Organize your stay Madeira
Money Madeira
Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago, so the currency is the euro. No exchange problems!
Budget & Tips Madeira
To help you plan your budget and get an idea of what you'll be spending on site (prices per person):
Small budget : allow between €20 and €30 for accommodation (in youth hostels). To save money, it's best to travel out of season. For meals, allow between €10 and €15 for a full meal. If you rent a car, you'll need to add at least €20 per day (bus travel is an option, but not ideal). Then opt for free activities (like hiking, of course!), although museums don't cost much.
Average budget: allow €50-70 for accommodation. A meal will cost between €20 and €30. You can add another €15-30 per day for museums and activities (rates vary widely...). As well as the cost of car rental (at least €20 per day).
Comfortable budget: allow around €120-150 for accommodation, and much more for 5-star palaces. From €30 for meals (tasting menus in the island's top restaurants are obviously higher). 30-40 € per day for activities. At least €20 per day for car rental.
Passport and visas Madeira
A valid national identity card or passport is all you need to enter Portugal. For unaccompanied minors, an authorization to leave the country is required. Finally, a visa is required for stays of over 3 months.
Driver's license Madeira
This is essential if you wish to rent a vehicle in Madeira (car or scooter). Please note that, in many cases, the driver must be at least 21 years old to rent a car.
Health Madeira
There are no infectious diseases or health risks specific to Madeira. Remember to take your European Health Insurance Card with you.
Mandatory vaccination Madeira
Nor are there any compulsory vaccinations for travel to the archipelago. Just check that your health record is up to date.
Security Madeira
Crime is virtually non-existent in Madeira, so there's no need to pack your self-defense gear. On the other hand, don't feel too comfortable leaving valuables lying around in your car. Tourists wishing to hike alone should always inform their hotel receptionist of the site they are going to visit. If you're completely on your own (and even more so if you're inexperienced), it's best to avoid taking on risky trails. If you see that the trail is in poor condition, turn back. You should also be aware that, on the most touristy paths, you'll always come across other hikers.
Time difference Madeira
There is an hour's time difference between France and Portugal. When the clock strikes noon in Paris, it's 11am in Funchal.
Spoken languages Madeira
Portuguese, of course! With its own specific pronunciation (harder to understand than in Lisbon, though). You'll also come across many French speakers (French was a compulsory language in high school until 1980), but English remains the universal language par excellence.
Communication Madeira
Telephone coverage is excellent in major towns and most villages. However, in some of the more remote valleys, this is not always the case. For greater convenience, you can buy a prepaid card at the supermarket or from the operators present in Madeira (this allows you to use the Internet with complete peace of mind). For wifi addicts, you can now connect just about anywhere in public spaces, libraries, cafés, hotels... But the speed isn't always great.
Electricity and measurements Madeira
220 volts, as in France. You can leave the adapters in the cupboard.
Luggage Madeira
If you take a good tour of the island, chances are you'll make it through all four seasons in record time! The first thing to remember is to pack all your hiking gear, starting with good walking shoes, warm, airy clothes for high-altitude excursions, a windbreaker/waterproof jacket, even walking sticks and a backpack to carry your snacks. As the island has many tunnels, it's a good idea to bring a small flashlight or headlamp. A water bottle may also come in handy. Don't forget your swimsuit, sunglasses (and sun cream), and summer clothes to enjoy the fine weather. Finally, if you're feeling more organized, don't forget the Rother hiking guide - an essential addition to your guidebook, but also available in French on site.
