We will be travelling to Spain and Portugal in September-October for 3 and a 1/2 weeks. We will be travelling by car (picking up the rental car in Lisbon and dropping off in Porto), and travelling to the Alentejo, Algarve and Douro regions while in Portogual. The remainder of our time will be commuting through Spain. For Portugal, I wanted to inquire about using the electronic toll roads, such as the A22 in the Algarve. If our rental car agency (JAP) does not provide a transponder in our rental car would you recommend that we: 1) Rent a transponder (DE) when we first set out at a service station to cover the toll road costs, or 2) Travel the toll roads and then pay after at a post office or pay-shop - realizing there is a 2-day delay. I am familiar with both options, but wasn't sure if one was more advantageous over the other. I might even just follow-up with the rental car agency, but thought I would pose my question in the Travel Helpline Community to begin. Any advice would be welcome and greatly appreciated. Cheers,
Jeff
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
691 posts
Jeff, got back from Portugal 2 weeks ago. When we arrived from Spain into Portugal, all cars were stopped and asked to give their credit card and enter their NIP, just like a regular credit card transaction. The plate of the car was then matched with the account and we were able to go to the express lane at every toll, a picture was taken of the plate each time and our credit card was billed once a month so far. But we did not have to that, we could have chosen the option of paying cash at every Toll we encountered. hope this help!
Enjoy Portugal, it is Great!