternoon snack, snack or lunch, and then dinner. Frugal tourists are advised to order portions in the restaurant to take-out, or buy ready-made products in local supermarkets.
Some restaurants in Portugal specialize in preparing a takeaway meal. Previously, such food establishments resembled affordable and convenient eateries for the locals. To date, there are numerous take away restaurants located in all towns of the country, and tourists can try a variety of dishes cooked on a charcoal stove.
Lovers of elegant shoes with high heels are advised to abandon such shoes for the period of travel as most of the sidewalks of Portugal are equipped with small paving stones called “kalsada”. To ensure a comfortable stay, sports shoes or shoes with flat soles are recommended. … Open
