A reliable car is an important asset whilst serving in Portugal, particularly
if you want to see something of the country. However, Portuguese roads are far from the best in Europe and the standard of
driving/accident rate is the worst or very near it. Defensive driving is very much the order of the day. In addition wear
and tear on vehicles, due to poor standards of road construction and maintenance is significantly higher than in the UK and
servicing costs and parts are higher too in Portugal. Thus bringing a brand new car to Portugal at the beginning of your tour
is not recommended. It is preferable to bring an older car that you can try and sell when you leave and to go home before
the end of your tour to purchase a tax free car. Alternatively, you can purchase a vehicle (free from Portuguese tax) from
within the local NATO community - there are normally a few second hand left and right hand drive cars available: known locally
as "Iberwrecks" most have seen some good service and the small market means they are slightly more expensive than you might
expect but it does save the cost and hassle of bringing a car out from UK.
If driving out with your own vehicle, to comply with Spanish and Portuguese legislation
(and French if coming via the channel), don't forget the following items:
Headlamp
converters
Warning
triangle (2 now required for Spain)
First
Aid Kit
Flourescent
jacket
Plastic/rubber
hand gloves
Spare
car lamps for lights
Green card or other form of confirmation of insurance cover for overseas (don't forget the need for a Bail Bond in
Spain if your policy does not mention this specifically).
If
you wear glasses, carry a spare set (Spain).
Also advisable are: water (especially in the summer - both for the radiator and travellers), good maps, a spare
litre of engine oil, fuel can with petrol, a torch, phrase book and adequate foreign currency (especially for the expensive
motor way tolls).
VAT-free car purchases
Under
HM Customs and Excise regulations you can buy a new car in the UK free of VAT under the New Means of Transport (NMT) scheme
introduced in 1995. Notice No 728 concerning this scheme should be obtained from local Customs and Excise Offices and further
essential details are also available in the Support Unit (and you are urged in the strongest possible terms to discuss this
issue with the Support Unit before finalising your plans). It is VITAL you are sure of the detailed rules before you
commit yourself to a purchase.
The
NMT concession on Permanent Transfer Of Residence (PTOR) applies in most cases, only to the head of the family, who can
import one tax-free vehicle that has been in use for under six months in the UK provided they have valid BFG Form 414.
Any queries regarding this rule should be addressed to:
C&I BFLO (G), BFPO 40.
Tel (Civil): 00 49 (0)2161 472
2530 / 2537 / 2564
Fax (Civil): 00 49 (0)2161 472 2544
Some manufacturers, including foreign firms, give a NATO discount, so it is worth enquiring.
It is also worth noting that ancillary equipment such as radios, are free of VAT if ordered in the UK at the same time as
the car.
Vehicle Insurance
If
you are able to obtain a notification of 'no claims' from your insurance company, bring it with you, as this will assist when
purchasing car insurance in Portugal.
The UK Support Unit and the HIVE hold
details of insurance companies for insuring your vehicle locally
Note:
Some UK insurance providers will also agree to honour your 'no claims' upon your return to the UK. They may request
the original 'no claims" certificate to be returned to them for their records, so remember to retain a copy for your own records.
In the long run, this could save you a substantial amount upon your return to the UK.
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