💡 For an account they usually ask for your passport or residence permit, your NIF and proof of address; conditions differ from bank to bank.
💡 A bank is required to ask about your job and income when opening an account - it's a standard check, not suspicion.
💡 Most banks let you block and unblock a card temporarily in the app - it's quicker than going to a branch.
💡 Comprovativo - proof of a transaction (receipt); you're asked for it for rent, bills and transfers.
💡 If you doubt it's really the bank calling, hang up and call back on the number on the back of your card.
💡 There is a basic account with minimal charges - the conta de serviços mínimos bancários; whether they open one for you depends on the branch: one may, another may refuse, so you can try a different branch.
💡 If a cash machine keeps your card, block it straight away in the bank's app or by phone.
💡 MB Way is the Portuguese way to pay and send money using a phone number; people use it even at the market and between friends.
💡 Electricity, water, phone and even taxes are often paid with a referência Multibanco: entity + reference + amount.
💡 Levantar dinheiro - to withdraw cash; fora de serviço - out of order.
💡 Parcels going outside the EU (including to Ukraine) need a customs declaration: a list of the items and their value.
💡 Registado - registered mail with a tracking number; important documents are better sent this way.
💡 Don't put liquids, batteries or medicines in a parcel - they are often not accepted or are held up at customs.
💡 Stamps are sold not only at the CTT post office but also in many stationery shops (papelaria).
💡 Keep the receipt with the tracking number: you use it to follow the parcel on the CTT website, and in Ukraine on the Ukrposhta website.