Thanks MC - that is EXACTLY what I was talking about (and explaining very badly!)

Has anyone seen these in Portugal? Don't want to buy one over here in case it is not the "right" type for the door. Although I suppose I could always use it on my house in the UK.

Thanks for your response. The sort of thing I am talking about is a keypad which, when the numbers are pressed, allows you to turn the knob on the door to open it. I don't think it is electronic (that would be too risky in terms of losing electricity and being locked out!). My sister has one on her ...

I would be grateful if people could give me their comments and thoughts about my front door. I have an apartment in Carvoeiro which has a main door, then 3 separate apartments at the top of the stairs. Currently I have a normal door lock with opens with a key. I would like to change the lock and won...