What documents are needed for car hire in Portugal?
- Passport / Identity Card 🛂
- Driver´s license 🚗
- Credit Card 💳
- Reservation Voucher 📋
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Passport / Identity Card ✅
Valid passport or identity card is a must when renting a car in Portugal. This official identification will be required during the rental process, so make sure to have it with you.
Driver’s license ✅
This one should be easy, obviously without a driver’s license, you can’t drive a car. 😜
In addition to the regular driver license, an International Driving Permit is also mandatory if the customer is not a resident of the EU countries.
For both American and Canadian citizens planning to rent a car in Portugal, you do not need an International Drivers License or Permit if you have a valid driver’s license from your respective country. 🇺🇸🇨🇦🚗
However, it is always a good idea to carry an IDP as a supplement to your US driver’s license, as it can be helpful to have an internationally recognized and translated version of your driver’s license while traveling abroad.
Furthermore, some rental car companies may require an International Driving Permit IDP as a policy, so it is always best to check with the specific company you plan on renting from prior to your trip. Get yours at the International drivers association.
Okay, okay, it’s as obvious as needing sunscreen on a sunny day, but hey, just a friendly reminder – don’t forget to pack your regular driver’s license along with your International Driving Permit.
Double-check, and you’re all set to hit the Portuguese roads! 🚗😎
Credit Card ✅
Having a credit card is crucial for renting a car in Portugal. The rental company will typically require a credit card in the name of the person on the renting contract.
It serves as a guarantee for potential damages or incidents that may occur during your rental period.
The rental car company may place a hold (also known as a deposit) on your credit card.
The amount of the deposit can vary based on the car type you choose and the rental company’s policies. Deposits usually range from €800 to €3000.
Remember to ensure you have sufficient credit on your card to cover the deposit.
Why is a deposit necessary? 😕
When selecting a comprehensive insurance plan through popular search platforms such as Discovercars, Rentalcars, or Kayak, it’s important to note that a deposit is still mandatory.
This deposit is necessary to cover any unexpected expenses that may not be included in the insurance coverage. Explore everything you need to know about rental car insurance coverage in our comprehensive article 👉 here.
However, if you book your rental car directly with the rental agency and opt for full coverage, you have the option to waive the deposit requirement. 🔐🚗
To avoid any surprises, always review the deposit policy on your rental voucher and clarify any questions with the rental company before picking up the car.
Don’t worry; if there are no issues with the car, the funds will be released after you return it. This usually takes 24-48 hours.
Reservation voucher ✅
When you book your rental car, you’ll receive a reservation voucher via email. You can either download the voucher to your phone or present the email during car pickup.
The rental company will ask for your name and ID to match the reservation, along with the booking number as a reference.
That´s all!
Wait, are these all the documents I need for car hire in Portugal? 🤔
Yes! You’ve got it covered! 👍
Tips for renting a car:
- Stay updated on policies: Rental car policies can change, and new requirements may be introduced. Stay informed about the current conditions and possible changes in rental policies.
- Renting without a Credit Card: If you don’t have a credit card, some rental companies in Portugal accept debit cards. However, not all third-party suppliers guarantee acceptance of debit cards, so it’s safer to book directly through the rental car company’s website.
- Check accepted payment methods: Ensure that your chosen payment method (credit or debit card) is accepted by the rental company to avoid any complications during pickup.
While this might not offer the same discounts available through other suppliers, it eliminates the need for a credit card.
Extra advice and tips 🛣️
- Keep it clean: To steer clear of unexpected fees, make it a priority to return the rental car in a reasonably clean condition, similar to how it was handed over to you. Rental companies often impose cleaning fees for vehicles returned excessively dirty, so taking a few minutes to tidy up the interior and exterior can save you from additional charges.
- Return time consideration: Pay attention to the return time specified in your rental agreement. Returning the car late could result in additional charges, so plan your trip accordingly and factor in any potential delays.
- Be prepared for additional charges: Some rental companies may require additional deposits for tolls and fuel. So, be prepared for extra charges on top of the main deposit.
Typically, these charges range around 100€ for tolls (Via verde) and 80€ for fuel deposit when selecting the full-to-full option.
Note that if you don’t use the SCUTS – Electronic Toll Collection System*, the toll deposit may be refunded after 10 days otherwise, they will deduct the toll charges you’ve incurred.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that these amounts can vary depending on the specific vehicle you rent. So it’s advisable to view them as rough estimates rather than fixed rates.
*SCUTS: These are electronic tolls used on certain highways and expressways in Portugal, where tolls are collected electronically without the need for traditional toll booths.
Last updated: January 17, 2024
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