Who we work with - Portugal
Useful facts
- Currency: Euro
- Side of the road to drive on: Right
- Time difference: GMT
- Dialling code: +351
- Plug adaptor: Voltage 230V, Hertz 50Hz, UK 3 pin to C/F adaptor
Toll roads
Planning to cruise along the Algarve (A22), explore Lisbon or head over to Porto? You will likely encounter a toll road. Most of the car rental providers that we work with allow you to reserve a toll transponder. Hiring a transponder is not mandatory, although recommended.
If you do not intend to use any toll roads, some companies require a deposit (usually approx. €20) which will be refunded upon your return, (so long as you don’t use them on your travels.) Some companies do not offer a toll transponder. If this is the case, you must buy credit from a post office or supermarket in Portugal.
Age requirements
Regardless of your age, we have a car hire option to suit you in Portugal. Most of the companies that we work with will accept customers aged between 25-85. There are however some suppliers that will rent to those who are 21 years of age and impose no upper age limit.
Additional drivers
If you want to share the driving, we have negotiated a free additional driver with all of the companies that we work in Portugal.
Automatic or manual transmission?
Most vehicles provided in Portugal have manual transmission. If you require an automatic vehicle, make sure that you book in advance.
Filter your results to see which automatic vehicles are available, or simply look for the A – Automatic symbol next to the vehicle description on the search results.
Fuel Policy
Don’t worry, you always get a fair fuel policy when you book with Zest! Most companies that we work with operate with either a return with same amount policy or collect full, return full.
Planning on crossing a border?
Fancy visiting Spain on your holiday? Make sure you tell us when you book. Some suppliers will charge a local fee for this, some will not. Make sure you check each one to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Call the Zest Team on 0333 336 1554 and we will happily assist you if you have any questions.
Collecting your hire car
Whilst many car rental suppliers have desks at airports across Portugal, many also allow collection from the airport car parks. Hopping on a shuttle bus and picking up your car off-site is also an option.
With some on-site suppliers, a mandatory Airport Surcharge of 15 EUR will be charged upon collection of the vehicle. This is a charge enforced directly by the Airport Authority (ANA).
For a handy guide of what to do when collecting your hire car, read our tips for stress-free car hire collection.
Rental durations and extensions
Looking for a longer term rental? We work with companies that will allow rentals for periods of up to 90 days (some even longer!) Many will only permit a hire of 21-30 days however. If you need to hire a car for a longer trip, take a look at what we have available by getting a quote now.
If you wish to stay longer in Portugal and need to extend your hire, call us on +441362 852288 to arrange this.
Licence requirements
Most companies that we work with in Portugal only require you to have held a full EU issued driving licence for 1 year. Some need you to have held your licence for 2 years. When making a booking, check the individual suppliers licence requirements in the side bar by clicking on the (i) information icon.
Need to contact us on rental?
We hope that your holiday and hire car collection goes smoothly, however we understand that things don’t always go to plan.
If your flight is cancelled or delayed, please let us know right away on +441362 852288.
If you experience an issue upon collection or you’re not happy about something, now is the time to tell us! Contact us straightaway on +441362 852288 and we will liaise with the supplier to resolve any problems.
Book now
