| Motoring Car hire is available from many different agents and hotels. Always ask the total price of your requirements, so that you are fully aware there are no hidden extras right from the start. In order to hire a car in Mallorca you need to be over 23 years of age, hold a full driving licence from your country of residence, and have two years driving experience.
Just take it steady at first - you will soon get used to driving on the 'wrong side' of the road. All you have to remember is 'the centre of the road should always be on the driver's side' - just as it is 'back home'. Beware of people overtaking on the 'inside' -it is commonplace over here! The police are 'red hot' on speeding over here so stick to the limits. There are 'on the spot' fines and if you do not have the money on you to pay there and then you will be taken to the nearest Guardia head-quarters where you will be asked to make arrangements for payment. It is also illegal to use a mobile phone whilst driving. The speed limits are clearly indicated on most roads in built-up areas and on motorways the limit is 120 km/ph. Many Mallorcan filling stations are not self-service. If they are not, then just sit in your car and hand your keys to the attendant, he will do the rest. He will expect a tip in the region of 50 centimos for his efforts. If you are filling up at night you must switch your lights off. When ordering petrol do so by specific amounts, i.e. 10, 20, 30 euros etc. If you want your tank filling up all you have to say is: lleno (pronounced 'Yeno') NOTE THAT THE BREATHALYSER LIMIT IS ABOUT HALF THAT OF THE UK
SCOOTERS & MOPEDS For all vehicles over 50 cc a valid driving licence is required. You will also need to produce your passport for insurance registration purposes. Helmets are supplied by the hire company and are usually included in the price CAR PARKING There are plenty of parking spaces around town. Just check the road markings, if they are yellow it means it is a restricted parking zone. There will be a notice nearby (probably written in catalan) but you should be able to understand the hours that you aren't allowed to park. If you park illegally your car will be towed away and in its place will be a sticker telling you who to phone in order to get it back. Expect to pay around 120 euros. If you go to Palma for the day, there are plenty of underground car parks - just remember which one you put your car in! There are also plenty of Pay & Display meters.
www.calamillor-mallorca.com
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