Does the car have a toll device or vignette included?
Whether toll equipment or stickers are provided usually depends on the country where you pick up your rental.
Electronic devices (like Via Verde in Portugal or SunPass in the US) are typically available for a small daily fee plus the cost of the tolls, while road tax stickers (vignettes) are often already included if you pick up the car in a country that requires them!
Step-by-Step Guide:
Most vehicles come equipped with a handy transponder. You'll typically pay a small daily activation fee (around €1.50–€2.00) right at the rental desk. Any tolls you pass through are then automatically calculated and either charged to your credit card or deducted from your deposit after you return the car.
Vehicles often have installed, non-removable devices ready to go. You simply pay a daily service fee to the local supplier, plus the actual toll costs for your trip.
If you pick up your rental in one of these beautiful countries, a vignette is usually already included right on the windshield!
"The device is in the car, so tolls are free or included in my prepaid price."
The prepaid rental price covers the vehicle itself! Any device rental fees and actual toll charges are separate costs that are paid directly to the local supplier or deducted from your security deposit.
"Since a vignette is included, I can easily drive into neighbouring countries for free."
An "included" vignette usually only applies to the country where you picked up the car.
If your road trip takes you into a neighbouring country that also requires a vignette, you'll just need to purchase one separately right at the border when you cross over.
💡Did You Know?
In regions with "Electronic Toll Only" roads (like parts of Portugal and Florida), there are no cash booths available. Opting for the toll device at the rental desk is the best way to smoothly pay as you go and easily avoid any unexpected fines or supplier administration fees!
What To Do Next:
If you plan to use an electronic toll device, just keep in mind that the release of your security deposit might take up to 30 days. This simply gives the local supplier enough time to receive and calculate the final toll data from the local authorities. You can always check the "Local Fees" section of your Rental Conditions for specific device rates before you travel!
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