International driving permit Portugal is recognized across Europe

What Is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

If you wanted to skip the hassle of going to the train station to purchase tickets or the headache of knowing how to get to public transportation, then renting a car is the best for you. To rent a car and drive around the cities, you need an International Driver License. An IDP is a translation of your native driver’s license. It is a legal document that allows you to rent a car, so make sure you have a Portuguese International Driver’s license.

It is easy to get one online as long as you provide the following documents:

• passport sized photos
• valid driver's license
• credit card

Is an International Driving Permit Required in Portugal?

In case you are wondering whether you need an International Driver’s License in Portugal, well, the answer depends on your native driver’s license. International Driver’s License is required in the country if you're a citizen of a non-EU country to legally drive in the country. On the other hand, if your driving licence is issued by a country that is part of the European Union, then you no longer need an IDP.

Do US Citizens Need an International Driver’s License in Portugal?

US citizens can use their local driver’s license to stay and drive in the country for less than six months. US citizens do not need an International Driver’s License to drive to different places and destinations you want to. But if you also want to go to Spain after your Portugal road trip, an IDP is required in Spain. It is best to get an International Driver’s License so that you can drive hassle-free in all the places you want to go to.

The IDP features 12 widely-spoken languages worldwide such as Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, and even english.

Does a Canadian Need an International Driver’s License in Portugal?

Before you go on your trip, you might be thinking if you need an International Driver’s License. If you are from non-European countries, you are required to have an IDP to drive in Portugal, so Canadian need an International Driver’s License here. Car rental companies will require you to have an IDP. Once you already have the International Driver's License required in the country, you can now go wherever you want at any time.

Do I Need a Driving Test To Get an International Driver’s Permit in Portugal?

To get an IDL in Portugal, you only need to have your local driver’s license, your complete International Driver’s Permit application, and your application fee. No driving test is required to obtain your IDP. Once you’re all set, you can now rent a car and legally drive here. However, if you want to be a domestic driver and extend your stay in this country, enrolling in a driving school and taking a driving exam might be required.

Is an International Driver’s License Required in Portugal?

If you are not sure whether you need an IDL or not, you can check out the our website for the country. 

So, before you travel here and proceed to a car rental company with only your driving license, keep a mental note of the abovementioned questions.

Portugal has modern and well-maintained roads, so you do not have to worry about your safety while driving. Also, before you drive, make sure you already have an IDL. Take note of the important driving rules to avoid accidents and even violations and fines. The driving rules implemented in this country may be different from the rules from your home country. These are some notable rules:

Prohibition of driving while drunk

Drunk driving is prohibited because it is one of the highest causes of car accidents. The alcohol limit is 0.5 grams per liter of blood. If you go above this limit and your blood alcohol level reaches the range of on0.5 g/l - 0.8 g/l, there’s a €250 - €1250 fine.

Prohibition of using a mobile phone while driving

You should not use your mobile phone while driving to avoid distractions that can lead to car accidents. You can use a hands-free in-vehicle phone system and portable device with only a single earpiece. But if you are caught violating this law, you are subject to a fine of up to €600.

Seatbelt law

Portugal follows the law set by the European Union when it comes to the use of seatbelts. The driver and all the passengers are required to use seatbelts. The only exception to this law is large vehicles such as buses. Violating this law may incur a €120 - €600 fine for each person transported improperly.

Speed Limit

There is a general speed limit depending on the place in Portugal. The speed limit in the built-up urban areas is 50 km/h, while the rural roads have a 90 km/h speed limit. In line with the motorways, the speed limit is set at 120 km/h.

Rules on Parking

Generally, street parking is free, and many public lots are used for parking. Just make sure you follow the parking signs in the cities. If you find a white and blue sign with a red line across, it means that parking is not allowed. A yellow or red sign painted on the curb signifies no parking zone.

Rules on Overtaking

Always keep in mind that overtaking must be done on the left side of the road. You cannot overtake on the right side in free-flowing traffic. The fine for violating this law is €250 - €125. Be mindful of driving, especially of those drivers that will come close to your car and will potentially make an overtake.

Traffic and Road Signs

Traffic and road signs give you some direction for smooth and safe driving. Traffic signs include information signs, mandatory signs, warning signs, priority signs, and prohibitory signs. These will give you information and will warn you about the driving situation in the place.

You’ll surely fall in love with this country's beauty as you walk on cobblestone streets and the ancient towns and villages and as you drive in the scenic and breath-taking views. Before you visit and drive in these destinations, be sure you got the latest update on how to get an International Driver’s Permit.

Lisbon

Start your travel journey by driving to the country’s capital, Lisbon. You will see the ancient past vibes of the place after seeing the century-old houses and trams and the spectacular view of the River Tagus. It will make you feel that you’re in fairytale land and you want to stay longer. This sunny picture-perfect capital is heavily rooted in history, coming as the second oldest European Capital stakes.

What Are the Must-Do Activities in Lisbon?

If you wanted to visit the cobblestone streets and the ancient house, you must go to Alfama. Being one of the oldest areas, it houses traditional cafes and arts. You can also explore Mosteiro dos Jeronimos and check out the art masterpiece dated 1502 in Manueline and Gothic Architecture. Try out the delicious custard tart in Manteigaria. Lastly, do not miss out on going to the largest shopping center, which is the Colombo Mall.

What Is the Best Time to Go to Lisbon?

Lisbon is a year-round travel destination. But the best time to go to is in March - June, and September to November. It is best to go here in spring and autumn for fewer crowds. August is the worst time to go to this city because most tourists are flocking the city; hence, the hotels, food, and accommodations are at their highest prices.

Porto

With its medieval streets and 14th-century walls, Porto is the place to go if you want to travel back in time. The Douro River split the city into two areas. Sit under the arches of the riverfront square and watch the tranquil water and the boats that float around. This bustling cobblestone town is charmed with an old and modern touch. It is indeed an intriguing travel destination.

What Are the Must-Do Activities in Porto?

You can stroll down to the Ribeira do Porto, where you can take your moment to feel the beautiful view in the most historic and liveliest district in Porto. If you wanted to see another historic building that has a neoclassical style of architecture, Palacio da Bolsa is the place to go. The perfect last stop in this city is the Miradouro Ignez, where you can go to the deck overlooking Douro River and drink wine while enjoying the view.

What Is the Best Time to Go to Porto?

The main tourist season is from June until the end of September. The beaches are crowded from July to August. Porto has warm and hot summers in the springs and autumn seasons while having wet winters. The best month to go to is during late spring, which is May and June, or early autumn in September.

Algarve

One of the most beautiful beaches located in Praia da Marinha due to the spectacular stretch of sand and the massive rocky cliffs that sets it apart from other Mediterranean beaches. It’s a destination with a lot of activities available for tourists.

What Are the Must-Do Activities in Algarve?

This is the place for snorkeling because of its clear water quality and many species of marine animals found in the water. You can explore the coastlines and even go to the caves, cliffs, and rock pools. You can also paddleboard in the mesmerizing Benagil Cave. Day trek and the hike are best in the astounding Seven Hanging Valleys Coastal.

What Is the Best Time to Go to Algarve?

If you’re planning to go to Algarve, April to June is the best time to visit, while July to August can be a bit of a nightmare due to extreme heat and the crowds. But if you are going to the farmhouse complete with a pool, hot summer days can be memorable to you. Months of September to October have good weather.

Sintra

Located in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains is a town that is known for its 19th-century palace and a unique hilltop. Sintra is easily one of the top tourist attractions in this country because of the palace’s exquisite architecture, leafy mansions, romantic Moorish castle, and colored buildings. The vegetation is different because of its microclimate and the dense misty forest that are part of this little place.

What Are the Must-Do Activities in Sintra?

Explore the beautiful Quinta da Regaleira that is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. The romantic and complex architecture is made up of a palace, chapel, and garden with grottos. Apart from that, you can also visit the Castelo dos Mouros which is the Moorish Castle. After that, you can drive around the scenic view of Sintra Tram and discover the hidden gem of Praia da Ursa beach.

What Is the Best Time to Go to Sintra?

The Spring season, which is March to May, is the best time to go to Sintra. There are only a few days of light rainfall, and the rest of the weather is good. June to August is summer in which the temperature rises and reaches the maximum level. Autumn from September to November is a tourist-off season because of the frequent rains. Some people still choose to visit the city during winter from December to February.