# algarve.help

> Practical Help for Life in Southern Portugal

algarve.help is a free information directory for English-speaking expats, residents and newcomers to the Algarve region of Portugal. The site covers healthcare, bureaucracy, emergency contacts and practical guides for settling in.

## Key Pages

- [Home](https://www.algarve.help/): overview, search, emergency contacts, all sections
- [Healthcare](https://www.algarve.help/healthcare/): hospitals, health centres, pharmacies, dental, private clinics, mental health
- [Hospitals](https://www.algarve.help/healthcare/hospitals): CHUA Faro, Portimao unit, A&E departments
- [Health Centres](https://www.algarve.help/healthcare/health-centres): centros de saude, SNS registration, numero de utente
- [Pharmacies](https://www.algarve.help/healthcare/pharmacies): farmacia system, after-hours rota, green cross
- [Dental](https://www.algarve.help/healthcare/dental): cheque dentista, private clinics
- [Private Clinics](https://www.algarve.help/healthcare/private-clinics): HPA Health Group, Hospital Particular do Algarve
- [Mental Health](https://www.algarve.help/healthcare/mental-health): psychiatric services, English-speaking therapists
- [Bureaucracy](https://www.algarve.help/bureaucracy/): NIF, AIMA, driving licence, vehicles, NISS, schools
- [Getting Your NIF](https://www.algarve.help/bureaucracy/nif): tax ID application process
- [AIMA Registration](https://www.algarve.help/bureaucracy/aima): residency permits and EU registration
- [Driving Licence](https://www.algarve.help/bureaucracy/driving-licence): exchange process, IMT
- [Car Registration](https://www.algarve.help/bureaucracy/car-registration): IPO, IUC, insurance
- [Social Security](https://www.algarve.help/bureaucracy/social-security): NISS registration
- [Schools](https://www.algarve.help/bureaucracy/schools): enrolment, international schools
- [Emergencies](https://www.algarve.help/emergencies): 112, SNS 24, police, fire, consulates
- [Guides](https://www.algarve.help/guides/): doctors, utilities, internet, lessons, post, recycling, pets, banking
- [Finding a Doctor](https://www.algarve.help/guides/finding-a-doctor): English-speaking GPs and specialists in the Algarve
- [Utilities](https://www.algarve.help/guides/utilities): electricity and water setup, contracts and direct debits
- [Internet and Mobile](https://www.algarve.help/guides/internet-mobile): MEO, NOS, Vodafone fibre broadband and prepaid SIMs
- [Portuguese Lessons](https://www.algarve.help/guides/portuguese-lessons): IEFP courses, private schools, conversation groups
- [Postal Services](https://www.algarve.help/guides/postal-services): CTT post offices, registered mail, parcel collection points
- [Recycling](https://www.algarve.help/guides/recycling): ALGAR waste management, ecopontos, colour-coded bins
- [Pet Registration](https://www.algarve.help/guides/pet-registration): SIAC microchipping, rabies vaccination, pet passports
- [Banking](https://www.algarve.help/guides/banking): CGD, Millennium BCP, Novo Banco, account opening, Multibanco
- [FAQ](https://www.algarve.help/faq): common questions about living in the Algarve
- [About](https://www.algarve.help/about): about the site
- [Terms](https://www.algarve.help/terms): terms of use
- [Privacy](https://www.algarve.help/privacy): privacy policy

## Emergency Numbers
- 112: General emergency (police, fire, ambulance)
- 808 200 204: SNS 24 health line
- 808 203 537: British Consulate Portimao
- 800 250 250: Anti-Poison Centre (CIAV)