💡 Couriers often phone a few minutes before arriving, so on delivery day it's best to pick up an unknown number.
💡 Floors are counted as in Britain: rés-do-chão is the ground floor, and primeiro andar is the one above it (the "second floor" for Americans).
💡 Not all delivery services allow leaving a parcel with neighbours; if not, it's usually taken to a pick-up point.
💡 After a failed delivery a notice (aviso) is often left in your letterbox: it says where to collect the parcel.
💡 Some delivery services ask for a NIF or an ID, especially for parcels from outside the EU.
💡 If you're paying on delivery, check beforehand whether the courier takes cards: sometimes it's cash only.
💡 Flats are given by floor and side: 2.º Esq. is "second floor, left", Dto. is right. Floors count up from rés-do-chão (the ground floor), so 2.º is two floors above it.
💡 Changing the delivery day is often easier online with the tracking number, but you can also do it by phone.
💡 If the box is damaged, you can refuse it on the spot or ask for the damage to be recorded on receipt.
💡 Landmarks help best: ao lado do café - next to the café, em frente à farmácia - opposite the pharmacy.
💡 At a pick-up point they usually ask for the code from an SMS or email and an ID, so keep them to hand.
💡 A passport or a residence permit is usually fine for collecting a parcel.
💡 Before going to the point, wait for a message saying the parcel is already there: usually an SMS or email arrives.
💡 To collect someone else's parcel you often need the code and the recipient's ID or permission; the rules depend on the delivery service.
💡 For a return you usually need a label or a code from the shop: you show them at the point.
💡 A name that's unfamiliar to Portuguese ears is best spelled out syllable by syllable or shown on your phone.
💡 Storage time at the point is limited: if you don't collect in time, the parcel goes back to the sender.
💡 A parcel is often redirected to a point if the courier found nobody at home or couldn't reach you.
💡 To pay a bill you usually need the details on it: the reference and the amount. Have the bill with you or on your phone.
💡 With the notice (aviso) and an ID you go to the CTT branch it names: the address and the deadline are written on the slip.
💡 If you've lost the notice, the tracking number from the SMS or the website often helps: show it.
💡 A registered letter (carta registada) is handed over only against a signature; if you're not in, a notice is left.
💡 On parcels from outside the EU, VAT and a customs handling fee may be charged, even if the item is cheap.
💡 You can check the status of a CTT parcel online with the tracking number: the sender gives it to you.
💡 A complaint is filed with the tracking number; every branch also has the official complaints book (livro de reclamações).