Portugal can be scary place to drive and it’s road safety record doesn’t make good reading. In recent years the Portugese Government have implemented some excellent improvements but it would be advisable to drive with caution. The cities are extremely busy with a high density of traffic which can be rather stressful especially at peak times.

There’s no better way to discover Portugal and in particular the Algarve than by hiring or taking your own car. There are plenty of hidden gems such as quiet beaches and quaint villages in the countryside if you are prepared to find them. A sat nav would come highly recommended and would really help you discover the true Portugal. If you don’t have a sat nav or you are unable to borrow one then you can hire a sat nav for Portugal from our website.

The majority of the motorways in Portugal have toll booths and most major credit cards are accepted. Usually they are the best roads to drive on as they are well maintained with plenty of stops along the way for petrol or food. The newly built Mediterranean Coastal Motorway which runs from Lisbon all the way to Monte Carlo promises a picturesque and enjoyable driving experience following the Mediterranean Coast.

Other information

Seat belts are compulsory for all passengers in the vehicle.

Children under the age of 12 or less then 4 feet 9 inches tall must use an approved booster seat and/or harness when in the car.

A hi-vis vest must be stored in the vehicle at all times and worn if the car needs examining or repairing at the roadside.

A warning triangle must be placed behind the vehicle if you have made an unscheduled stop at the roadside due to mechanical or other problems.

If you have only passed your driving test in the last 12 months then you speed must be limited to 90kph or 55mph and a yellow “90″ disc should be displayed on the rear of the car.

Mobile phones are only permitted for use in a vehicle with a hands free kit or bluetooth headset.

Parking must be made in the same direction of the traffic where parking facing oncoming traffic is illeagal. In Lisbon Blue Zone parking discs are available from the local Police free of charge.

If you are hiring a car and it is not supplied with all the neccessary safety equipment you may be presented with a fine from the Police. Do not worry, ensure you get a receipt from them and your car rental company will reimburse you.

The drink driving limit in Portugal is 50mg per 100ml of blood, this is less than the UK. If in doubt please do not drink and drive.

Urban area speed limit – 50kph or 31mph

Major road speed limit – 100kph or 62mph

Motorway speed limit – 120kph or 74mph

Useful Phrases

Fronteira – Border

Gasoleo – Diesel

Itinerario principal – Main Road

Limite de velocidade – Speed limit

Portagem – Toll

Sem chumbo – Unleaded petrol

Handy tips for driving down under- http://tinyurl.com/cw4js8

Australia is the 6th largest country in the World and they have many roads which stretch for thousands of miles. If you drive into the Outback it’s not uncommon that you could drive for hours without seeing another car or town. This is why it’s vital that your journey is planned carefully and should include regular breaks along the way and you have plenty of water on board as the heat can be unbearable at times. Before you leave check that your vehicle’s air conditioning is working, the car is not prone to overheating, the spare tyre is fully inflated and mobile phone is fully charged. The Outback isn’t somewhere you want to get stranded!

A sat nav would be invaluable. Not only does it ensure you are heading in the right direction but also it will give you an excellent indication of how far and how long you are to the nearest town or your destination. If you are interested in hiring a sat nav for Australia then please take a look at our website.

Kangaroos and cattle can be a hazard on country roads and colliisons are commonplace. The wildlife is most abundent at cooler times so try avoiding driving at night.

If you are planning an extended stay in Australia to make the most of this beautiful country then you might want to consider taking some internal flights coupled with hiring a car in a few different destinations. From looking at a map it is quite easy to think that some places are a lot closer to each other than you think so always do your research first to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your journey.

Other information

Vehicles give way to the right, to help you in built-up areas these priorities are clearly signposted.

Always park on the in the direction your car is facing.

Trams in Melbourne can only be overtaken on the left and you must wait behind one if it stops to allow passengers on and off. Observe road markings at right turns so not to obstruct the trams.

Minimum driving age is Australia is 17.

Seat belts are compulsory for all passengers when travelling.