GENERAL INFORMATION Navy Exchange: A Navy Exchange is located on the grounds of the U.S. Embassy in Lisbon (approximately 30 minutes east JC Lisbon). The NEX supports U.S. Service Members and their families. The NEX is small but well stocked; it is similar to the ―mini-mart‖ on most U.S. Bases. Supplies are provided weekly from NS Rota, Spain, which is 6 hours south. Special orders from the main store at NS Rota can be coordinated. Postal Information: The USNSE operates a cashless Fleet Post Office (FPO) that utilizes the U.S. Postal System Click and Ship Program. This ensures access to most postal services with exception of registered mail. Mail is dispatched and received Monday through Friday, except holidays. The Post Office is closed Saturdays and Sundays. Your sponsor will be able to reserve a postal box for you prior to your arrival in Portugal. Further questions can be directed to the Post Office at (comm.) 351-21-440-4446. Banking: There are no U.S. banking facilities in Portugal. It cannot be stressed enough that you must maintain a stateside personal checking account. If you do not have one now, open one before you come to Portugal and ensure it provides overdraft protection! The local Navy Disbursing Office can cash personal checks (for Euros or U.S. dollars) on U.S. banking institutions only. Third party checks will only be cashed if made payable to the service member. After you arrive in Portugal, it is recommended that you open a Portuguese bank account for the payment of your rent and utility bills. The USNSE will assist you in opening your Portuguese Bank Account. You will be able to exchange dollars for Euros by first depositing the U.S. dollars into your Portuguese bank account and then withdrawing Euros from the multibanco (ATM). All Portuguese banking transactions may be subject to a small administrative fee. One marvelous feature of Portuguese ATM cards (called Multibanco cards) is that, not only can they be used for cash; they can be used to pay major utility bills such as water, electricity, gas, cable and telephone. The bank automatically deducts the payment from your checking account. Legal services: There is no military Legal Service Office in the Lisbon area. Members involved in legal disputes with landlords, utility companies or services provided by repairmen may hire a local lawyer at their own expense. Navy legal services (NLSO) are located in Rota, Spain can also assist. They can be reached at 00-34-956-822531/2532. Before you transfer you should make sure you have all legal matters up to date. The USNSE can assist of Will/Special and General Power of Attorney forms. Navy / Marine Corps Relief Society: The NMCRS provides limited financial assistance for emergency situations. The USNSE will coordinate loan requests. USNSE Welcome Book
Discovering Portugal
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