During the summer months nothing is better than driving around the coastal roads of Spain. Convertibles are a great but expensive option with very limited supply. If you end up hiring something more practical, make sure it’s got air conditioning. This is your guide to car hire Spain.
It’s easy to forget with all the excitement of going on holiday, your plane landing and picking up your car that the Spanish drive on the right hand side of the road. Generally there are lots of friendly signs reminding you around the airport. It’s when you are leaving a petrol station or just had a great meal in a restaurant that you tend to forget or get a bit confused. Try to relax, be vigilant and you should be fine. Oh, and it’s always good to remember you go anti-clockwise on the roundabouts.
You may not realise it, but in Spain the pedestrian has the right of way at road crossings. Some drivers like to ignore this but we recommend that you always stop; steep fines could await you if you get caught, let alone upset locals.
Spain does have toll roads, so make sure you plan your trip well and know where you are going. It’s always a good idea to keep hold of some spare cash just in case you need to use one.
If the unfortunate event of an accident occurs, you must do the following. Exchange the usual details with the other party (if there is one), obtain a police report and contact the local car rental company, they will also be able to help with any problems you are having.
Essential Information
Do not worry if your hire car does not contain all of the required safety equipment. Although they should be present for your safety, sometimes it is not possible to provide these for every single vehicle. Fines that are issued by the police for the lack of safety equipment will be paid or refunded by the car rental company.
Fuel
Useful terms for when refuelling your car.
Unleaded Regular - Gasolina sin plomo
Diesel - Gasoleo
Mobile Phones
Mobile phones cannot be used while driving in Spain
Parking
If the pavement is painted yellow then don’t park, if you are unsure then it’s probably best not to park. Illegally parked cars can be towed away.
Drinking
Blood Alcohol Limit in Spain
50mg per 100 ml of Blood (Less than the UK)
Economy Car Hire recommends that you do not drink any amount of alcohol and drive!
With confirmation that England will be playing their Group C matches in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Rustenberg near Johannesburg in next summer’s World Cup, a leading UK car hire broker has launched car hire in South Africa, enabling those attending the tournament – or those simply visiting the country for holidays – to make their own way around the country.
Economy Car Hire has cars available from seven key centres in South Africa: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, George, Nelspruit and Phalaborwa – so they will have a base within easy driving distance of all of England’s group matches.
Prices, which are fully-inclusive with a zero excess (hence no CDW), and theft loss waiver, unlimited mileage, extra driver and airport charges all included, start from £185 per week, based on a VW CitiGolf. Also included in the cost is a free Travellers Companion, a leather-bound book containing maps and recommended driving routes.
Rory Sexton of Economy Car Hire said, “South Africa is sure to be an in-demand destination in 2010, not just for the World Cup itself, but also for visitors attracted by the worldwide attention the tournament will bring the country. South Africa has invested hugely in improving roads in preparation for the tournament, which means that next year is the ideal time to take to the wheel to explore this wonderful country.”
As well as South Africa Economy Car Hire also provide car hire in Spain and other popular locations in Europe.
