Your Spain Car Rental Questions Answered

Auto Europe's travel industry expertise has been cultivated for more than 60 years. We leverage this experience daily, providing customers with trouble-free travel solutions at over 20,000 car rental locations throughout Spain and around the world. For questions or concerns regarding car rentals in Spain, check out the FAQ below, or call Auto Europe toll-free at 1-888-223-5555 to speak with one of our award-winning reservations agents, available 24 hours a day for your convenience.

Spain Car Rental FAQ

What type of car is best for vacationing in Spain?

When choosing a rental car in Spain it is important to consider you travel needs, and determine the appropriate size vehicle you would need to accommodate your party during your trip. If you plan on spending the majority of your time in busier Spanish destinations, such as beautiful Barcelona or marvelous Madrid, a miniature or economy sized vehicle may be most appropriate, allowing you to zip around the city's tight corridors or narrow alleys unfettered. If your trip is a family vacation and luggage capacity is a concern, consider renting an SUV or a luxurious sprinter van. Desire the VIP treatment while vacationing in Spain? Luckily for you, Auto Europe offers an incredible fleet of luxury cars in Spain, as well as the most competitively priced local chauffeur services in the industry.

Will I take possession of my car rental at the airport?

Every car rental supplier provides pickup and drop-off at their airport desks, but this doesn't mean you are limited to the confines of the airport. Depending on the size of the town or city you plan to visit, most suppliers have multiple downtown offices available, allowing you to choose the most convenient location to your hotel. When you rent a car in Spain with Auto Europe, feel free to inquire about rental-car pick-up options at a number of locations, including Madrid's Atocha Rail Station.

How old do I have to be to rent a car in Spain?

In order to rent a car in Spain you must be at least 21 years old, and for some suppliers you must be 23 or older. Under most circumstances, drivers under the age of 25, are required to pay an additional young driver surcharge, which can cost upwards of €20.00 EUR per day, on top of the agreed upon rental rate.

Do I need a credit card to rent a car?

Yes. Credit cards are mandatory for picking up a rental car during a trip to Spain, as an insurance deductible hold will be placed on your card for the duration of the rental, and subsequently removed upon the successful return of the vehicle. This hold of funds can be avoided by purchasing the zero deductible insurance option from Auto Europe, freeing you from the responsibility of paying repair costs in the event the vehicle is damaged or stolen. Many travelers assume that a debit card will be acceptable but this is not the case.

Can I take my rental vehicle outside Spain?

Many car rental companies will allow you to travel outside of Spain without charging you additional rental fees, although in specific cases some restrictions or charges may apply. Most commonly, traveling to Eastern Europe with a rental car picked up in Spain has very specific requirements. Auto Europe specializes in and guarantees the lowest rates for one-way international car rentals in Europe. For questions or concerns regarding crossing international borders with your rental car, contact Auto Europe's award-winning reservation staff at 1-888-223-5555. In most cases you can also request a one-way quote online via our booking engine.

Do I have to return my car rental to the same location?

Under most circumstances, rental suppliers will allow you to drop off your vehicle at a different location than where you picked it up, sometimes at no additional charge. The returning of vehicles in other countries is usually allowed as well, though international one-way fees will usually apply, and prices vary on a case-by-case basis. For more information regarding international drop offs head over to our one-way-rental page or call a specialist at 1-888-223-5555.

Do I need a GPS while driving in Spain?

Avoiding delays that result from losing your way is a huge part of a successful road trip. Most car rental suppliers in Spain offer GPS rentals locally, but prices vary from supplier to supplier. Contact an Auto Europe reservations agent for more information regarding renting a GPS locally upon your arrival in Spain.

Can I extend my car rental while in Spain?

Yes. If you wish to extend your rental period, contact Auto Europe internationally (open 24 hours a day) from Spain by calling 900-99-0011. We will contact the supplier on your behalf, fax over the amended rental agreement to them and email you the updated rental voucher - streamlining the entire process for you. If you're considering an extended stay of 3 weeks or longer, check out our Peugeot leasing program to save some money.

What should I do with my paperwork?

All paperwork received with your rental car (including insurance documents, registration, and rental agreement) should be kept in the glove box at all times. Having easy-access to these documents makes it easier for us to assist you, should you have any issues during your travels.

What If I find a better deal on a rental car in Spain?

Auto Europe guarantees the best car rental rates in the industry. If you have found a better rate elsewhere, complete our Best Rate Form, or contact one of our reservation specialists at 1-888-223-5555 and we will provide you with a better rate to earn your business and save you money.

What kind of insurance do I need?

All cars rented via Auto Europe in Spain include unlimited third party liability, and fire insurance, at no additional cost to you, though you may want to purchase a more comprehensive insurance option, such as collision damage waiver or theft insurance to protect yourself from paying exorbitant repair fees if the vehicle happens to get damaged or stolen. More in-depth information about insurance options can be found on our detailed car rental insurance page.

Spain Travel FAQ

What are Spain’s entry requirements?

Canadian citizens are not required to purchase a visa when entering Spain for visits lasting less than three months. Pets are also welcome, provided they have valid vaccination and health certificates.This paperwork must be certified at the nearest consulate of Spain.

What is the time difference in Spain?

Spain operates within the Central European Time Zone, which runs six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the United States and Canada.

What are the primary languages spoken in Spain?

Although Castilian Spanish is understood throughout the country, Catalan, Basque and Galician are the dominant languages of Spain. English is also understood at most major cities and resorts.

What type of electrical outlets are standard in Spain?

Spain utilizes the Continental two-round-pin plug, carrying 220 V and 50 Hz. However, some remote areas still service the 110V.

Are there restrictions for what I can bring back through Spanish customs?

Travelers are not taxed when transporting a reasonable number of items for personal use. However, no more than 1 liter of liquor and 2 liters of wine are permitted at a time, as well as no more than 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco per consumer.

Where can I exchange currency and use banking services in Spain?

Many banks, currency exchange kiosks, travel agencies, and various branches of the El Corte Ingles department store are able to exchange foreign currency. However, traveler's checks provide the optimum exchange rates, while ATMs provide the worst. (Please note Spanish ATMs require a 4 digit pin number, so you will need to make any necessary changes prior to travel.) Through the summer months, banking hours are typically 830am to 2pm during the week. During other seasons, hours run from 830am to 230pm, Monday through Thursday, with hours ending at 2pm on Fridays, and 1pm on Saturdays. Unfortunately, theft is a concern in Spain, so be sure to keep any cash or credit cards hidden and secure at all times.

How much should I be tipping in Spain?

Although restaurants often apply a service charge to the check, it remains customary to leave up to an additional 5%. It is also common to leave a small collection of change on the table when leaving a café or pub. Hotel staff and taxi drivers, however, generally earn 10%, whereas porters, maids, theater ushers and cloakroom attendants receive €1 or less.

What are typical business hours in Spain?

Museum hours tend to fluctuate, but usual hours are from 9am to 7pm, Monday through Saturday. Post offices are typically open from 9am to 2pm, with restaurants available for lunch between 130pm and 330pm. Dinner hours are from 830pm to 11 or 1130pm, establishments in larger cities, such as those in Madrid and Barcelona, will stay open late into the next morning. Many bars and discotheques stay open late as well. Shopping hours, are traditionally Monday through Saturday from 9 or 10am to 1 or 2pm. Stores close for several hours and then reopen again around 4pm and stay open until 8pm. The larger department stores, however, will remain open at midday and will also host extended hours (until 10 or 11pm) seven days a week.

what is the local tax rate in Spain?

The value added tax in Spain is currently 21%.

Where is the Canadian Embassy in Spain?

Embajada de Canadá
Torre Espacio, Paseo de la Castellana, 259D
Madrid, Spain 28046
+34 913 82 84 00

Where is the Spain Tourism Board in Canada?

Spanish National Tourist Office
2 Bloor St W
Toronto, ON M4W 3E2, Canada
+1 416 961 3131

Have More Questions About Travel & Car Rentals in Spain?

Looking for answers to questions regarding an upcoming vacation in Spain? Check out Auto Europe’s helpful travel tips section for detailed information on a variety of travel topics, from car rental insurance types and additional rental accessories to trip planning guides and discount codes.