Hiring a car in Faro is the quickest and easiest way to enjoy all of this Portuguese gem. Stunning beaches, roaring sunshine and so much to do. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing long holiday or a short sharp weekend filled with fun, Faro has everything you could want from a Portugal holiday. With all this in mind, here’s everything you need to know about hiring a car in Faro.
Driving license requirements for hiring a car in Faro
It is essential that you have a full valid driving license to hire a car in Faro. This is a unanimous requirement from every provider for obvious reasons. It is also essential that you’ve had this license for 1 full year. The length required does vary between providers though so be sure to check the specifics with the car hire provider you choose.
If your license is from a non-EU country, then you may also need to obtain and IDP (International Driving Permit) and present this upon collection. This IDP simply formats your non-EU driving license in a way that’s acceptable for the car hire provider. If you do need an IDP, you still need to bring your normal driving license too.
Along with your valid driving license (and IDP if required), you’ll also need to present your valid passport for identification when collecting your car.
Security deposit & credit card requirements for hiring a car in Faro
Most car hire providers in Faro will require you to leave a security deposit when collecting your car. This security deposit is to simply ensure that the vehicle is returned safely with no damage. Security deposits must be left on a valid credit card in the name of the main driver.
Security deposit amounts can range from 300 EUR to over 1000 EUR, be sure to check the amount before booking and that your credit card has sufficient available funds to cover the amount. The amount normally isn’t deducted from the card it’s simply placed on hold so it can’t be spent, this block is then removed when you return the car safely with no damage. If you want to know more about how security deposits work, read our security deposits explained blog.
Car hire credit card essentials
You must know the PIN number of the card
The card must be valid with sufficient funds
The card MUST be in the name of the main driver
The card should be functioning and not blocked
You must have the physical card, just having card details isn’t enough
The card must be emobossed, the numbers must stick out from the card
If you’re worried about any of these requirements, give our team a call or speak to us on live chat from the FAQs page or during the booking process.
Can I hire a car in Faro with no security deposit?
Yes, some of our car hire providers like Rent Car 4 Less and Rent Auto will allow you to book a car with no security deposit. You’ll still need to bring a valid credit card in the name of the main driver, however. The details of this card will be taken but no amount will be blocked.
Age requirements for hiring a car in Faro
You must be at least 21 years old at the time of collection to hire a car in Faro. The minimum age requirement does vary between provider so be sure to check with your provider. The upper minimum age requirement across our providers is 25 so if you’re between 21 and 25, it’s always worth checking that you’re old enough for your particular provider.
Some car hire providers also operate an upper age limit for hiring a car too. This age limit starts at 74 with our providers but it can vary. If you’re older than 74 it’s best to double check with your provider to find their specific age limit.
Toll transponders
Toll transponders are devices that are fitted to hire cars in Faro in order to make paying for toll roads easier. Different providers work differently when it comes to toll transponders so it’s always best to check with your particular provider. The gist of it however, is that you’ll pay a small extra fee to pre-load your car’s toll transponder, this is to essentially pre-pay for your use of the toll roads. Unused credit left of the transponder cannot normally be refunded. Some car hire providers also require you to leave an additional deposit to cover potential charges. Again, make sure to double check with the provider you book with to confirm their requirements.
Essential requirements summary
Based on your age and where you’re from, here’s the essentials that you’ll need. Please make sure to always read the rental requirements and details before booking though!
Between 21 and 24 with an EU or UK driving license
You will need:
- Valid passport
- A valid driving license that you’ve had for one year
- A valid credit card in the name of the main driver
- To check with your provider for their minimum age
Between 21 and 24 with a non-EU driving license
You will need:
- Valid passport
- A valid driving license that you’ve had for one year
- A valid credit card in the name of the main driver
- A valid International Drivers Permit (IDP)
- To check with your provider for their minimum age
25 years or older with an EU or UK driving license
You will need:
- Valid passport
- A valid driving license that you’ve had for one year
- A valid credit card in the name of the main driver
25 years or older with a non-EU driving license
You will need:
- Valid passport
- A valid driving license that you’ve had for one year
- A valid credit card in the name of the main driver
70 years or older with an EU or UK driving license
You will need:
- Valid passport
- A valid driving license that you’ve had for one year
- A valid credit card in the name of the main driver
- Check with your provider for their maximum age
70 years or older with a non-EU driving license
You will need:
- Valid passport
- A valid driving license that you’ve had for one year
- A valid International Drivers Permit (IDP)
- A valid credit card in the name of the main driver
- Check with your provider for their maximum age
Hi, regarding security deposit seen companies advertising charging thousands of pounds. Does taking out full protection cover this if vehicle is damaged or is there insurance that covers this charge.
thanks david
Hi David,
We always protect your excess with either Zero Excess Liability or Excess Reimbursement Insurance included so you shouldn’t have to worry about losing your deposit. Providing you aren’t at fault and have followed the correct process, our excess protection will cover the damages of the vehicle and the security deposit will be released within 30 days after the rental finishes. Our additional Top-up insurance will provide more protection for parts of the car that aren’t covered under Zero Excess Liability and Excess Reimbursement Insurance. We have some more information on security deposits, Zero Excess Liability and Excess Reimbursement Insurance, and our top-up insurance protection in the blogs below.
Security deposit
Zero Excess Liability and Excess Reimbursement Insurance
Top-up insurance
Hope this helps,
Zest Car Rental
Can I hire a car in Portugal with just a UK paper licence
or
Do I need to purchase an International Driving Permit as well
Regards
David
Hi David,
You will not need an IDP to drive a rental car in Portugal if you have a UK paper license.
Hope this helps,
Jake
Hi we hired a car last year and took out full insurance, when we got there the company would not give us car until we paid for their insurance, how can we avoid this happening this year
Hi Paula,
If the provider is still pushing you to buy their added insurance when you’re already covered by us or have explicitly explained you do not need it, give us a call and we will be able to liaise with the provider for you. At Zest we carefully monitor our providers to ensure malpractices like this do not occur, please let us know if you experience anything like this when booking with us in future.
We have more information about this topic in our insurance hard sell blog.
Hope this helps,
Zest Car Rental
Hi, I am enquiring about car hire. I currently have a valid uk licence. I have the driving licence card however I am unable to locate the paper part of the licence. Can I still rent using the card part only?
Hi Francine,
Just using your Uk passport card should be fine! Don’t forget to show your passport and credit/card and any additional documentation required. If you’re from a non-EU country (not including UK), you will need an International Driving Permit as well. Our Portugal driving guide provides more information if needed: https://www.zestcarrental.com/portugal/driving-guide/
Hope this helps,
Jake
Hi , you mention Toll transponders , are there many in southern Portugal ? Thanks.