PiggyMalone

If I go to Portugal on a 90-day as a tourist...

How easy/difficult is it to:

1) Open a bank account?

2) Get a PAYG Mobile SIM card?

Thanks!

BillBullock

Easy.

PiggyMalone

Easy?

Then please explain how I can open a bank account without a NIF number?

And how can I get a local SIM card without a NIF?

Thanks.

BillBullock

You didn't say you did not have a NIF.

PiggyMalone

Yes, I supposed its implied in the fact that I will come as a 90-day tourist.

BillBullock

One of the first things I did when I was about to purchase a house in Portugal was to visit from the UK and go to the local Financas office to register for a NIF. You can't do much without a NIF except take a holiday.

PiggyMalone

okay, thanks.

Rambling archer

and to add to the above, you can register at the Financas office using a non-Portuguese address, as a non-resident. you will need your ID (passport) proof of current address (eg bank statement or electric bill dated within 3 months) and that should be enough. Note that they will send confirmation and access code for their very useful website only to the address you give them. Otherwise communication is usually via email. As said practically everything here from renting accommodation, to setting up a bank account is done with the NIF (numero contribuente - tax office contribution number ... which is just so the tax office is ready to handle any tax consequences of your presence, such as your rental contract from the owner's point of view). It even eases the process of getting a PT SIM card for your unblocked phone.

Bomber Harris

Your opening post referred to getting a PAYG sim card, you don't need a NIF to get one of those. You only need a NIF for a contract sim card.

Jakk57

Hi just seen this thread how much does it cost to get a NIF is it different if we want a joint account?
Does an NIG last forever as I may come over and get one before I move?

coleio

NIF is your personal tax number and is like a National Insurance Number in the UK, mine took about 45 minutes to get just by walking into a random tax office with relevant documents and doing some paperwork (using a UK address). Similar to UK National Insurance Number you get one for your whole life (it is possible to fiddle the system if you want to be a criminal) Got my Sim card from an shop in arrivals at airport before I got NIF. Neither are difficult nor time consuming nor complicated. Bank account (or several as you can subsequently close any you don't like) just walk into bank branches with relevant paperwork and open them - even with UK addresses. You really do not need to make any of this difficult.

toots sweet

They do charge for a NIF. Got mine years ago and I think it was €10,so budget for over that.

Jakk57

I was expecting the cost to be in 100's of euros so that is good. I understand in Spain it's about 600 euros.
I guess anyone named on the account needs a NIF?

wellinever

Me thinks you need to fully understand what you are doing, cause it sounds like you dont.

The NIF is nothing to do with banking......its the Beady eye of the taxman in Portugal knowing every move you makes so he can tax you.
You dont even need to worry about a SIM if you are from UK and have a mobile contract there.
It will work in PT (albeit limited). but OK for 3 months.
Make sure its on roaming.