FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS LISBON OASIS FLATS: ´ALFAMA I-IV´ - ´MOURARIA I-III´ - ´SÃO VICENTE I-V´ TRANSPORT IN GENERAL How do I get to my apartment from the Lisbon airport (Humberto Delgado): Please note that Lisbon airport can be rather busy and it might be worthwhile knowing how to travel before you actually get there. If you are 2+ people I recommend taking a Bolt or Uber (some prefer taxis but it is generally more expensive and the chance of the driver trying to rip you off semi high). You can take Uber/Bolt/Taxi etc from(to) the airport - from ´Departures´ (not ´Arrivals´). It can be crowded in the pick-up zone….if so, you can consider going the 100-200 meters to the nearest roundabout and order from there. There is also both metro (runs 06.30AM - 01.00 AM) and bus in the airport (see traveldoc for more information). If you opt for metro you can pay directly/contactless (without purchasing a ticket). If you travel alone and light/with a rucksack…..the fastest way is arguably taking a standup scooter/electric bike with Uber, Bolt, Lime, etc ....but be careful as traffic in Lisbon is slightly frantic. You must park in designated areas (which can be seen in the respective app or by paying attention in the real world!). You can also walk…..downtown is just 5 km away downhill (the initial 3 km are uninteresting but after that you are in town with shops and cafés around)l. How to get from my flat anywhere with ride-hailing services: For ´Sao Vicente´ flats you will have to take your Uber/Bolt/Taxi from Largo da Santa Marinha or Rua Escola Gerais (basically go down or up your street). For ´Alfama´ flat you will have to take your Uber/Bolt/Taxi from Largo Chafariz de dentro. For the ´Mouraria´ flats, please ask your Uber/Bolt/Taxi to come to Rua Marques de Ponte do Lima 19 (which is right in front of your flat). Other things to know about getting to and from flat? And yes, Uber, Bolt and taxis operate 24/7. For Uber and Bolt you have to use their app - for taxi you can call for instance Auto-coop; (+351) 21 793 2756 (or use their app Taxis Lisboa) You will have received a travel doc containing more detailed information about how to get to your apartment. How to get around Lisbon? Obviously a very generic questions - but as an overview: Trains - see cp.pt Metro - metrolisboa.pt Trams - carris.pt Buses - see amongst other carris.pt Car/Taxis/Bolt/Uber/Freenow - see respective apps Standup scooters - see respective apps (Motor)Bikes Walking Reg. trains there are three main three train stations: Cais do Sodre - from where you can go to Cascais Rossio - from where you can go to Sintra Santa Apolonia - from where you can go to Porto How to get to the beach? There are basically two areas of beaches around Lisbon; 1. The stretch between Carcavelos and Cascais ('a linha'), or, 2. Costa Caparica. To get to the first, take a metro to Cais do Sodré and take a train from there in the direction of Cascais. Get off in Carcavelos, Estoril or Cascais (or another beach to your liking). Trains run at least every 20 minutes. See http://www.cp.pt , "Train Cais do Sodre - Cascais and Cais do Sodre - Cascais line To get to the second go by metro to bus station Sete Rios and get a bus to Costa Caparica. See carris.pt Carris - transportes de Lisboa CHECKING IN AND OUT When is check in and check out? You can self check-in from 14.00 (and as late you need/wish) - and must check-out / depart latest by 11.00. What if I have problems checking in or opening doors…. You will have received a link to check-in video and a traveldoc when booking. Please check these first if still in trouble…..Firstly, don´t panic! Please check: You are at the right place (GPS are not 100% accurate - and maybe you are standing in front of the wrong street number) It is the right key box (there might be several key boxes by the door - please follow the instructions carefully and watch the check-in video which you have certainly received). Put in the code, push the lever on the left and pull outwards Take the key and make sure you go to the right flat Make sure that the key has been inserted correctly (if it enters but the lock does not open try inserting (rotating for instance) the key differently). If you have problems with opening the door try pulling it towards you with one hand while you turn the key with the other (if it does not work turning clockwise try anti-clockwise). If you really do not manage on your own then you can transfer 50 euros thru the app and call the emergency number(s) you have been given (In the confirmation email) and then the housekeeper will come to your rescue! Can I check in early (before 14.00 o'clock)? Unfortunately not. The likelihood that someone is checking out of the flat on the day that you check in is literally 98%, add to that that person might not even respect check-out time. Secondly, we do not know the state of the apartment on check-out and hence not how long it will take. Thirdly, we normally have a tight schedule and little room for changing routines on an already tight-run ship. There are luggage storage places around the property and you have been informed about those. And there are many cafés around the property too. Can I check out late (after 11.00 o'clock)? Unfortunately not. The likelihood that someone is checking into the flat on the day that you check out is literally 98%. Secondly, even if it was vacant, we have Instant Booking and can hence get clients from one moment to another. Thirdly we do not know the state of the apartment on check-out and hence not how long it will take to make it ready for the next guests. Fourthly, we have a tight schedule and little room for changing routines on an already tight-run ship. There are luggage storage places around the property and you have been informed about those. And there are many cafés around the property too. Where and when can I leave my luggage in case I arrive early or have a late departure? For the flats ´Alfama I, II, III and IV´: You have access to the flat from 14 o´clock and must leave by 11 o'clock. Many luggage storage places closed during the pandemic - as far as I know these are still open: Bounce Luggage Storage - Rua Jardim - In front of Fado Museum), Alfama, R. Jardim do Tabaco 132, 1100-288 Lisbon. Nannybag, Rua dos Remedios 18. www.nannybag.com For the flats ´Mouraria I, II, III´ (aka ´Central flat) Bounce Luggage Storage - Martim Moniz - R. do Benformoso 87, 1100-083 Lisboa Left Luggage Lockers - Depósito de Bagagem Lisboa - Martim Moniz - Parking lot - 1. For flats Sao Vicente I-V, try Bounce Luggage Storage - São Jorge Castle - Tv. de São Bartolomeu 12, 1100-509 Lisboa. There is also at Rossio, Martim Moniz and Santa Apolonia station But again, luggage storage places change often so please google beforehand just in case - you can also opt for the app Luggit. There are cafés and restaurants close to all apartments so you can eat or drink while you wait (if you arrive before 14.00 o´clock). What floor is my apartment on? That obviously depends on which apartment you booked (!) but please note that for some people the ground floor is zero and the floor above is first floor (European). For others (some Asian countries as far as I know) the ground floor is the first floor and the floor above is the second floor. Lisbon Oasis operates with the former way (European): What do I have to remember on check-out?! Leave the key in the key box (!) - that is the only thing you must remember! And please scramble the code or put the numbers ´0000´ HOW TO LEAVE AN AIRBNB REVIEW Introduction; Suppose you just stayed at an Airbnb. It was clean, reasonably priced, the listing was accurate, and the host communicated well. But it didn’t blow you away. When you leave your review, how many stars do you give? 3? Maybe 4? You might think that 3-stars means a place is average, and 4 stars is a good rating. 5-star reviews are reserved only for the most luxurious, above-and-beyond experiences. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Airbnb holds hosts to a strict 5-star-or-bust expectation. They take any review that is less than 5-stars to indicate that there are major problems with a property or host. In fact, if a host’s account average drops below a 4.8-star rating, then they lose their Superhost status. On top of that, Airbnb could permanently remove a listing if the average drops below a 4.3-star rating! Because of this, receiving a 4-star review is very damaging to a host. Obviously if someone deserves a 4-stars or lower, review them accordingly. But it’s good to keep in mind what consequences a 4-star review can have for hosts. A 5-star Airbnb rating indicates a great stay—not necessarily a perfect stay. Here’s a general guide to help with your Airbnb reviewing: Guest Rating Guide: 5-star: Nobody is perfect, but I enjoyed my stay! 4-star: There are several issues that need to be corrected. 3-star: There are major problems. 2-star: This listing should be removed. 1-star: Ban these hosts for life. WHILE INSIDE THE APARTMENTS Wifi? Network; lisbonoasis (or LISBONOASIS) Password; lisbonoasis (or LISBONOASIS) What is the wifi speed? That obviously varies according to many factors but there is fibre internet installed in all the buildings/flats (so is fast enough for streaming, video calls, etc). Is it safe to drink tap water? Yes, but you might not appreciate its taste! There is no water coming out of the taps/shower?! Sorry to say so but most likely there is actually water but you are not operating the faucets correctly. Please do the following: Grab the faucet in question and think of the three dimensions - move it first in one dimension, say up and down. Then the second dimension, that is left and right. And lastly, third dimension, push and pull. Also try combining that is, say, up left, down right, etc. If you cannot make it work on one faucet try another (like if you tried in the kitchen sink then try the bathroom sink). Once you get the hang of it in one faucet move on to the others. Is there a safety deposit? No Is there a safe? No What if I have a practical problem? As you know this is a self-catered flat and we have left manuals for you in case you have a practical problem - typically in a kitchen cupboard. Please do not panic and try to solve your practical issue on your own - if you really do not manage then as a last resort, staff can be sent over. What if I have noisy neighbours? The first step is to knock (delicately at first) on the wall/ceiling (and this is because writing to us entails waiting time before we reply, after which we will contact the alleged noisy neighbour - who obviously also takes time to react). If that does not help please feel free to contact us for assistance. Where are the Lisbon Oasis apartments located? The Lisbon Oasis flats are all located in the old part of Lisbon - this is the main reason they've been chosen in the first place! They are all located in proximity to each other; Between Alfama building and Sao Vicente building; around 350 metres Between Alfama building and Mouraria building; around 600 metres Between Sao Vicente and Mouraria building; around 550 metres How are the apartments equipped? All apartments are equipped with; Bed linen, Towels, Kitchen, Kitchen utensils (pots, pans, plates, cutlery, cups, glasses, etc) Electric kettle, Microwave ,Two hot plates, Coffee maker (either stovetop or press), Power adapter (often next to microwave), Wifi, Flatscreen TV (apart from Alfama II), Electric heating, Air conditioning with dehumidifier (with the exception of Mouraria 3/Central flat which has only dehumidifier),l, LED illumination, Iron or steamer for clothes, small iron board, Hairdryer, ´bathroom products´ (shampoo, shower gel), Cot/crib/babybed (all but apartment ´Mouraria II´ and ´Sao Vicente III´ and ´Sao Vicente IV´) What is not in the apartments? There is no vacuum cleaner (but if you look around in the common areas of the building you might find one as the housekeeper uses one), toaster, ´normal´ oven (but some microwaves have ´grill function´), Is there heating in apartments? Yes. There is electric heating either in your AC unit/heat pump (turn 'mode' on to heat (sun symbol) OR, in a fan with heating in your apartment (the fan has both ventilation function and heating function - be sure to put on heating). In flats Alfama I, Alfama II and Mouraria I there is also air solar heating. In Alfama IV there is under the floor heating (next to the bathroom door and by TV - please be patient, it takes time to heat up). In Mouraria 3 (aka ´Central flat´) there is also heating in the dehumidifier - wait for it to heat up after turning it on. In case of more detailed information please use manuals - typically in a kitchen cupboard and often next to the microwave. What if I feel cold at night? There should be extra comforter/plaid/blanket somewhere in the flat - try looking in storage spaces such as below bed, in openable benches, in cupboards etc. Secondly you can of course turn on/up the heat. What if the Air condition does not work? It happens from time to time that someone tries operating the AC unit with the TV remote control - or vice versa - that obviously will not work! If you are certain that it is the right remote control, then please operate it slowly and press firmly (without ruining the button of course). Please also note that the AC unit also has dehumidifier, heating and cooling - please make sure you have it on the right mode/function (AC is marked with an ice crystal symbol). If there is no light at all in the AC unit at any point, or the AC unit gives an error message (like ‘E1’) then try checking the electric board and flip the switch back which is out of place. Lastly, the batteries in the remote control might have run out - there should be spare batteries in the flat (in a kitchen cupboard). (If not, then às an emergency take from another remote until we get you new batteries). As a very last resort you can try calling the emergency number. How do appliances, devices, the microwave etc work? There are manuals in the kitchen cupboard normally next to the microwave or above the exhaust hood (if there is none you can probably find one online). As mentioned in the house rules, you can use the washing machine but, sorry to say so, a priori you are on your own - it is a self-catered flat after all - and there will only be detergent if previous guests have left some. As a last resort, the housekeeper canl. Try also checking fuses on the electric control board. Às a lady resort the housekeeper can help you when she has to go to the building. What do I do with rubbish/garbage? Please leave it in garbage cans in the street (might not be right by building so look around for them): For the Sao Vicente building - there are garbage cans at both ends of the street. For the Mouraria building there are cans right in front of the building. For the flats ´Alfama III´ and ´Alfama IV´the cans are right in front of the building. For the flats ´Alfama I´ and ´Alfama II´ - please walk around the block to leave the garbage in Beco da Bicha (so when you go out street door you keep right until you get to other side of the building and you will see the garbage cans). There are a priori no extra garbage bags in the flats. They are widely available in drugstores around. Are there only decorative pillows? No (!) - although it might look like that - there is one pillow/cushion per guest (and a few other decorative ones). There are typically spare pillows somewhere (under the bed or in drawer under a bench). What to do if I sense humidity? Use the dehumidifier function of your AC unit. In winter occupation rates are low and weather humid, but your mere presence normally helps. You can also air out flat during drier days. What if there is little or no hot water? Please check that the water heater is plugged. Please check three places - kitchen sink, bathroom sink and shower - and please try faucets in different positions (typically hot water is to the left with faucet upwards). For the flats ´Alfama I-IV´ and ´Mouraria I-III´, if there is hot water but you find it does not last long you can try and turn up the temperature on the water heater (typically above the kitchen sink). For the flats ´Sao Vicente I-V´ the water is heated by solar panels - more than 99% of the time the sun heats up enough hot water. The water tank can be found in a kitchen cupboard. If you find there is not enough hot water you can move the switch on the panel from solar to ´electric-power-assisted´ (by moving the switch from left to middle position). There should typically be hot water enough for 10-12 minute showers (obviously depends on heat and intensity!) - after that the water heater takes around an hour to heat up the entire tank again (there will be some hot water just 10-20 minutes after it has been emptied). (Some flats have rainshowerheads - obviously they at full capacity run out of hot water faster than normal shower heads at lower capacity). How is the water heated? In the flats ´Sao Vicente I-V´ by solar panels (and in case of lengthy overcast weather conditions, electricity kicks in) In the flats ´Alfama I-IV´ and ´Mouraria I-III´ by electric water heater. Is there a minimum number of nights? Yes, (normally) two (but we are open to so-called ´orphan´bookings - that is one-day vacancies between already existing bookings). How to find TV channels? TV channels are ordered alphabetically in the apartments Alfama I, II, III & IV. In the apartments Mouraria I, II & III, as well as Sao Vicente I, II, III, IV & V there are six portuguese channels (and should not be hard to find!). Please note that in the Alfama building there are many ´empty´ channels (the signal comes from a satellite desk) but that you should be able to find some channels. There should also be some of the more known channels under ´favorites´ (on your remote control). How do I open the window and door? Firstly, do not panic - it is perfectly simple to open - but the doors or windows might work differently than what you are used to. Window - handle pointing downwards, window is closed. Horizontal handle, window is open. Handle pointing upwards, you can tilt the window to leave partially open (a tilted window upon arrival does not mean a broken window, just in case). Door - if you have trouble opening, try pulling the door towards you with one hand while you turn the key with the other (typically clockwise). If you really do not succeed then try calling the emergency number you received (in this very thread - just scroll up). What if there is a power failure or a device does not work? Please check the fuses on the electric control board in the flat, and switch back the one out of place. And if need be, press the main switch back on (which normally is a large gray square button to be pressed in). Please do not keep more than one power-intensive device on at a time. In Sao Vicente flats the electric boards are behind white ´wall lids/doors´ (push lightly against the door/lid to open). In Alfama and Mouraria apartments the electric boards are visible - typically close to the apartment door (inside the apartment)" (In Alfama 3 it is close to the TV). How to shift between shower heads? Some apartments have both large and small shower heads - to shift between the two turn/push/pull the knob/switch on the faucet. What about safety in the flats? While you are out of the flat, please lock the doors (and remember the key!) and keep the french balcony doors closed. While you are in the apartment please lock the door (just in case). You can leave the french balcony door open while you are up/awake but only tilt them at night while you are asleep (in the flats ´Alfama II´ and ´Alfama III´). In the Mouraria building the main door is not to be locked with a key but when closed it is on ´a latch´ (and since I opened the building I have had more than 3000 bookings and never a break-in). Are there sofa beds? In some flats. There are sofa beds (120x200 cm) for one person in the apartments Alfama I, Alfama II, Alfama III and Sao Vicente I, II and V and Mouraria I. There is a ´sofa armchair´, also called a one-person sofa bed (80 x 200 cm), in Mouraria III. Where can I do grocery shopping? The nearest shopping is available here; For the apartments' Alfama I, II, III and IV'; Grocery store in Beco do Mexias (not even 100 meters away from Alfama building), 1100-543 Lisbon, 38.711537, -9.128267 The nearest drugstore is probably at Rua de São Miguel 53, 1100-542 Lisboa (but there are a few around). For apartments 'Mouraria I, II and III'; There is a grocery shop right in front of building at Rua Marques Ponte do Lima 21 - opening hours vary! 1100-543 Lisbon, 38.715569, -9.134260 Pingo Doce, Largo do Chão do Loureiro 11, 1100-006 Lisbon, 38.712169, -9.135283 For apartments 'Sao Vicente I - V'; Several merchants in Rua do Salvador - for instance Salvador mini super market, rua do salvador 52, 1100-466 Lisbon, 38.713304, -9.130272 What if the lights do not work? Most likely a bulb has blown (or the lamp is not plugged in to a socket) - there should be spare bulbs in a kitchen cupboard - typically next to the microwave. It can also be a fuse on the electrical panel that needs to be switched back in place. If need be a handyman can pass by and check up on it. How do I make sure that TV and extractor hood work? Three things to check for TV; 1. That both TV and receiver is on 2. That cables are properly connected 3. Push button ´AV´ or ´input´ on TV remote control (or TV itself) until a signal from the receiver comes through. Two things to check for exhaust hood; 1. That you have pulled out the hood lid 2. That it is turned on (next to the hood light switch) There is no TV in Alfama II. Is there parking close to the flats? There is an app called ´EMEL´ which you might find handy às you can pay for parking thru the app (amongst other things!). However, please note that Lisbon is not car-friendly (as is the case for most large cities!). But if you choose to come by car…. Parking for the flats in the Sao Vicente building; There is paid street parking at Rua de São Vicente which is around 150 metres from flats - but sometimes it is hard to find vacant spots. Low risk. For the flats in the Alfama building; There is public paid parking in Rua do Terreiro do Trigo (but not in Rua Jardim do Tobaco!) which is around 300 metres from flats - but sometimes hard to find vacant spot. Semi-low risk Parque Santa Apolónia, Gare Marítima de Santa Apolónia, Cais da Pedra, 1900-264 Lisboa, Portugal. Low risk. Surveyed paid parking is a Largo das Portas do Sol around 350 metres away but rather expensive. Zero risk. Parking for the flats in the Mouraria building (so apartments ´Mouraria I, II and III); Surveyed paid parking is at Martim Moniz, around 200 metres away. Quite expensive. Zero risk. The street (Rua Marquês Ponte de Lima, Lisbon) in front of the flat is only for residents (às of july 2023) so you cannot park there - if you are a daring driver with good nerves there are a couple of narrow spaces along the read where you can pull over while you unload (but I recommend being very brief!). For all flats - you can consider parking at Campo de Martires da Patria - which is relatively affordable considering its location - https://www.empark.com/pt/pt/aparcamento/lisboa/campo-martires-da-patria/ You can consider parking at Feira da Ladra parking too which should be free. Or…. you can also park outside town and take a metro into Lisbon centre. How to do my laundry? Some flats (Alfma III & IV, Mouraria I, II and III) have washing machines. You can use the washing machine but you are on your own (so no panicky calls in the middle of the night because you cannot figure out how to operate it or open it!). Please remember that it is a completely self-catered apartment. Some flats have clothes lines where you can hang your laundry, for others flats you will have to use hangers in the flat and hang indoors. Otherwise you can do your laundry at: Washstation Alfama, R. dos Remédios 115, 1100-444 Lisboa What if the smoke detector beeps? If there is no smoke (!), it is probably because the battery is running low. You can take out the battery so you won't have to listen to the beeping. There should be a spare battery in a little kit in a kitchen cupboard - if you do not change it I'll have the handyman change the battery later. What if the fridge/refrigerator is not cold enough? Sorry for stating the obvious but then you adjust the temperature/indicator in the fridge itself. Where do I find free Lisbon Oasis Wifi hot spots? Using the (almost!) same code to wifi you received you can access Lisbon Oasis Wifi these following four places: 1. Around Beco da Bicha 2. Around Rua da Oliveirinha 12-14 3. Around Rua Joao do Outeiro 53-55 4. Around Rua Antero de Quental 26-30 What is included in rent? Water and electricity (but please note that flats are tentative eco-flats so please keep consumption to a minimum), Wifi (free, fast, unlimited), one set of towels (two per person (a small and a large), Bed linen, Final cleaning, various ´bathroom products´, 3-4 rolls of toilet paper. But please recall that this is a self-catered flat…. What is not included in the price? Mid-stay cleaning is not included - nor is change of towels or linen. You can get mid-stay cleaning and change of towels and linen for 29 Euros. What if I forget something in the apartment? Please don´t. Just like airlines we cannot normally send you lost or forgotten items. If you really need it, we will have to charge you 50 Euros plus the shipping expenses (which you must figure out how much are). Once you know the total amount please transfer the money and we will start the process. What is that sound/noise? In the flats ´Sao Vicente I-V´ you might hear a buzzing noise during the day - that is the solar panel system operating! (the noise is only when the sun is high so not a night!) In the flat ´Mouraria III´ there is a pump in the toilet to pump out the used water - it makes a rather loud sound every time it pumps out water. From around 1 to 20 June culminating on 12 June the so-called Santo Antonio party takes place - it is the ´Carnival´ of Lisbon with the old part of Lisbon (so where you are staying) full of festivities - and inevitable noise! What are the house rules? Property is strictly non-smoking. Please take off shoes while in flat. Guests should lock the door when leaving the apartment (during their stay). Please keep noise to a minimum. Don´t leave the apartment filthy (cleaning, linen and towels are included but please do not leave behind a pigsti). Please keep energy consumption to a minimum - please do not leave heating or air conditioning on when you are not in the flat. Please keep windows closed - especially when you have heating or air conditioning on. Please check always first the FAQ (to which you have received a link) for practical matters and doubts. Please check flat description and reviews carefully to ensure that there won´t be any surprises for you. Communication is to take place thru Airbnb. Don´t book for others, only yourself. You book a clean, self-catered and functional property and both regarding getting in and staying in the flat, you manage on your own. While we will try to help you remotely if you have problems (opening door, making hot plates work, operating microwave, etc) do not expect staff to pass. If you insist in having staff over and it turns out to have been unnecessary you will be charged 50 euros. You can also pay 50 euros to have staff come by. If you lock yourselves out or lose keys then transfer 50 euros so we can send staff to let you in. The 50 euros must be paid in advance or as last resort in the moment that you are let in to the apartment again. If keys have to be made then that has a cost of 50 euros. Fine for smoking 100 euros. If they do not manage then we will reimburse you and you will have to call a locksmith at your own expense. Any problem caused by guest(s) or breach of rules will be subject to charge/penalty. Broken items are to be paid for by the guest including labour costs. An occasional bug or insect, one or two hairs or other petty issue, is no reason for contact nor complaint nor reason for new sheets or reimbursement. There are no guarantees about wifi speed. Wifi, water, electricity and one set bed linen and towels per person, and 3-4 toilet rolls are included - everything beyond that is the Airbnb guests responsibility to get at own expense. Please use the FAQ in case of doubts. Any claim must be substantiated with photo (but not close-ups as anything then can be blown out of proportion), video or audio. Unjustified claims, false claims, false alarms, any inconsistency between booking and reality, breach of house rules or Airbnb rules will be reported to Airbnb and subject to payment. Any perceived issue by guest must be reported within 12 hours of arrival. Host must be given a chance to rectify - and consequently given access to flat. Don´t expect me to accept alteration requests asking for a shortening of stay. TV; please do not log out of google account associated with the TV. If you do we cannot provide you with password. Please allow 10-12 hours for the host to answer (guest will have access to resources such as FAQ, recommendations which will provide fast answers to doubts). Extra person fee is calculated for the whole booking period. Other Things to Note: Keys to flat are in a key box by entrance to flat. Guests get code to box after which they get key to flat. Having a system like this allows clients to arrive any time of the day (or night!). Owner or staff might go without notice to your apartment if there is an issue to fix (which is unlikely to happen) How can I communicate with the host? By default through the Airbnb platform (in fact it is a house rule). The thing is that there are so many channels of communication and it is not feasible to check emails, whatsapp, Signal, Telegram, Instagram, etc - so to ensure that your messages will be read there is one channel of communication which is by Airbnb message. How do I contact Host/Lisbon Oasis? If you have any additional questions, you can always contact us in the Airbnb thread or by mail: booking@lisbonoasis.com What happens if I cancel my reservation? As mentioned on our General Conditions, you can make a cancellation maximum 7 days before arrival and be reimbursed 50%. Cancellations less than 7 days before arrival are not refunded. What to remember when I leave ? To leave the keys in the key box (AND ALL YOUR BELONGINGS OF COURSE!)! If you bring out some garbage on your way out the housekeeper will appreciate that. How do I get the key/access to the apartment? After booking you will get a key access code to the flat you have booked. You will also receive travel documents about how to get to the flat. How do I close and open the sink drain? Press to open and close the sink drain/lid. What if a sink or shower clogs up? I suggest you try yourself (particularly if it happens at night when staff is not available) with a plunger (should be one in the bathroom). What if I smell smoke? Just in case, I apply a non-smoking policy in all of my apartments and have had that policy for years. While the policy has happened to be broken it can be counted on one or two hands and I have had more than 10000 bookings. So, if you smell smoke it will most likely be someone in a neighboring building (or otherwise closeby like on the street) who is smoking (and I cannot ban them for doing so!). Is there a high chair for children? No (only in the flat ´Mouraria 1´ is there a high chair for babies) Where is my balcony? The flats ´Alfama I, Alfama II, Alfama III, Mouraria I, Mouraria II, Mouraria III, Sao Vicente III and Sao Vicente IV´ have so-called french balconies aka 'false balcony' , ´Juliet balcony´ or ´balconet´. According to wikipedia these are ´unlike a full balcony which projects out from the structure, these balconies have no flooring deck and are just a railing which sit across the outer face of a window´. ´Sao Vicente II´ has a real balcony, albeit small, where you can sit and enjoy the view. How do I dim the lights? In ´Sao Vicente II´on its lower floor it is possible to dim the LED-spots - make sure the main switch is on and use the remote to control light intensity and color (from cold white to warm white). The manual is somewhere in your flat - probably in a kitchen cupboard. OTHER MORE GENERAL TOURISTY QUESTIONS: “Is Lisbon safe? Lisbon is one of the safest cities in Europe/World - https://shorturl.at/swxLR . However, of course you need to take precautions - particularly at night. (And if you have balcony doors then do not leave them open (only tilt them) at night. “ Where can I do a Covid/Corona test? This changes all the time and I would suggest googling it in any case. But there is a pharmacy on Martim Moniz that does test and a test centre on Praca da Figueira. How do I get the best mobile data plan? Offers change all the time…. But these are the main operators: MEO; Vodafone; NOS; Yorn; NOWO. (websites: meo.pt, vodafone.pt, etc) Where can I do ´proper´ shopping? All over Lisbon of course! If you have the time and are looking for big savings then the outlet ´Freeport´ outside Alcochete might be interesting for you. See more at: https://freeportfashionoutlet.pt/en/freeport-outlet-shuttle-en# Where do I buy tickets? For trains: www.cp.pt For buses: Try www.rede-expressos.pt , www.checkmybus.pt , www.flixbus.pt , www.busbud.pt For concerts: Try www.ticketline.sapo.pt , www.bilheteira.fnac.pt , www.bol.pt F Where to listen to Fado? I will level with you…. I am not an expert and have only been to a few places over the years (so places below might not be good anymore or simply not exist). Anyhow in the vicinity of your flat there is: Fado na Morgadinha. Largo Peneireiro 5, 1100-435 Lisboa. https://restaurantefadonamorgadinha.eatbu.com Alfama Grill, R. da Regueira 26, 1100-435 Lisboa. Has fado year round from 19-23 o´clock. The two mentioned above are literally next door to the Alfama building (so the flats Alfama I-IV). Maria da Mouraria at Rua do Capelão 1B, Largo Severa 2, 1100-341 Lisboa Check also the 'Tips and recommendations' Where do I rent a car? Obviously there are many options - I recommend: http://www.lisbon-cheap-car-hire.co.uk/ When does the metro operate? Under normal operating conditions, the Metro opens at 6:30 a.m. and closes at 1:00 a.m. Is Lisbon safe? Lisbon is one of the safest cities in Europe http://www.visitingportugal.com/blog/lisbon-safest-city-in-europe/ However, of course you need to take precautions - particularly at night. And do not leave balcony doors open (only tilt them). Where can I buy tickets? Trains; https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en/buy-tickets Busses; http://www.goeuro.pt Concerts; ticketline.sapo.pt/en/ Where are there internet cafes? https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=internetcafe&find_loc=Lisbon Often you can print there too. How to ship things in advance? Please use poste restante; https://www.ctt.pt/particulares/receber/locais-de-entrega-alternativos/lojas-ctt EVENTUALITIES What happens if I forget/leave keys in the flat during my stay? If you lock yourselves out or lose keys and contact us between 9 and 17 o´clock then transfer 30 euros so we can send staff to let you in. If you lock yourselves out or lose keys and contact us between 17 and 9 o´clock then transfer 60 euros so we can send staff to let you in. If they do not manage then we will reimburse you and you will have to call a locksmith at your own expense. If need be you can call locksmith at +351 21 845 3060 (24/7) Do I have to be in the apartment if staff is sent over to your place? No. Staff are 100% trustworthy and have keys. Owner or staff might go without notice to your apartment if there is an issue to fix. What to do in a ´relative´ emergency (locked myself out for instance)? For the apartments Alfama I, II, III and IV as well as Sao Vicente I and II; Whatsapp message or call +351 963 948 357´ For the apartments Mouraria I, II and III às well às Sao Vicente III, IV and V; Whatsapp message, call or sms +351 917 534 602 For serious emergency call; 112 Where is there a police station? For Sao Vicente and Alfama building closest police station is; Largo Museu da Artilharia, n.º 1 For Mouraria; Rua da Palma nº 169 See more at; http://www.psp.pt/Pages/apsp/ondeEstamos.aspx?menu=2&submenu=1&qDistrito=27&qCo ncelho= What it wi-fi doesn´t work? Just in case - the network is called lisbonoasis (or LISBONOASIS) - and the password is; lisbonoasis or LISBONOASIS Did you try more than one device? Did you try rebooting your device? The provision of internet does from time to time fail from the provider - typically does not last long There might appear to be two networks but only one is working - try both with same code. If you are in apartment with router, trying re-booting. Also try re-booting your own device and check wifi on other devices. Please note that the wifi might be working and the issue can be with your device. If your phone is an Android phone you can check this out: https://www.online-tech-tips.com/smartphones/how-to-fix-android-phone-not-connecting-to-wi-fi/ If it is an Apple try this: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204051#:~:text=Reset%20your%20Network%20Settings.,%3E%20Reset%20%3E%20Reset%20Network%20Settings.