Do you know how to use the Portuguese toll roads with your hire car?
With Clarify Car Hire it couldn’t be simpler to sort out a transponder for your hire car in Portugal.
If you are planning to do any distance driving in Portugal or use any of the main roads then we would always suggest that you consider getting a transponder for your rental car. These nifty devices record your use of the toll roads and allow you access to the Via Verde routes as well as the standard electronic toll roads. It really does take the worry out of which roads you can use and whether or not you will be fined for using a road you shouldn’t have.
A large number of the main roads in particular surrounding the airports of Faro and Porto are toll roads. Some of the roads which lead to the border with Spain also have tolls. You can avoid them but taking an alternative route is likely to make your journey a bit longer. It can be frankly quite difficult to go around them unless you have a good knowledge of the Portuguese road network!
How do I make sure I have a transponder with my hire car?
It’s easy with Clarify Car Hire. When you run a quote for car hire in Portugal a filter will appear that you can use to view car hire packages that come with a transponder included. This is a great way of knowing upfront what the cost is going to be and that you will have a transponder already installed when you get to your car. If you are undecided about a transponder but want to get your car hire booked – and, with the current demand for car hire, booking early is recommended - you can add a transponder at the desk. Some companies only offer this option.
How do the toll road transponders work?
Transponders are usually fitted to the windscreen of the car near the rearview mirror. When you pick up your rental car, take a look as it will most likely already be installed. When you pay for a transponder the rental car will just activate it for you. Once it is activated, when you use the toll roads, any toll fees will automatically be charged to your car.
Tolls can take about 48 hours to be charged to an account. When you return your hire car to the desk, you will be billed by the rental company for any charges that have appeared. Bear in mind that any use of the toll roads in the last two days of your hire may not be charged to your credit card until after your return home. We are always on hand if you need any further help with your car hire booking for Portugal or for any other queries you may have regarding transponders. More information is available in our FAQ section.
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