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Border Crossings with Rental Car

Hello-
While we shall acquire an International Driver’s License and, advise from our Car Rental Company, seeking intel when Crossing into Portugal, Spain and Gibraltar to prepare for any such requirements or tips.
Thank you.
Dean

Posted by
11570 posts

No borders to be concerned about in Spain and Portugal. Just like in US, driving from state to state. Do not know about Gibraltar which is a UK territory.

Posted by
348 posts

No borders per se, but some of the main highways in Portugal use electronic tolls and if you use them, you will need to have toll transponder.

Posted by
3071 posts

Dean, no tips necessary. Crossing the borders within the Schengen countries in the EU is like crossing state borders in the US. Nothing to it (despite in certain moments there might be a cross border check).

The "thing" about rentals crossing international borders has to do with the contract you've signed when renting it. Some specifically exclude this possibility and if you happen to have an incident (accident, break down...) you'll find yourself in breach of the contract, with the ensuing claim from the rental company. Another hurdle is that returning the rental in an office from the same company but in another country (or even a different autonomous community -think "state"- within Spain, if you originally rented in Spain) might carry a heavy surcharge.

In short, read your contract before signing it!

Posted by
7 posts

Hi- comment about the Toll Transponder much appreciated. Wonder if lacking shall charge back via Car Rental Agency and link to my credit card as recently experienced in the States. Thank you for heads up!