PARKING IN PORTUGAL

Depending on the city, parking can either be plentiful or at a premium. In cities and towns with Medieval historic centers, parking may not be allowed at all, and lots may be relegated to just outside the historic area. When parking on the street is available, it may be metered. Parking signs will be blue with a white "P" in the middle; signs with an arrow above the "P" note that parking is immediately ahead.

If you encounter a sign that notes a ban on parking, it will say `Estacionamento Proibido` and the sign will either be white or blue in color, with a red line indicating that the parking is prohibited. On curbsides, if a curb is painted yellow or red, that also means no parking. Parking is also banned in the immediate vicinity of a wheelchair ramp (except for loading and unloading); within 15 feet of a junction; 75 feet before and 15 feet after a bus stop; and within 20 feet of a tram stop.

When parking is available, it will usually be pay-per-hour, although free lots are available on a first-come, first-served basis in many cities. To pay, you will either give money or a card to an attendant or you will be asked to pay at a machine or via an app. Make sure to hold on to your receipt and display it in your car if you are told to do so.