Buy Original Spanish Drivers License.If you’re heading to the Iberian Peninsula this summer, then you’ll no doubt need to consider the various ways of paying for the local motorways. Both Spain and Portugal have an extensive motorway network that covers much of the peninsula and links up major cities. This guide has been put together by https://europeandriverslicense.com for you to easily navigate the road networks in both countries, and help you plan your journey accordingly.
Toll Roads in Spain
Spain has fewer road tolls by comparison to other European countries, generally, they are located along the coastal areas, or in Northern Spain. Those who try to avoid the motorway tolls may find that doing so may cost them time and money. National roads are not only smaller and more dangerous but go through every village and town on route. Whilst motorways are larger, well-maintained and safer – linking up major points along the route. Road tolls in Spain can be accessed via many payment methods, and these are some of the following suggestions.
The easiest and most common way to use a tolled motorway in Spain is by obtaining a ticket upon entering, then once you exit you return the ticket to the toll booth. The amount charged will be based on the distance travelled and the vehicle type – with bigger vehicles being charged more. As you exit the motorway you will have to choose the desired payment method which will determine the lane you use to exit. Some lanes have a manned toll booth, others will only accept credit cards or cash. An automatic payment lane also exists for registered vehicles. Not all motorways provide a ticket upon entering, some motorways will charge you a fixed amount upon entering them.Buy Spanish Drivers License
Automatic payment methods exist in Spain. These lanes will have a Via-T, T or Telepeaje sign. This is a fast and efficient way to pay for your journey, especially as the vehicle does not need to stop for payment. To use an automatic payment method your vehicle must be registered with a relevant transponder and be linked to a Spanish bank account. Because of this, tourists seldom use this method of payment, however, for residents its an ideal option.Buy Spanish Drivers License Transponders can be acquired from a Spanish bank, upon request.
Toll Roads in Portugal
Portugal has one of the highest concentrations of tolled motorways per km in Europe. They are also some of the most expensive to use. This being said, the motorway network is well maintained, efficient, secure and direct. Although the motorways are expensive, trying to avoid them can often be costlier and more time-consuming. National roads are free and often more direct, however with many trying to avoid motorways, these can be unsafe and congested especially during peak times.
As in Spain, Portuguese motorways can be paid for using various methods – by cash, credit card or automatically using the Via Verde transponder. The amount is based on the vehicle type and the distance travelled – with larger vehicles being charged more. If paying manually, you need to take a ticket upon entering the motorway from one of the machines. Once you exit, you need to hand over the ticket to the toll booth attendance or insert it into the toll booth machine. You will then either pay in cash or by card. Lanes that indicate a credit card sign will only accept payment by card.Buy Spanish Drivers License
Easy Toll – This payment method is catered for tourists. To use, you simply register your credit card to your vehicle at a border crossing. Once done, you must enter your liked credit card into the toll booth upon exiting. Your card will then be charged.
Toll Card – A prepaid card that can be used to pay for electronic tolls. To activate you must send an SMS to the number provided with your card details for registration, and the vehicle registration number. Users will either receive an SMS when funds are running low, or can check their live balance online.
Via Card – This payment method is used when crossing one of the two bridges into Lisbon. You will have to register your details at one of the Via Card offices located at the entrance to the bridges. Once registered you simply select the lane with the Via Card sign and touch the card to be charged. A benefit to this card is that the more times you use it the cheaper the crossing is. This is a great method for paying crossing to Vasco da Gama Bridge and the 25th April Bridge.
Toll Service – This is again designed for tourists who are spending a limited amount of time in the country. There are varying ticket types – unlimited usage for up to three days. You can also obtain tickets for specific journeys – such as driving along the A22 from Lisbon to the Algarve. The cost is determined by your vehicle type and the distance travelled.Buy Spanish Drivers License
Via Verde – By far the most common method of paying tolls automatically is the Via Verde. For this a transponder is needed with your credit card must be linked to it. The transponder is then affixed to your vehicle’s windscreen. When approaching a toll booth, enter the motorway via the Via Verde lane which is sign-posted accordingly with a V. The land leading up to the gate also has the green V painted on the floor with flashing green cat eyes. Many rental suppliers can supply the transponder at an additional cost.
To summarise,
they’re numerous methods for paying motorways both in Spain and Portugal. It is simply a question of finding the right method suitable for you. With a little care and attention, driving around Iberia shouldn’t be too difficult or stressful. It is important to always pay for the tolled motorways as failure to do so will result in additional charges on top of the original charge. If using a rental car, this could mean an additional administration or traffic violation charge being added to your rental by the supplier. Charges increase significantly, so make sure you have fully adhered to the rules and regulations. Lastly, not all motorways in Portugal accept cash or bank cards – some motorways such as the A33 neat Lisbon only operate an e-toll system. This means you must have your car registered at one of the previous methods to pay for it. Please contact our reservation agents should you have any questions.
