Book Cheap National Car Hire Deals in Santos, Lisbon, Portugal

Before renting, check if your personal auto insurance extends to rental cars. Many policies and credit cards offer rental coverage, helping you save on insurance costs.

Familiarize yourself with the fuel policy for your rental. A 'Full-to-Full' policy means returning the car with a full tank, while 'Same-to-Same' indicates you return it at the same fuel level. Full-to-Full is usually more economical.

Before departing, check the interior of the rental car for cleanliness and any functional issues. Ensure equipment like the radio and air conditioning works properly.

When booking, check if the rental company offers extras such as GPS or child seats. These can enhance your driving experience but may incur additional costs, so it's wise to factor them into your budget.

Some rental companies offer a free tank of fuel with your rental. Be sure to understand the terms, including how much fuel you need to return the car with and any potential fees for not meeting these conditions.

Ensure that you have a valid driving licence with at least one year of driving experience. If you are a foreign driver travelling to Lisbon, an international driving permit may be required. Remember, hire rates can be higher for drivers under 25 or over 70

Most car rental companies will ask for a credit card deposit, which is usually held temporarily. Inquire about the specific deposit amount and the process for releasing it once the rental is complete.

When hiring a car, especially if you’re arriving in Santos, Lisbon by flight, plan for extra time at pickup to accommodate any potential delays. Suppliers like National typically offer a grace period of 30-60 minutes. Providing your flight number can be helpful, but if you’re running late, be sure to call the supplier to inform them.