Australian Embassy
Portugal
Cabo Verde, Sao Tome and Principe, Guinea Bissau

PettyCrime

Petty Crime


Petty crimes, such as bag snatching, pickpocketing and theft from cars, do occur in Portugal.  The Australian Government's travel advisory for Portugal is published at Portugal Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller

Travellers should pay close attention to their personal belongings at tourist attractions, on public transport (especially the E28 tram to the Castle of Sao Jorge, E25 tram to Prazeres and E15 to Belem), railway stations, museums, restaurants and hotel foyers.

Incidence of thieves targeting motorists (often by convincing them to pull over using the pretext of a flat tyre or another problem) have been reported in Portugal. Thieves particularly target vehicles with foreign licence plates and rental car stickers.

Always keep your car doors locked and do not keep luggage and personal possessions in your vehicle. Due to risk of theft, care should be taken when parking vehicles at beachfront areas throughout Portugal and tourist attractions.

There has been an increase in the number of robberies and assaults on foreigners occurring in the Algarve area, particularly at popular tourist locations.

Travellers should be alert to the possible occurrence of ‘drink spiking’ at popular night clubs.