Toll Roads - What To Expect
The Only Uniform Thing Is...
They All Cost Money

Toll roads anywhere in the world are almost always marked as such... and you can use your credit card for many of them, but you may need cash or coins. Check with your local automobile association or guidebooks for information on the countries you will be visiting.

There are a couple of common types of fee collection systems for toll roads.

One is to charge you at a toll station at the entrance to the toll section, giving you access to that section of road. Sometimes you will stop and pay again as you enter a new section of road.

Another common scenario is that you will pass through a toll booth and collect a ticket when you enter. Then, when you get to the exit ramp, you'll find toll booths for payment. Look for the booths that are marked with credit card signs or currency signs. You may give your payment to a person or to... a machine!

Many toll plazas all over the world are now automated. All of these are intuitive, just take your time, follow the directions, and you'll be all right...

Let's use Italy as an example....

Take a ticket at the entrance to the Autostrade. When you get to the exit ramp, look for the lanes with the signs showing pictures of credit cards. Insert the toll ticket first, then your credit card. If the machine "talks to you", you probably need to turn your credit card around. If everything is OK, the machine will say, "Arrivederci!" ...and you're on your way. If you want a receipt, there is a big red button to push.

OK... having said it's intuitive, we had friends that got to the entrance and didn't figure out that they needed to take a ticket. (You may have to push a button for a ticket.) When they got to the exit, they had a lot of explaining to do... and they didn't speak Italian.

You DO want to take that entrance ticket. Don't lose your ticket either... you're apt to be charged for the longest distance on that toll section!

When you're paying your toll, you do want to avoid the lanes that indicate an electronic payment unless you have the appropriate transponder. Look for a lane that takes credit cards or cash.

Some countries in Europe, like Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia and others, require special stickers (sometimes called vignettes) to use the highways. Research this before you travel. If you're driving in one of these countries, make sure your rental car has one, or purchase one at the border. We have sometimes purchased them at gas stations near border crossings, and they aren't too expensive.

Sometimes you will find yourself on a toll road with no way to pay. What no toll booths?

That happened to us the last time we were in Australia. On some of their toll roads, all payments are electronic. As we were about to panic, we saw a sign that gave a phone number and a website to contact if you didn't have a toll payment transponder. We found that you have a grace period to call them. They will set up an account for the duration of your visit, and your tolls are charged to your credit card. (They take pictures of the license plates to figure out who you are.)

Don't delay, though, once you have used a toll road, and they have photographed your license plate, you have only a day or two to call.

No matter where you are, never say, "Oh, they'll just charge the rental car company." Yes, they will, and the rental car company will charge you... along with any fines that are levied.

If you drive during your travels, you'll come across toll roads. Just take your time, and pay the toll. Then laugh like we did every time the machine in Italy wished us "Arrivederci!" in that sexy voice. It's all part of the travel experience.

Happy travels... even if you don't travel the world... just remember that life is a journey... embrace and enjoy it!   Judy and Mark

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