Electronic Toll Payment for foreign visitors in northern Portugal
Are you planning a trip to Northern Portugal soon for a family vacation or a business trip? Make sure to equip yourself with an electronic toll device to pay for tolls in Portugal.
Are you planning to go on vacation or travel to Northern Portugal soon? Prepare for your trip and gather all the necessary information to ensure you can travel with peace of mind.
Find a rental in northern Portugal
Paying tolls in Portugal as a foreigner can be done in several ways, depending on the type of highway you are using (with or without toll barriers) and your preferred payment method. Here are the available options:
Highways with toll barriers in Portugal
Although this type of highway is becoming increasingly rare, it is still possible to use highways equipped with toll barriers.
More information on tolls in Portugal
For highways with toll barriers, two payment methods are available:
- Manual payment: At each toll barrier, you can pay in cash or by credit/debit card. Simply take a ticket when you enter the highway and pay at the exit based on the distance traveled.
- Via Verde: You can rent an electronic Via Verde device, which allows you to pass through tolls without stopping. The toll amount will be automatically charged to your credit card. This device is often available for rent at car rental agencies or Via Verde sales points.
Highways with Electronic Tolls only (no barriers)
Having an electronic toll device is essential for traveling in northern Portugal if you find yourself on highways without toll barriers.
Plan ahead, as this type of highway is becoming increasingly common. Without the necessary preparations, you might quickly find yourself unable to pay the tolls.
Here are three systems you can purchase before your trip to northern Portugal:
- EasyToll: This system is designed specifically for foreign visitors. At the entrance of certain highways, you can register your bank card. The tolls are then automatically charged to your card each time you pass under the toll gates. This service is available at highway entry points, mainly at the border.
- TollCard: This is a prepaid card that you can buy online or at certain gas stations. You link the card to your license plate number, and the tolls are deducted from the card balance as you use the highways.
- TollService: This service offers unlimited use of electronic toll highways for a specific period (e.g., 3 days). You can purchase these packages online or at certain sales points.
- Post-payment: If you have used an electronic toll highway without using one of the above solutions, you can pay the tolls online after your trip (on the electronic toll website) or at certain post offices or stores in Portugal. You will need to know the dates of passage and your license plate number.
Tolls in Portugal and license plate registration
For foreign vehicles, some systems like EasyToll register your license plate and link payments to it. It's important to carefully check the information to avoid any issues.
If you're using electronic systems, it's recommended to regularly check your transactions to ensure that all tolls have been correctly charged.
In summary, the simplest and most convenient method for foreigners is to use EasyToll or rent a Via Verde device.
If you prefer not to use electronic devices, you can still pay manually at toll booths on highways with barriers.
Electronic Tolls when you rent a car in Portugal
When you rent a car in Portugal, the payment of tolls largely depends on the options offered by the rental car agency and the type of highway you use.
More information on car rentals in Portugal
Most car rental agencies in Portugal offer the option to rent a Via Verde device. This small box is installed in the car and allows you to pass through tolls (including electronic tolls) without stopping. The tolls are then automatically charged to your credit card.
Via Verde is convenient because it works on all highways, including those equipped with electronic toll gates. You can pass through tolls without interruption. This device usually involves a small additional cost, but it will make your travels easier.
If you don't opt for Via Verde, you will need to pay tolls manually on highways with barriers. For electronic toll-only highways (without barriers), the rental agency may associate your vehicle with an electronic payment system like EasyToll, for example.
After the end of the rental, the agency will charge you for the accumulated tolls if you used a Via Verde device or another automatic payment system. These amounts are often charged to the credit card you provided at the time of rental. Be sure to check the terms of your rental agreement to understand how tolls will be billed and to avoid any surprises.
