In Portugal, as in almost all southern European countries, many highways are subject to tolls.
The toll fees could easily be paid in cash or by credit card at the toll stations, so holidaymakers didn't have to worry too much if they want to travel through Portugal with a rental car or their own car.
Electronic toll billing
In November 2011, the toll motorway network was expanded and a new, third recording and billing system was introduced on the newly toll routes: the electronic motorway toll. On motorways that are marked “Electronic toll only”, the toll fee can only be billed electronically.
Especially in the Algarve, Portugal's most important holiday region, the new toll collection system has caused confusion among many rental car customers since on the Via do Infante, the A22 motorway, which runs from Castro-Marim to Lagos and connects the eastern and western Algarve, electronic tolling was introduced.
How does electronic toll work?
On these motorway sections, the license plates of vehicles are recorded as they pass the toll bridges. The fees are billed via a toll collection device, which must be carried in the vehicle. This device is linked to the vehicle owner and billing is done directly via a Portuguese account or their credit card.
If you do not have a recording device with you, you can alternatively pay the toll fees at a post office counter two days after using the toll road. However, this only applies to vehicles with Portuguese license plates.
What do I have to consider as a rental car customer?
The majority of holidaymakers travel to the Algarve by plane, the destination airport is Faro. Many holidaymakers have rented a car to explore the country or simply to be mobile. In order to be able to move easily and without restrictions on all motorways, you should check with your rental car agency in advance how they handle toll fees. In the best case, the vehicles are already equipped with a recording device and the fees are debited directly from your credit card.
If this is not the case, you will have to take care of everything related to the toll yourself. When you arrive, you can still use the motorway without a registration device, as you have the option of paying the fees at a post office two days later. Things get difficult on the day of your departure, as the fee can only be paid in Portugal.
You should therefore purchase or rent a recording device in good time at one of the post offices (CTT) such as at Faro Airport, at motorway gas stations, or at the sales points of the operator Via Verde Portugal.
