Direct Debits

[coedfive]

I would like to set up Direct Debits or Standing Orders to pay for phone/rates/water/electricity. Do the relevant organisations have English speaking staff? Any information or tips would be appreciated.

[Algarve Eagle]

Cannot comment regarding rates (our lawyer pays these as our fiscal representative) or water as we are not on mains supply. However, I have been cold-called by both EDP and PT from time to time, said 'fala ingles?' in my best Portuguese, and the reply has always been 'yes - a little'. The conversation has then proceeded in English without problem. During the last cold call from EDP, I managed to sign up for electronic billing (and it works!).

I have direct debits with both EDP and PT. Our lawyer set up the EDP direct debit when we purchased our property; however, I set up the PT direct debit by visiting the PT office in Portimao, where the staff do speak English. You have to take a ticket and wait your turn, which can take 30-40 minutes.

Alternatively, you can visit the web-sites of both organsiations, register as an on-line customer, and set up direct debits and if required, electronic billing. EDP also lets you submit meter eadings without registration. Both organisations have English web-sites. The PT site kicks you into Portuguese as soon as you want to do anything within the client area, but it is pretty easy to follow even in Portuguese. The English version of the EDP site is better developed, but again kicks you into Portuguese if you want to action anything. Also, the site appears to be having problems at the moment - 'page unavailable' appears regularly at present.

Hope this helps.