All about driving, buying and importing a car in PORTUGAL

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Have a look at our blog post www.algarveaddicts.com/cars for tons more and info on driving an electric car in Portugal 2,434 charging points (and growing)! Also we recommend an app. Everyone loves an app, right?

[@carolleenkelmann3829]

You mentioned you had an email address? Is that correct? I couldn't find it and your website wouldn't show up on my browser. !!??

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Maybe try another browser, it works for me and no one else has reported an issue?

[@hypnotechno]

thanks, interesting but as you say its written by a company selling chargers or something so could be exagerating the perks, or out of date. Thanks again

[@AlgarveAddicts]

I don't think that's true... Read their about page www.electromaps.com/en/about-us

[@hypnotechno]

@@AlgarveAddicts I did say "or something" because I had already read the about section. " Electromaps is an electric mobility service provider based in Barcelona". Hopefully all the pros they list are still accurate.

[@thedarknight5714]

Great video. Many thanks from a Portuguese Ex-Immigrant who returned to the homeland after 12 years in Southern California.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Welcome back! Where did you return to in Portugal?

[@mikejackson1410]

Great Info!! We appreciate you struggling on to get it done.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Cheers Mike👍🏼

[@sdvalbom1]

Great vídeo but just wanted to correct one thing on the vídeo, when owning a vehicle in Portugal the inspection is two to two years after it's 4 years old but if the car is older than 8 years then everyone must go to the auto inspection every single year for the rest of the vehicle's life. Good job on the rest though people should bare something in mind when living in Portugal, most people have very very low income salaries and being late to work is a solid reason to get fired so next time you go about life on the roads and are just visiting as a tourist avoid morning hours or after 5pm ....after that traffic will ease....be safe everyone and enjoy this wonderful vídeo.

[@michaelthatcher3825]

Great video....I have lived in the Algarve for 16 years now so have experienced almost everything you have covered re: cars. Two points - one, especially for retirees considering Portugal, if you are 70 or older and obtain a Potuguese DL, you need to renew every year and have a quick checkup and eye test costing 70-100 euros privately. Secondly, the burocracy is seriously reduced if you lease a car rather than buy it as you don't actually own it and the leasing company takes responsibility.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Excellent, thanks Michael! 👍🏼

[@Martin-kd3ee]

Thanks! I should read comments before I pose questions........

[@halifaxenergy]

I always appreciate the vibe and intent of Algarve Addicts - it has been very helpful in our understanding and "on-boarding" of the Algarve. (Truly Thanks Nick!). We ended up "landing" in Lagos, and can't be happier. Your videos, and our on the ground experiences helped differentiate the nuances of the Algarve. A warning to those watching this video (from 1st hand experience) - importing a vehicle (or anything) to Portugal is very very tricky, opaque - and quite frankly has a tinge of corruption. Be very careful who you are dealing with in shipping your household goods and vehicle with. Our broker (Brytor) in Canada was totally derelict in handling customs-import issues, and we had to 1st hand experience "the Portuguese" way - delays, extra charges, a lot of finger pointing, etc, etc. I'm about to call ACAP for help (thanks to Nick) about my motorbike registration in Portugal.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Yes, we definitely don't recommend importing your vehicles to Portugal. Since this video we've had a video chat and many other conversations with the pros kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZmVh4ShetF1Z6csi=56HUpaHLMhwYO2kS

[@ttolliver]

Excellent video and as many have said a topic that isn't well covered. And love the costume changes -- it gives a small peek into the effort that goes into videos like this. Thank you!

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Thanks for your kind words Tom, and thanks for watching 👍🏼

[@relicofgold]

Thanks for persevering and producing this informative vid. Your vids are more informative than most consistently, so ty.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Thanks so much 👍🏼

[@cliftonsuk]

Thanks Nick, enjoy a beer on me too! Currently driving a hire car on the Algarve, but had no idea regarding roundabout rules! Been doing it all wrong, so this info. is more than useful. So pleased I found your site. Obrigado.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Thanks for watching Clif, I'm glad it helped👍🏼

[@sanilcheriyanoommen2119]

Thanks for the valuable information about driving, buying, and importing vehicles to Portugal.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

You're welcome Sanil 👍🏼 thanks for watching.

[@starcruiser679]

Good morning from Arizona. Excellent comprehensive video

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Thanks Brad, good evening from the Algarve! 👍🏼

[@Louisfps]

Absolutely fantastic video Nick., I am Portuguese / South African just returning to Portugal after 25 years and feel lost in my own culture, just exchanged my license it only took 3 months lucky me.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Great stuff! Well done.

[@dannyduprey]

I'll be watching this more than once. And thanks for explaining what I was doing wrong in roundabouts.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Hehe, wow, Dan, I've felt like we've saved lives with this video 😊

[@LoveLearningInDorset]

Thanks love your videos, so well made and informative..been enjoying the drone footage over Lagos...would love to see one over Burgau/ Luz. Ps:looking good in your convertible!

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Thanks so much Penelope! 🙏 I do have a video of Luz and one of a night we spent in Burgau.

[@royking7298]

FYI: If I haven't mentioned it before, there have been numerous times in the last 2 years, I wanted to know about cars, driving, laws about the same, and car prices. Each time, I searched this video and found the links in the description to help me out, or I counsulted the content of the video. BRAVO! Oh! I always click, like too.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Thanks Roy! Much appreciated. I have an interview coming up with a car expert soon...

[@droops63]

Super helpful! These nuts and bolts kinds of videos are gold. Thank you.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

You're welcome John, thanks for watching 👍🏼

[@andrewal410]

Thanks Nick, I found this video really useful, lots of really great tips and info .

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Cheers Andrew, I'm so happy you guys are finding this useful.

[@ogator8642]

This is a terrific video, full of useful and important information. I have driven in Portugal many times but this video taught me a lot of things I should have known before I drove a lot in Portugal. Muito obrigado.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

De nada, Ogator, I'm glad you found it useful.

[@shahmmehmood]

Really appreciate your excellent informative video, thanks. Will surely meet you in person once we are in Portugal, if we would be lucky. Thanks again. From Middle East.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

You're welcome, I'm happy it was useful for you.

[@kathrynd4912]

Truly wonderfully informative, thanks.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Thanks for watching Kathryn 👍🏼

[@leehossain8339]

Great vid as always. I am coming into this a bit late of course.

[@lucchese20]

Absolutely fantastic Nick. Your hard work is commendable and appreciated. 🙏🏻 You looked like you sweated a lot for this one so hope my euros will allow you to enjoy a well-deserved cool beer. 🍺

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Cheers! And thanks for the beer, did I thank you for the beer as your PayPal email may not match your KZbin handle... If not THANK YOU! I have some Laginitas IPA standing by :)

[@doritamayrhofer4736]

Great video! Very informative and useful.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Thanks for watching 👍🏼

[@your_virtuoso]

fascinating video Happy to find your channel Nick. I'm also from south africa and the accent was so recognizable. I'm thinking of moving to Portugal and this video and the public transport one was very inciteful

[@AlgarveAddicts]

You're welcome. Good luck on your journey.

[@olasparen6955]

Really useful information. Thanx a lot, Nick

[@AlgarveAddicts]

You're welcome Ola👍🏼

[@malemastery]

Hugely useful video brother. Many questions answered. You’ve got a new subscriber 👍🏻

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Thanks and welcome to the club 😎👍🏼

[@dainasworldnumbers88]

Great video, I just got back from Portugal and we rented a car for a week. Everything you said is true!

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Thanks, I try my best to present life as it is here.

[@dainasworldnumbers88]

@ Great job! My friend is moving to Sintra, I love it there.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Cool, we may be headed up that way for a video in early December.

[@mattmcneil949]

Great video! Thanks for making it! My wife and I are moving to Portugal in a few weeks from the US and found this information very helpful.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Cheers Matt, good luck on your move. Which town are you moving to?

[@agoodwife8787]

Are you guys in portugal already? Did you import you car to portugal?

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Funny that you commented now, I was just making some notes on making a new video about importing cars.

[@thurianknight]

Great video & information, thanks Nick! If you could circle back on this topic later, it would be really nice to get some more info on importing a car, especially how to get the certificate of conformity & whatever other documents and approvals may be required. I did join the FB group and will keep my eyes on that as well, in case others are already asking the same questions.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Wow, Dave, mmm maybe. This video was so tough to make I don't really feel like driving my car ever again! Just kidding. 🤣

[@alexgray1905]

This was great! I have been trying to collect information on this subject for quite a while and the information is different depending on who you ask or where you find it. For example, I was told that the car one imports must be older than 12 months and you have to have owned it for at least 12 months. Just as an example and not an issue for us because we plan to bring a 2013 which we bought new in 2013. Anyway, great information, thanks!

[@AlgarveAddicts]

I'm glad we could help Alex. Yes, that's one of the fascinating things about Portugal, there are many different truths...

[@alexgray1905]

@@AlgarveAddicts Opportunity for creativity I presume 😂😂😂😂😂

[@AlgarveAddicts]

It's bizarre, I still can't quite understand it. If you ask two people in the same office something about the way things are done, you'll get two different answers.

[@Solo50plus]

I am using Rui at Luxury Imports Union. The process is still ongoing, but he has been great so far. Very helpful and supportive. I joined ACP for the sole purpose of using their matriculation service. But they were rubbish!!

[@AlgarveAddicts]

That's great advice, thanks! I should have a chat with Rui.

[@Solo50plus]

@@AlgarveAddicts The matriculation is done and complete and Rui was brilliant, there's a video about it on my channel. He still provides support for example a couple of months after I still had no idea how to pay the road tax and he helped me with that.

[@bearders22]

Re Via Verde token. Yes, to get one on a foreign car is much easier. I ordered one and linked it to my UK credit card. 4 working days to be delivered to the UK. Cost is minimal and is outweighed by the convenience. Can also be used in Spain.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

That's brilliant, I didn't know it could be used in Spain.

[@xmaniac99]

I use a chip from Mangoo. It is for free and works in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal. Except ofcourse for the the non Via Verde tollways (like the Algarve-Lisbon route). You just pay for the subscription in the months you use the badge. Mangoo is a French company.

[@kevingallen1678]

Thanks Nick,appreciate your work!

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Cheers Kevin! 👋🏻😎👍🏼

[@royking7298]

Thanks. I think this is the third time I've watched this one. I am a car man. love cars. Love driving etc..... I've now been here for almost 6 months, and inspite of being in Lisbon with no assigned parking spot, I still plan to get a car for longer trips, and I have rented a car 3 times. I love driving the freeways here. So little traffic! It's amazing compared to the US. SOOOOO glad we no longer have to exchange drivers licenses like before! Keep the videos coming!

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Thanks Roy, glad to hear you're enjoying the move.

[@DennisGingrich]

Now for a strange question, I have a replica 1966 Cobra assembled in 2014. I'm in Texas USA and the requirements for this car are beyond lax. It has to be 'inspected' every year with the current standard license. This 'inspection only requires that all the lights work, the brakes work and that it has windshield wipers (they don't have to work but they have to be on the car). The total cost for the 'inspection' is $7.00 so you get what you pay for. What is the inspection like for a replica car in Portugal? Oh and if I change the license to antique auto it's no longer inspected at all, but you are limited to 200 miles a year.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Hey there, have you managed to figure this out? If you drop us an email I can connect you with someone www.algarveaddicts.com/contact

[@PeeGeeThirteen]

Super informative! Thanks!

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Cheers Peegee13 👌🏼

[@tangie6472]

A question to @Algarve Addicts, or anyone else. Michael Thatcher mentioned it is much easier to LEASE than to buy; can you use your credit rating from the country you have moved from? OR do you need to build up credit while living in Portugal?

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Hi there, I'd suggest you ask a reputable car dealer in the Algarve that question for the best accuracy. Try Renault or Mercedes Benz in Faro.

[@xmaniac99]

Also used car prices are insane in Portugal, if you can afford buy a new one or just lease (they call it renting overhere).

[@AlgarveAddicts]

True.

[@joanneserpa8731]

Excellent information! Thank you!

[@AlgarveAddicts]

You're welcome Joanne 👍🏼

[@timadamsart]

Great video again, thanks for all the info!!

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Thanks for watching Tim! See you in the Algarve soon.

[@timadamsart]

@@AlgarveAddicts Can't wait!!!

[@elizaescalante5277]

What a great video Nick

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Thanks Corina, I hope it was useful.

[@eva6009]

Can´t wait to see that. It worries me a bit as I am used to driving on the left. Do you know how to get a Portuguese driver license, where can I exchange it, does it need to be translated or is it enough to present it to the authorities together with an international license? My present country has a treaty with Portugal. Looking forward to your video.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

All will be revealed in the video. :)

[@GarethMcCumskey]

I'm from South Africa and shared the same concern about the side of the road. It is weird especially if you have a manual transmission; I kept slamming my left hand into the driver-side door looking for the gear stick out of reflex for at least a couple of days. But take it slow and you eventually get used to it

[@suebowman7258]

Great video and thank you for the tips to avoid paying tax! We plan to move to Lisbon next year and bring our car from America.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Good luck Sue. The people I have spoken to say that's it's a bit of a bureaucratic nightmare...

[@undercoverbossmarketing7747]

we are thinking fo brining ours also have you gotten any shipping rates?

[@Victor-wf2jg]

I heard you have to change your signal package also

[@sheepmaster7631]

thanks for the efforts. this was very useful!

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Glad you got some value Sheep Master! 👍🏼

[@John_McFadden]

Thanks for the excellent video. At 16:33 you mention "Road Tax is 60 Euro per year." Are you referring to the IUC Tax, apparently also known as the Circulation Tax?

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Yes, but it varies according to your vehicle. That's an approximate cost.

[@dmatmor]

Great Info !! Thank you.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

You're welcome Doron 👍🏼

[@gsstr12]

I’ll check out your blog post but am looking for info about cost of EVs and availability of public chargers.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

I've just updated the blog post www.algarveaddicts.com/cars See the new car prices link for EV prices. www.guiadoautomovel.pt/marcas/tesla

[@CS-pu4ti]

Thank you so much for your effort on making this informative video Nick! Very well done! Even I have driven a car more than 30 years (in Northern California, & Canada), I’m still a little nervous about driving in another country other than US & Canada (even it’s on the right side of the road). Hearing about roundabouts & on ramps… made me even more nervous. I would really miss driving if I choose not to, but if I do, I will have to start that before the end of the two year period; otherwise I’d have to do the driving test ;(

[@AlgarveAddicts]

It is nerve wracking in the beginning but after a few minutes you'll get used to it. Take the jump in a calm place with lots of roundabouts and soon you'll be whizzing through Lisbon (although that still is quite eye opening for me).

[@CS-pu4ti]

@@AlgarveAddicts thank you so much for replying to me! I watched more videos about driving on roundabouts; I think I understand that more. I was born in Sri-Lanka; growing up, I remember seeing plenty of roundabouts there, but I left there before I learned how to drive. Thanks so much for your time again!🙏🏽

[@MrGurujohnny]

Great video very helpful thank you.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

You're welcome John, glad it helped.

[@prettycool4775]

Thank you so much for this video! We've learned a lot especially about buying/importing cars! Looking forward to the next video about international schools. We have 2 kids and for them it's critically important to know that international schools in Portugal are not worse than public schools in the US...lol. So, it would be great to hear about it from people who have gone through this. I am curious to know about differences/similarities, programs, teachers, languages, positive/negative moments etc...

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Unfortunately, I think the international school video may take a while. There's a LOT to cover.

[@Borderlandsism]

Don't worry, you don't have to worry about school shootings in Portugal!

[@alexandersumbati3693]

Very good overview on Cars and Licenses in Portugal. Nick,what would happen if you are involved in an accident and you have to call the police because of the gravity and you don’t speak Portuguese. How on earth is the policeman going to determine who is at fault and lay charges?

[@AlgarveAddicts]

It'll be difficult, it always is if you don't speak the language. I'd suggest you call a friend who speaks Portuguese.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Also always take photos so you can defend yourself (with an interpreter).

[@Lat41]

Just visited Portugal for the first time. Drove on some insane roads that were very narrow and twisted. That was in central Portugal. Drivers tended to be more aggressive than I’m used to. Tailgating was a nuisance.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Yup, I generally let them go... slow down so they can over take.

[@GarethMcCumskey]

We finally got our car and went for a drive to Monchique. Even before that with a rental those on and off ramps are killers!!

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Dicey times but it keeps you on your toes 😊

[@thefullmonte1902]

Good info - thanks!

[@AlgarveAddicts]

You're welcome 👍🏼

[@kevinkostiuk7446]

Coming from the US the roundabouts are a love hate relationship for me. I love that the traffic flows instead of stop lights but it is a bit chaotic too. I am getting the hang of tings but high traffic areas like Portimao are still pretty rough.

[@GarethMcCumskey]

Just look left. If there's traffic from the left then wait. If it's clear then go.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

That's good advice Gareth, but I hear you Kevin. Try driving on the Marques de Pombal roundabout in Lisbon. Yikes!

[@CS-pu4ti]

@@GarethMcCumskey so … if the left is clear, and when you enter to the roundabout, do you need to move to the left as soon as possible because the right lane has to leave the roundabout?

[@AlgarveAddicts]

You do. If you're on the right hand lane (the outside lane) you HAVE to leave the roundabout at the next exit.

[@MrPantss]

Great video thank you and good to see most your wardrobe of clothes 😂. The one I trying to find online is how the “give way to traffic entering from the right” works? Is it everywhere, when should I stop on a main road and give way to the right? Thank you

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Hi there, thanks for watching. Sorry I don't understand what you mean about the give way to the right. You mean "don't turn right on red"?

[@MrPantss]

@@AlgarveAddicts hi, it’s my understanding that if you are driving down a main road and car wants to join my road from the right, so they are at a junction, I have to give way and let them join?

[@AlgarveAddicts]

No that's not correct. I may have said somewhere that there is an odd road in Portimão that does that, but there are signs when it's not the usual rule.

[@MrPantss]

@@AlgarveAddicts ah ok, sorry I was not saying you said it, I heard it was a rule like Belgium use. But it sounds like I was misinformed. Thanks for the reply ❤️

[@AlgarveAddicts]

@MrPants1970 no problem :)

[@prz144]

As far a new car purchasing is concerned, what is the custom in Portugal regarding price negotiation? Is the dealer just an order taker for the manufacturer and no price negotiation? Or it is a free for all open negotiation?

[@AlgarveAddicts]

In my experience the dealers are order takers and there is not much room for negotiation, however I'd suggest you try your luck. What's the worst that could happen?

[@JH-gd5eh]

Very informative thanks.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Thanks for watching JH 👍🏼

[@dmatmor]

What about using your phone with the Bluetooth Speakers in your car not holding the phone ?

[@AlgarveAddicts]

That's perfectly acceptable. No worries 👌🏼

[@hypnotechno]

Brilliant. May I ask if you know if there is currently any perks on EVs purchased in Portugal? e.g Tax exemption / reduction, Reduced Via Verde, Parking etc. Once heard that there "were" but this changes

[@AlgarveAddicts]

I found this but have no idea how reliable it is blog.wallbox.com/portugal-ev-incentives/

[@nicc8268]

Is using google maps on a phone not allowed then?

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Yes... Remind where I said it isn't allowed?

[@bistrobmusic]

Thanks for the practical video. I’m thinking of moving over there in the next year or two and these are the kind of questions that I always think about. How is the infrastructure in Portugal for electric vehicles?

[@AlgarveAddicts]

It's actually pretty good and getting better all the time. I'm sure there is a map of all the charging points. Yup, here you go 2,434 charging points! www.electromaps.com/en/charging-stations/portugal

[@GarethMcCumskey]

Its VERY good. We bought an electric car and the host and his wife at the AirBnB we are staying at both have electric cars. Look for an app called Miio (on Android and iOS) that gives you access to all (and I mean ALL) electric charging points in the country.

[@hankryan8164]

Nick, I saved this for when we hope to import our car now that we own our place here in Olhao. Can you suggest a consultant that can help us through the process?

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Hi Hank, I've asked around but I can't recommend anyone. Did you find anyone? If so please share with me and how your experience is with them.

[@hankryan8164]

@@AlgarveAddicts I did find a good resource I believe. I will send info once we have more experience with him.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Thanks Hank.

[@PieterKirsten]

I got a mango mobilités that covers France, Spain & Portugal.

[@shannonblok658]

I had exchanged my Belgium driver’s license for a Portuguese one 8 weeks ago. The temporary permit expired last month. Do I need to wait 18 months to receive it? Does anybody know?

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Hi Shannon, I'd suggest you look at renewing your temporary permit. Let us know what happens.

[@maxflight777]

Shannon, this may not be the news you want to hear. But mine took 2 years.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Mine took 18 months.

[@Wander-lust-]

How to important used supecar from dubai dealer ?

[@johnrandol716]

Thanks for the video. I'm retiring in 6 months from the US and will be moving to Portugal. I will apply for residency as quickly as possible. Can you clarify what you said around minute 19 of this video of begin exempt from "taxes" if your are truly an "expat." I meet the other requirements that you put on the screen, but for tax purposes when will they label me "Expat" from the US who is exempt from taxes? And does that include the 23% VAT? I've also read that an option is to do a lease of a vehicle that includes insurance in the payment. Is that popular with Expats? Another question.....I used to live in Berlin as a diplomat and I have a German (EU) drivers license. Do I have to convert that? Thank you so much!

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Hi John, that tax exemption is the ISV tax you would have to pay on registering your car here in Portugal. As far as I know, there wouldn't be any VAT (IVA) on that but please double check that.

[@tamardevane6635]

I am also wondering about bringing my right hand drive Mazda mx3. Think I will, as it seems impossible to get an automatic sports car in Portugal. I will save a considerable amount of money in the not having to buy also. Have any of you experienced having a right hand drive there?

[@AlgarveAddicts]

A lot of my friends have and they get used to it pretty quickly. It's tough overtaking trucks but something one has to deal with. I'd be interested to know how you get on...

[@matsnijhuis3311]

Cars in the Netherlands are also really expensive

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Sure, but can't you whip across to Germany buy one and come back without being taxed extra?

[@matsnijhuis3311]

@@AlgarveAddicts no, unfortunately not if you want to get the car on a Dutch registration you have to pay extra tax (BPM) this is mainly based on the emissions. If you buy an older car, you will receive an age discount. for example the new Land Rover Defender p400 there you pay about 40.000 euros bpm (extra tax)

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Wow

[@VWApachey]

Just wondering if anyone know where I can buy a warehouse to store my old car that I want to take from the UK to put in storage in Portugal, ( not drive on the Portuguese roads), does anyone know if I have to matriculate it, even it cant drive on the road ?

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Maybe chat to Securum Self Storage Lda 289 246 888 maps.app.goo.gl/c4evudE69JYiruUX6 or look for a place to buy close by to you. If you don't drive it on the roads, I'm sure you wouldn't need to register it, however if you'd like to be 100% certain, I would check with a lawyer.

[@GarethMcCumskey]

What happens if you drive the A22 without the Via Verde ... asking for a friend

[@stevebbuk]

I assume you would pay at a booth at the end of your journey, though it all looks very complicated and I realize I'm getting old..

[@AlgarveAddicts]

It is pretty complicated. You could try and get away with it, many people do. However at some stage a massive bill is going to arrive on your doorstep as the toll booths take a photo of your license plate and the fine will be sent to your registered address.

[@stevebbuk]

@@AlgarveAddicts You mean you have to get this Via Verde installed before you can drive on a Portuguese toll road?

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Yes. Or you have to go into a CTT (post Office) within a certain time period and pay the toll. After that you'll get a fine. R as more on the Via Verde web site.

[@Phillyblades]

If you come with international driving license do you need any insurance before drive for 90 days By the way you are Doing great job

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Thanks Philly. The car you drive always needs insurance.

[@Martin-kd3ee]

Have any advice for seniors (70+) in good health?

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Hi Martin, advice with regards to what?

[@vladasenov]

Hi Nick! Thanks for the great info! I wonder if they have personal car leasing (Personal Contract Hire ) in Portugal like we do in the UK?

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Hi Vladimir, I'm not sure - maybe try and translate this page with Google and see if it's similar? renaultgest.pt/campanhas-credito-automovel

[@vladasenov]

@@AlgarveAddicts No, this is PCP (Personal Contract Purchase ). I want to visit Portugal for 6 months a year , but cannot work out how to have a car with this arrangement. Tourist car hire is too expensive.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Sorry, I'm not familiar with that. How about asking in my Facebook group? It's called Algarve Addicts.

[@algueiraovelho]

Awesome.

[@jollyboyszambia]

License exchange and paperwork you have to carry sounds like a nightmare. That's a bit ridiculous how many different docs you need.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

It is crazy. I couldn't believe it when I arrived here. "License and registration" sounds so much easier, even if it IS demanded by a gun toting Texas ranger.

[@davidstoeckl6439]

In the USA, when I rent a car, my auto insurance full coverage covers the rental as well. Will one's auto insurance cover vehicles abroad or do I need to purchase insurance for the rental? Their insurance is always very expensive compared with personal coverage.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Hi David, here in Portugal when you rent a car your own insurance won't cover it (as far as I'm aware). Let me know of you want to go deeper into the issue as I work with an insurer and he can tell you all the minutiae.

[@hughtuller6344]

About the same prices for cars as we have in Hawaii.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Oh wow, so they're expensive in Hawaii too?

[@sherifelsharkawy7041]

Hello , great Video 👌👍. I have a question: I am Egyptian 🇪🇬 and I live in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 . I am about to retire and I am considering living in Portugal 🇵🇹. I have a Beautiful 2016 Dodge Durango, which I will hate to sell here because I will lose a lot of money. As you said , cars are expensive in Portugal. My car is in mint condition and as new . If I decided to bring it to Portugal , do I have to do it before I get my Temporary residency, to get exempted from VAT and ISV ? Meaning , if I already got my temporary residency , I will not be excepted? I will trust your opinion. Thanks for your answer. 🌹

[@ecuperformance3320]

I want to ask. Can I buy a car to exported from portugal? I'm after old car. But I'm not living in portugal and don't have it a address there.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Sorry I don't understand, you want to buy a Portuguese car if you're not living here and export it to your own country?

[@ecuperformance3320]

@@AlgarveAddicts yes I will want to buy a car in portugal and bring to different country how hard to understand. It is the same people from Poland going buying cars from Germany and exporting to Poland or different country. That what I want to ask how I can buy a car in portugal? Will any one sell?

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Sure, but why would you do that when cars are much cheaper in Germany or Belgium? Portugal is one of the most expensive countries in Europe for cars after Norway.

[@wddlaw]

What about purchases in Gibraltar? I understand that you maybe exempt from VAT ???

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Gibraltar? Sorry, that's kind of out of my area.

[@seinfeldcostanza9433]

@@AlgarveAddicts maybe he can search for a channel....Gibraltar Addicts...hehehe....

[@tednagowski2953]

Great video

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Cheers Ted👍🏼

[@samuelmurdoch5046]

Great video, thanks Nick. I have a question, If I come to Portugal from the UK with my UK car, keep it for 3 months then ship it back to the UK do I need to declare it to Portuguese customs upon entry? I think the answer is no as tourists have 183 days. However I am planning on emigrating to Portugal and already have my NIF etc. I'll just only be using my UK car for 3 months in Portugal then shipping it back to the UK. Thanks ! - Sam

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Hi Sam, you should be fine as there is a law that states you can bring your own car over as long as you have owned it for six months in your previous country and can prove residency there without paying the Portuguese ISV tax.

[@minns01]

Thanks for the great video, very as we have just arrived in PT. Are you able to purchase a car here using a USA Drivers License & D7 Visa, or do you have to wait to complete the Driver License Exchange? Thank you in advance.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Hi David, we're planning a video podcast all about cars, and we'll discuss this particular issue soon. As far as I'm aware, if you're under 60, you can drive on your USA license here. If you're over, you need to swap it for a Portuguese one within 6 months of moving. More info here www.algarveaddicts.com/driving Fill put my contact form, and I can put you in touch with our Portuguese car guru if you like? He knows how to get great deals on cars.

[@carpic7417]

what about using carplay with your phone in the car? You are not holding the phone. Is that legal?

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Yup, as long as you're not holding your phone you'll be fine.

[@relicofgold]

What about customs fees for importing a car from the USA?

[@denagrowsgreen7393]

Is it worth importing your car if moving from the US? Especially if it's a good car.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Hey Dena, you'd have to check out whether it's worth it and what the price of buying one here is. Then figure out all the transportation costs and the paperwork hassles and only then will you know.

[@denagrowsgreen7393]

@@AlgarveAddicts - Yes, would have to look into transportation costs. Thought you might possibly have a general cost of that, knowing others there who might have done that. I would almost bet someone would be better off selling their car before moving there. I had heard automobiles, even used, were more expensive there. Thanks for the reply back. Cheers!

[@AlgarveAddicts]

They are way more expensive but without knowing the type of car, your location and where you are coming to in Portugal there definitely is no general pricing. It's also how much value you attach to the hassle of importing your car (it may be easy but most stories I have heard state otherwise).

[@SonuSingh-iv5ue]

Hello sir. I want to import car from germany. What is total cost to change registration in portugal

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Hi there, you'd have to check with an expert. Please have a look at www.algarveaddicts.com/cars

[@mrlover4310]

What about if you have a car accident and it's not your fault can you sue for injuries.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Sueing isn't really a thing here. It just takes so long to get anything through the courts and large, important matters obviously take precedence.

[@mrlover4310]

@@AlgarveAddicts I meant like if you have whiplash or something being rear ended or something like this.

[@GarethMcCumskey]

@@mrlover4310 Hospitals and medical is free here. So you just go to hospital and get treated.

[@lucchese20]

@@AlgarveAddicts Thank goodness for that! 😀

[@jay1970]

Do rental cars have transponder?

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Yes

[@lotdeadsea]

Hay do you know if its ok to buy a car in spain and import to portugal

[@AlgarveAddicts]

If you haven't owned it for six months or loved in Spain you're welcome to, you'll just pay the tax.

[@jeremyleonbarlow]

I saw an American who is living in France who talked about the process for exchanging his license there. The big problem for Americans is returning to the US would generally mean having to test again in the US to get a new license. They exchanged their license because they were from one of the 13 US states the French have a reciprocity agreement with and they filed for a lost license replacement in their US state after getting the French license. Not entirely above board, but much easier than having to go through the testing procedure to get a license in the US if they return to the US to live. Now that was in a case where they lived in a state with reciprocity which means they could actually change the French license for the US license in that State. The problem with a Portuguese license for Americans is that no US states have reciprocity currently. In terms of the EU overall, only Germany and France appear to have license reciprocity with US states at all. Yes Portugal will exchange your US license, but no US state will exchange your Portuguese license. The French have 13 states with reciprocity and the Germans have like 26 or 27.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Interesting. There is a new law that came out after this video was made, that you can drive on your international license in Portugal until you're 60 without exchanging it.

[@jessreiss3093]

Hi Nick, if I'm planning on going back to SA after say being in Portugal for 2 years, how do I drive in SA without the license? Do you have a contact for getting a Portuguese license? Thanks Bart

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Hey Bart, go to the www.acp.pt/inicio and get an international driver's license 👍🏼

[@briany7658]

Hi Nick, great video. I especially like the info on the roundabouts, getting on and off the highway and handling the crosswalks. Is it ok to use your phone for gps like Google maps in the car? Can you drive for 90 days with a Canadian driver's license?

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Hi Bryan, It's not legal to use your phone while driving.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

You can drive using a Canadian driver’s licence for up to 185 days, as long as you are not a resident of Portugal.

[@hillarylopes7557]

Very interesting video. Sounds all a bit scary. Very different system to South Africa (as you know).

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Yeah, we're pretty lawless down south.

[@Wander-lust-]

Is more expensive supercars in portugal ? Any special tax having for that?

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Car tax goes up with engine size last time I checked, but as far as I'm aware there is no supercar tax. I can find out for you if you give me more details through www.algarveaddicts.com/contact

[@Wander-lust-]

@@AlgarveAddicts thank you.

[@roosdouglas]

NR what about EV and hybrid cars being duty free,so much cheaper than ICE, cars . I did not see this being covered in your car You Tube.

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Tons of info here blog.wallbox.com/portugal-ev-incentives/

[@alifayyazi3212]

Hello, is it possible for us to buy our favorite car that is not available in Portugal from a country like Germany and import it to Portugal and pay all the taxes and get a Portuguese license plate for that car?!

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Yes, it's possible.

[@splynk1]

"Cars are expencive" in Portugal,, i thought what? is that even possible.... :-)oh well i looked it up and its not all that bad compared to my end of the line in...Denmark. I looked up the price on a similar model of my current car in Portugal: it was around 15.000 euro,, i payed around 30.000 euro for it here in Denmark. so in round numbers here at me, cars are about double up

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Wow, you may be surprised how cheap cars are in the UK and in the USA then. I've seen some stats that say otherwise.

[@splynk1]

@@AlgarveAddicts I know, and i envy the UK and also DE prices.But hey its a win/win for me, i can sell my car at home and buy two in PT ;-) I have not looked at new car prices or more common cars, there may be a difference, i drive a MB SLK, its the taxes here that is the killer at 180% oh and 25% VAT. Anyways, was just some fun of the record facts, i found your videos and enjoy them alot >big thumbs up

[@AlgarveAddicts]

No I haven't, renting long term is really difficult.

[@kerilee9886]

Hey Nick :) We’re currently in Lisbon, been here 8 months, and we chose Lisbon because of the public transport because we really didn’t want to buy a car here. However, we’re now considering the Algarve, as we’ve found some international schools we’re interested in for our son. Do you think it’s possible to get away without buying a car in the Algarve? I’ve heard not, but I’m interested in your opinion on this. We’ll buy one if we find a spot we love and it’s better to have one. Thanks so much :)

[@AlgarveAddicts]

Hi Keri, I wouldn't recommend it, the Algarve is really spread out and sure it's possible to live without a car but you'll love it so much more with a bit of mobility.

[@kerilee9886]

@@AlgarveAddicts Thanks so much for taking the time to respond :) We're looking forward to exploring the Algarve!

[@AlgarveAddicts]

You're welcome Keri, I hope you enjoy it!