Renting a car in Portugal as an American: Driving tips and required documents

Portugal is a popular destination for travelers from USA and car rental is Portugal is the best way to explore the country at your own pace and discover hidden gems and beautiful points of interest.

However, many US travelers wonder if it is difficult for an American to drive in Portugal and if an international driver’s license is needed in Portugal.

Let’s see further what you should know about the necessary documentation for car hire in Portugal and tips to have the best driving experience in this unique country.

You can rent a car in Portugal with a Portuguese driving license or an EU driving license, namely a license from an EU country.

If you come from a non-EU country, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for car rental in Portugal.

So, can you drive in Portugal with US license? The safest answer is no. Although some authorities and companies accept US driving license, when renting a car in Portugal as an American the wisest option is to have an IDP to avoid problems with insurance or local controls.

The short answer is that regarding the driving rules, driving in Portugal is the same as US. That means you should remember the following:

• Driving is on the right side of the road.
• Seat belt is mandatory for all passengers.
• Driving after having drunk alcohol is strictly prohibited.
• Child seat is mandatory for all kids under 12 years old.
• Speed limits are typically 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads and 120 km/h on highways. Look out for signs as limits can vary.

However, depending on your destination in Portugal, take into consideration that driving may be different than in the USA, especially in matters of conveniency and driving style.

So, some useful tips for driving in Portugal are:

• Choose the right car: A small car to easily find parking in touristic areas, such as Lisbon, Porto and Madeira, is the best option.
• Weather conditions: Although Portugal has Mediterranean climate, in coastal and mountainous areas sudden changes in weather conditions are often. So, even during summer, be prepared for fog and rain.
• Driving style: Portuguese driving style may be anxious for inexperienced drivers, so drive at cautious speed and avoid driving at rush hours.
• Road network: On the islands and mountains, many roads are steep and narrow with sharp turns. We recommend you avoid driving at night and be very cautious.

Also read: Car Rental in Portugal: Your Essential Guide to Seamless Exploration

With Abbycar, you can rent a car in Portugal as an American and enjoy a hassle-free experience to discover this beautiful country flexibly and on a budget!