Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATIONS
The Real Automóvil Club de España (RACE; 902 40 45 45; www.race.es ; Calle
de Eloy Gonzalo 32, Madrid) is the national automobile club. They may well come to
assist you in case of breakdown, but in any event you should obtain an emergency
telephone number for Spain from your own insurer.
DRIVING LICENCE
All EU member states' driving licences are fully recognised throughout Europe.
Those with a non-EU licence are supposed to obtain a 12-month International Driv-
ing Permit (IDP) to accompany their national licence, which your national automo-
bile association can issue.
FUEL & SPARE PARTS
Petrol (gasolina) in Spain is pricey, but generally cheaper than in its major EU
neighbours (including France, Germany, Italy and the UK). About 30 companies, in-
cluding several foreign operators, run petrol stations in Spain, but the two biggest
are the home-grown Repsol and Cepsa.
Petrol is about 10% cheaper in Gibraltar than in Spain and 15% cheaper in An-
dorra.
You can pay with major credit cards at most service stations.
HIRE
To rent a car in Spain you have to have a licence, be aged 21 or over and, for the
major companies at least, have a credit or debit card. Although those with a non-EU
licence should also have an IDP, you will find that national licences from countries
like Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA are usually accepted.
The following companies are useful if you're considering hiring a car:
Auto Europe ( www.auto-europe.com ) US-based operator that acts as a clearing
house for deals with major car rental agencies
Autos Abroad ( www.autosabroad.com ) The same deal but from a UK base
Ideamerge ( www.ideamerge.com ) Information on the Renault company's car-leasing
plan, motor-home rental and much more.
The following multinational car rental agencies operate in Spain:
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