hoyas1

, Is an international driving permit required to rent a car in Portugal? or will my US license be acceptable?. We will be renting in Lisbon next week and would appreciate information on a rental car company you used. Thank you

MyriamC

We have rented from Auto Jardim and from Guerín. Both very reliable companies.
Don't know about the drivers licence. I'm European and have a European licence.

Sher

I have rented a car three different times in Portugal from Lisbon.
I did have an IDP but I was never required to show it when I picked up the car.
I think it is mostly if you get stopped for some reason.
It isn't very expensive to get one at AAA and then you will be covered. The cost in total fro the pictures and license is about $20.

Sher

Sorry. Meant inexpensive.

adrienne

I was stopped by a random spot check in Portugal and didn't have an IDP. I just gave them my US license, they looked at it, conferred, and flagged me on my way.

BTW - I was reprimanded for stopping in front of the police car as is normal in the US. The Portuguese police expected me to stop behind them.

Here's the web site that states that you may use your US license. It is easy to get an IDP from AAA or you can order it on line. It took me about 15 minutes to fill out the paperwork at AAA and get the photos taken there. cost was $23.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p...traffic_safety

adrienne

Oops - I see that the OP has probably already left on his trip since this is dated July 1 and he says he is leaving next week. Oh well.