Faro

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Car Rentals

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Car Rentals in Faro, Portugal

Rental Companies

  • Major International Companies:
    • Hertz
    • Avis
    • Budget
    • Europcar
    • Sixt
  • Local Companies:
    • Guerin
    • Auto Jardim
    • Drive On Holidays

Costs

  • Daily Rental Rates:
    • Economy cars: €25 - €50
    • SUVs: €50 - €100
    • Luxury vehicles: €100+
  • Additional Costs:
    • Young driver surcharge (under 25): €10 - €30 per day
    • Additional driver fee: €5 - €15 per day
    • GPS rental: €5 - €10 per day
    • Child seat rental: €5 - €10 per day

Required Documents

  • For Renters:
    • Valid driving license (held for at least 1 year)
    • Passport or national ID
    • Credit card in the name of the primary driver
  • For Non-EU Citizens:
    • International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required.

Insurance Options

  • Basic Coverage: Included in rental price, typically covers third-party liability.
  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Reduces liability for damage to the rental car.
  • Theft Protection: Covers theft of the vehicle.
  • Personal Accident Insurance: Covers medical expenses for the driver and passengers.
  • Excess Reduction: Option to reduce the excess amount in case of an accident.

Local Driving Rules

  • Driving Side: Right-hand side.
  • Speed Limits:
    • Urban areas: 50 km/h
    • Non-urban roads: 90 km/h
    • Highways: 120 km/h
  • Seat Belts: Mandatory for all passengers.
  • Mobile Phones: Use of handheld devices is prohibited.
  • Alcohol Limit: 0.5 g/l for drivers; 0.2 g/l for novice drivers (under 3 years of driving).

Fuel Policies

  • Fuel Types: Petrol (Gasolina) and Diesel (Gasóleo).
  • Common Fuel Stations: Galp, BP, Repsol, and local stations.
  • Fuel Policy:
    • Full-to-full: Pick up with a full tank and return with a full tank.
    • Pre-purchase: Pay for a full tank upfront and return empty (usually more expensive).

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations

  • Faro Airport: Most rental companies have desks in the arrivals area.
  • City Center: Many companies have offices in the city, often near the train station or main tourist areas.
  • Drop-Off: Can often be arranged at different locations, but check with the rental company for fees.

Specific Considerations for Driving in Faro and the Algarve

  • Road Conditions: Generally good, but rural areas may have narrow roads.
  • Parking: Pay attention to parking signs; blue zones require payment. Free parking is available in some areas.
  • Toll Roads: Some highways are toll roads; consider getting a transponder for convenience.
  • Tourist Areas: Be cautious of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in busy tourist spots.

Additional Tips

  • Book in Advance: Especially during peak tourist seasons (summer months).
  • Inspect the Vehicle: Check for existing damage before leaving the rental lot and report it.
  • Emergency Numbers: 112 for police, fire, and medical emergencies.

This guide provides essential information for renting a car in Faro, ensuring a smooth experience while exploring the Algarve region.