Frequently asked questions
Here we turn your questions into solutions
What is a quote for?
It is essential to request a quote before starting any project. To do so, you should complete the form for the service you need, providing the information requested. Your name, email address, and phone number are required so that we can clarify any questions. The quote precedes any service you wish to place with us and provides details on our process, including price, delivery time, service conditions, and payment information.
Is it safe to send my documents to request a quote?
We implement IT security measures and encryption procedures for storing information to ensure the confidentiality of your documents. Before starting any project, we can also sign a confidentiality agreement, formally committing to handle all received information safely and responsibly, exclusively for the purpose of the service requested.
How do I approve a service?
After reviewing the quote, you ask you to send an email accepting the terms of service. Generally, we request advance payment of a percentage of the service cost, along with proof of payment in the same email.
When should I make the payment?
Payment should be made according to the instructions in the quote. Typically, we request 30% upfront at the time of service approval and the remaining balance by the delivery date. For regular clients, we may also issue an invoice at the end of each month.
Will I have any role in the process?
Absolutely. Client involvement is always welcome, especially if you are already familiar with the terminology in question. Your experience and knowledge are highly valuable. Our translation service includes a review by the client to ensure accuracy and satisfaction.
What is the difference between translation and interpreting?
Translation is based on written texts. interpreting involves the oral transmission of a message either consecutively or in real time.
Is it important to provide reference materials for translation services?
We recommend that you provide reference materials before approving the project. These resources help us understand your company’s specific terminology and maintain consistency with previous documents or services. Other useful materials include style guides, glossaries, or terminology databases.
How can I submit documents for translation?
Documents can be sent by email or post — whichever is most convenient for you. However, we always recommend sending documents in electronic format, preferably editable.
What is the difference between a simple translation and a certified translation?
The main difference lies in legal validity and official recognition. Both are professional services that accurately convey the original message.
How long does a translation take?
This depends on the volume of work (number of words), the source and target languages, and the type of terminology used. We must first analyse the document and determine if you have a specific deadline. The quote will indicate the most appropriate delivery time for the project while meeting your needs.
How much will the translation cost?
The easiest way to find out the exact conditions for a specific project is to use our free online quote service. We usually reply within a few hours. To prepare an accurate quote, we only need to review the document, the language combination, the total number of words, and the requested delivery date.
Are there discounts available?
Yes. Generally, the larger the text, the lower the price per word. Our word processors calculate the total number of words in the document, and discounts increase with longer texts. We also offer competitive conditions for clients who wish to work with us regularly.
What happens when the translator goes to the notary to certify the translation?
The translator presents the original document and its translation to the notary. The notary issues a certificate identifying the translator as the author of the translation. The translator declares before the notary that the translation is accurate and faithful to the original. The original document, the translation, and the certificate are initialled and signed by both the translator and the notary, and stamped with an embossed seal.
What is an Apostille?
An Apostille is a certification of the authenticity of public documents, issued by a competent authority of the State. In Portugal, this is the Procuradoria-Geral da República. This body verifies the authenticity of Portuguese public documents in countries adhering to the Hague Convention, ensuring full acceptance in those countries. Notary certification of the translation must first take place. Only then can you request the Apostille from the Procuradoria-Geral da República to ensure recognition of your translated document abroad.
Does my translation need an Apostille?
A translation must be apostilled together with the original document when both are presented in a country that is a signatory to the Hague Convention. This eliminates the need for consular legalization and validates the public documents between member countries, ensuring the document is legally recognized in the destination country.
What is the difference between interpreting and translation?
Interpreting aims to convey a message orally from one language to another, whereas translation involves converting a written text from one language to another.
Is it important to provide reference materials for translation and interpreting services?
We recommend providing the appropriate materials (e.g., PowerPoint presentations for conference use) to interpreters in advance. The better prepared the interpreters are, the more accurately they can convey the message to the audience.
What is the main difference between consecutive and simultaneous interpreting?
How many interpreters will I need for my conference?
It depends, but we work with a dedicated booth system, where each booth has two interpreters. Each interpreter works in 30-minute shifts. If there are three languages, six interpreters will likely be required. However, this number can be adjusted depending on the importance of each language. The best way to get an exact estimate is to use our free online quote service.
Do I need equipment for my conference? Can you help?
In addition to interpreters, GT also provides state-of-the-art equipment for simultaneous interpreting services, with qualified technical staff assisting during the event. Our partnerships allow us to operate across the entire country.
I only need someone for a short meeting with my client. Is that possible?
Yes, we have interpreters available for periods of one hour, two hours, half a day, or a full day.
What is a monolingual revision?
A monolingual revision involves analysing and correcting a text in a single language, with the aim of improving quality, linguistic accuracy, and style. Sentences may be reordered or rewritten, some paragraphs may be removed or shortened, and key messages are highlighted. The reviewer seeks to simplify the language, eliminate ambiguity, make sentences more concise, and adopt inclusive language.
What is a bilingual revision?
A bilingual revision consists of line-by-line comparison and evaluation of the original text with its translation, aiming to ensure accuracy, clarity, and coherence in both languages. More thorough than a monolingual revision, bilingual revision is a critical step in the translation process, ensuring that no information is omitted or mistranslated.
What does the post-editing service (MTPE) involve?
MTPE stands for Machine Translation Post-Editing. This process involves translating the original text using an automatic translation tool, which is then reviewed, edited, and approved by an experienced human post-editor. A post-editor is a translator with specific expertise in refining content generated by machine translation.
