WORLDWIDE CAR HIRE

If you want low-cost car hire on holiday, there is no better choice than Discount Rent A Car, guaranteed to offer some of the best deals in Portugal. Discount Rent A Car will help you find exactly what you’re looking for quickly and efficiently.

Discount Rent A Car is part of Ambarella Limited that publishes one of the leading on-line Destination Guides to Portugal.

Do you want to invest in Portugal? Learn more about Portugal's Golden Visa investment funds.

The beautiful countryside of Portugal is a fantastic place to explore; a place where you can wind through verdant vineyards and meadows, and discover quaint picturesque villages full of character and tradition. Embrace the cosmopolitan buzz of Portugal’s vibrant capital city Lisbon and admire the endless beaches and stunning coastline of the Algarve. Take in the sights and sounds of this unspoilt tranquil country that is fast becoming a leading holiday destination in Europe known for its sense of sophistication, culture, history and beauty.

What better way to do all this than to hire a high quality car so you can explore at your own pace and visit the many charms Portugal has to offer.

We have the most modern fleet of cars in Portugal at our disposal and we offer top quality service. Just think high-class car rental at low prices.

Essential information for your driving holiday in Portugal

Basic driving rules

  • Drive on the right hand side of the road and overtake on the left lane.
  • Headlights must always be used in tunnels.
  • When driving in large cities, give way to passengers disembarking from trams.
  • Mobile devices may only be used with a hands-free system.
  • GPS devices can be used but should be programmed while the vehicle is stationary. Reserve your GPS device when making your booking and it will be ready for you on arrival.

Essential Documents and Equipment
Drivers from EU countries must carry their valid domestic drivers licence when driving in Portugal. An international Driving Permit is required for residents of other countries, accompanied by a domestic licence. Always carry your driving licence, vehicle rental contract, registration document and certificate of motor insurance at all times. Your rental car should also contain a reflective warning triangle and a high-visibility safety vest in case of emergencies.

Drinking and driving
Drinking and driving is prohibited. The maximum blood alcohol level is 0.05% and penalties for drink driving can be high. Traffic police can issue on-the-spot fines for speeding, drink driving or other misdemeanours. Most traffic police vehicles are issued with portable debit/credit machines so fines can be paid immediately.

Fuel
Petrol stations are plentiful throughout Portugal and usually open from 7:00 to 22:00, but there are a number of self-service 24-hour service stations. Unleaded petrol is called gasolina sem chumbo and has an octane rating of 95 or 98. Diesel is called gasóleo. LPG is called GPL or gás líquido.

Theft and Damage
Do not leave anything of value in your rental car (even in the boot). In case of break-in or theft, get a police report for your insurance claim.

Insurance
Your car hire agreement should include 3rd party insurance (compulsory in the EU). For total peace of mind, we recommend Mondial Assistance Excess Cover Insurance. For only €6.00 per day, this comprehensive policy includes €3,000 excess for any insurance claim. The credit card holder will need to present their card for authorisation at the rental desk.

Seat belts
Seat belts are compulsory for drivers and all passengers when driving in Portugal. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to sit in the front seat.

Speed limits
The speed limit is 50 km/h (30 mph) in most urban areas, 90 km/h (54 mph) on rural roads and up to 120 km/h (72 mph) on motorways (auto-estradas).

Roads and tolls
Many motorways in Portugal have tolls. To use a toll road, take a ticket from the machine at the start of the route. At the exit, present your ticket at the toll booth or automatic payment machine. Cash and credit cards are accepted. Some roadways have overhead electronic gantries that collect tolls automatically from a device fitted on the windscreen. Please check with the rental desk to see if these have been fitted to your hire car.

Emergencies
In case of accidents, the Emergency number for Police/Fire/Ambulance Service in Portugal is 112.

If your car breaks down, put on the safety vest before exiting the vehicle. The reflective warning triangle should be placed at a safe distance from the rear of the vehicle to alert oncoming drivers. Orange SOS telephones are regularly positioned along motorways in case of emergency.

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