Car Hire in Portugal

Tourist information - Portugal

Portugal is a republic in south-western Europe, situated in the western portion of the Iberian Peninsula and bordered on the north and east by Spain and on the south and west by the Atlantic Ocean. The Azores (Açores) and the Madeira Islands in the Atlantic are self governing territories of Portugal.

Lisbon is the capital and largest city and also the leading seaport of Portugal. Other important cities include Oporto, Coimbra and Faro.

Lisbon has an exceptionally fine harbour. In Lisbon there are shipbuilding yards, petroleum refineries, and plants producing chemicals, foodstuffs, hardware, paper, and textiles. The chief exports include cork, canned fish, olive oil, resin, and wine. Imports are mainly raw materials.

Oporto, also known as Porto, city, is capital of Oporto District, mostly on the northern bank of the Douro (Duero) River, not far from the Atlantic Ocean.

SPECIAL NOTES

Drive on the right, overtake on the left.
You must carry your driving licence, passport and vehicle documents at all times.
Dipped headlights must be used in reduced visibility.
It is forbidden to pass trams when passengers are getting on or off.
Only use the horn in emergencies.

VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS

Warning Triangle must be carried in the vehicle. Also spare bulb kit and a fire extinguisher are recommended.

SPEED LIMITS

Cars only
Built-up areas = 50 kph
Major roads outside towns = 90/100 kph
Motorways = 120 kph

Special note: If you have held a full driving licence for less than 12 months your maximum speed limit is 90 kph. You must display a yellow disc with the number '90' in the rear windscreen.

MOTORWAYS

Motorways are called Auto-Estradas and are 'A' roads. Tolls are charged on some sections of motorway and must be paid in cash.

SEAT BELTS

Front seat = Compulsory
Rear seat = Compulsory if fitted
Children under 12 years are not allowed in front seats unless an approved seat or harness is fitted. Children under 3 years must use approved baby seat at all times.

DRIVING LICENCE

Minimum Driving age is 18 years of age.

FINES

Motoring offences, police are empowered to collect fines on the spot. A receipt should be issued.

DRINKING and DRIVING

Drinking & driving are subject to very severe restrictions.
Blood / Alcohol limit is 0.05%.
More than 0.12 % results in imprisonment.

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

Police 112
Fire Service 112
Ambulance 112

PARKING

Park in the same direction as the traffic flow, except where parking is allowed on one side of the road only. Illegally parked cars are subject to immobilization. Parking meters in operation in the major cities.

FUEL

Unleaded Super 95/98 = Sem Chumbo / Gasolina sin Plomo.
Diesel = Gasoleo.
LPG = limited availability
Credit card payments are usually surcharged with a small fee.

MasterCarsDirect offers car hire in the following locations in Portugal

Armaco De Pera, Albufeira, Carvoeiro, Cascais, Faro Airport (FAO), Faro, Lagos, Montegordo, Praia De Rocha, Oporto Airport (OPO), Oporto, Lisbon Airport (LIS), Lisbon, Vilamoura, Leiria, Lisbon RRS. and other locations.