iParque Driver is a remote parking payment app that bypasses the need to look for a parking meter and try to pay in local currency after standing in line. It is very similar to the EasyPark app and is accepted in several countries in Europe.
What is the difference between EasyPark and iParque Driver
The main difference is that iParque Driver requires you to add funds to the account before you are able to use it for parking, whereas EasyPark lets you store a debit or credit card and charges the amount you owe after the parking has been completed.
It is good to keep both apps downloaded on the smartphone for the overseas visitors. I have extensively used the EasyPark app during my trips to Norway and Switzerland and use the iParque Driver app in some regions in Portugal (e.g., Azores, Madeira and Algarve) where the EasyPark is not available.
iParque Driver app unique features
iParque Driver app lets you choose to either “start and end” or select the “exact amount of time” for your parking (see image below).
Can I use my Overseas Credit Cards to add funds to the iParque Driver?
The smartphone app only lets you add funds using either an MB ATM card or MB WAY, which are primarily used in Portugal. Overseas visitors from the US CANNOT use their VISA ATM or credit cards to add funds to the account from the smartphone app.
Workaround for using overseas credit cards to add funds to the iParque Driver
For some reason, ONLY the iParque Driver webpage account (NOT the smartphone app) accepts both the VISA and MasterCard to add funds to the account (see image below).
I was able to use my Venture X card to load funds to the account (see image below).
iParque Driver Incentives
iParque Driver app assigns you a free 2-Euro incentive after signing up for a free account and additional incentive Euros are added each time you recharge your balance (see image above).
Transferring an account balance to another city
When you move from one city to another (e.g., Algarve to Madeira), you can simply transfer the balance to the new location (see image below).
Add rental cars to the app and remove them promptly when done
You must add your rental car (make, model, color and tag number) to the iParque Driver or EasyPark app for the remote parking process to work properly. However, it is important to promptly remove the vehicle from your profile after you return it to the rental company. This helps avoid any unexpected charges billed to you when the same vehicle is rented by the next person.
Conclusion
iParque Driver is a wonderful smartphone app that can be used to park and pay with the click of a few buttons. I highly recommend downloading it on your smartphone and funding the account with 5 to 10 Euros by using a VISA or MasterCard. It is good to use a card that does not charge any foreign transaction fees.