Puerto Banus Marbella
Guide to Car Hire in and around Puerto Banus Marbella
Fancy exploring that wonderful coast. Look no further. CAR RENTAL & DRIVING IN SPAIN The leading International car rental firms operate on the Costa del Sol. You can hire a car in advance (essential at peak periods) either direct or through a travel agent. Hiring from a local firm can work out cheaper.
Speed limits on autopistas (toll motorways) and autovias (free motorways): 120kph; dual carriageways and roads with overtaking lanes: 100kph. Always take care on the N340 coastal highway as this is a particularly dangerous road.
Speed limits on country roads 90kph.
Speed limits on urban roads: 50kph; in residential areas: 20kph.
Seat belts must be worn in front seats at all times and in the rear seats where fitted.
Random breath-testing. 0.8gm alcohol per 1,000cm3 breath.
Fuel (gasolina) is available in four grades: Normal (92 octane); Super (98 octane); Sin plomo (unleaded, 95 and 98 octane); and gasoleo or gasoil (diesel). Petrol prices are fixed by the Government and are similar to those in the UK. Most accept credit cards.
If you break down with your own car and are a member of an AIT-affiliated motoring club, call the Real Automovil Club de Espana, or RACE (915 93 33 33) for assistance. If the car is hired you should follow the instructions in the documentation; most International rental firms provide a rescue service.
SPANISH HIGHWAY CODE
CAR RENTAL COMPANIES
Car rental companies such as Avis, Budget, Europecar, Hertz have offices in most Andalusian cities and at the major airports of Malaga and Seville. However the smaller local rental companies tend to be less expensive. You may be approached at airports by representatives of local companies, most of whom are reputable (but check their credentials). If you're a visitor, it's advisable to reserve a rental car before arriving, particularly during peak periods. More visitors rent cars in Spain than any other European country and a hefty percentage of these are in Andalucía. When booking in advance remember to specify if require an automatic. Car rental in Spain is the cheapest in Europe, mainly due to the cut throat competition. The rates of major international companies vary little, although you may get a better deal by booking in advance. One of the advantages of hiring with a large international or national company is that you can rent a car in one town and drop it off in another, although you should check the cost of this service. Although cheaper, most smaller companies require you to return the car to the office you got it from or the local airport. When comparing rates, check that prices are fully inclusive of insurance and taxes and that there are no hidden costs. Policy on payment for petrol varies - check the small print. Most issue cars with a full/half/empty tank and ask you to return the car the same. Others charge for a full tank and do not credit you when the car is not returned empty. Some companies don't offer unlimited kilometres which will work out more costly unless you plan to just do a few kilometres which is difficult in a region as vast as Andalucia. If required, check in advance that you're permitted to take the car out of Spain, such as to nearby Portugal or Morocco. This is usually prohibited. To rent a car in Spain you must produce a valid licence (a copy is not acceptable). If more than one person will be driving, all the drivers' names must be included on the rental agreement. Check in advance about insurance cover for young drivers under 26 or 22. Credit Cards are commonly used as a deposit. If a credit card isn't used, there's usually a high cash deposit and possibly the whole rental period must be paid in advance.
DRIVING ADVISE
Driving a car in Andalucia or Spain is very similar to driving in other European countries. The roads are reasonably well maintained. The following points should serve as a guide. The law demands that: Driving license, car document and insurance be carried at all times. Seat belts are worn front and back at all times. Less than 50mg/100ml of alcohol be in the blood (less than many other countries). Speed limits: 120 km/h on motorways. 100 km/h on dual carriageways. 90 km/h on single carriageway roads. 50 km/h in towns. Rules of the road Give way to the right. Priority is to those already on a roundabout. Signposts Signposting is generally not good and often inconsistant. Old signs are often not taken down when new roads make them redundant. This can lead to conflicting directions. 'Cambio de Sentido' indicates an oportunity to turn round. Keep cool, you will get there in the end. Motorways. Most of the major cities of Andalucia are now linked by two lane fast motorways. The only toll motorways are from Seville to Jerez (Car= 725 pts) and Cadiz (Car = 1020 pts) and from Malaga to Marbella and Estepona. These are both in very good condition and have low traffic density. Some of the older motorways especially those constructed in 1992 have very poor road surfaces which are being slowly repaired.
