How to pay the Algarve A22 tolls
We’ve been talking about the Algarve A22 tolls that have been sparking a lot of talk and protests in the region but we haven’t actually talked about how to pay the A22 Algarve tolls, so this article is meant to cover that from the view-point of a tourist or visitor to the region.
Why this distinction? Well because of the way in which the payment options have been implemented, it’s relatively easy – even if annoying – for Portugal residents to pay the tolls but for those who come into the country from abroad there are numerous problems to solve.
In case you’re arriving from Spain in a foreign registered car
At the border on the A22 you’ll find automatic vending machines from which you can rent a transponder by entering your car’s registration number as well as your credit card number. When you return you can drop off the transported at the last service station in Olhao where you’ll get part of the original cost refunded. The tolls are charged to your credit card and in case the vending machine is busy you can also rent a transponder at the Olhao service station. You can also rent the transponders at any Post Office as well as from the Faro Airport Post Office.
There are also some other alternatives in the form of pre-paid passes which you can purchase from any Post Office.
In case you’re planning to employ Faro Airport car hire services
This has been a major problem ever since the tolls were applied with rent a car companies having been in discussions with the government for several months but a solution might be close to being implemented.
Basically the rental car companies will be installing transponders in all their cars, which will add 1.5 Euros per day to your rental costs, plus the tolls of course.
You’ll be better served to talk to your car rental provider about the details related to the A22 tolls, because information is constantly changing because nobody is happy with the current system and the authorities are trying to deal with it.
