Organize your stay Madeira
Money Madeira
Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago, so the currency in force is the euro. No exchange problems!
Budget & Tips Madeira
To help you plan your budget and get an idea of what your expenses will be on site (prices indicated per person):
Small budget: count between 20 and 30 € for accommodation (or even less in a youth hostel). The best way to preserve your purse is to travel out of season. To eat, count between 7 and 15 € for a full meal. If you rent a car, you will have to add at least 20 € per day (the bus is an option, but not ideal). Then opt for free activities (such as hiking, of course!), although museums are inexpensive.
Average budget: count between 30 and 50 € for accommodation. A meal will cost you between 15 and 25 €. You can add 15 to 30 € per day for the museums and activities (the rates are very variable...). As well as the cost of car rental (at least 20 € per day).
Comfortable budget: count around 100 € for accommodation. From 25-30 € for the meal (the tasting menu in the only starred restaurant on the island starts at 130 €). 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 sufficient to enter Portuguese territory. For unaccompanied minors, an exit permit is required. Finally, for stays of more than 3 months, you must have a visa.
Driver's license Madeira
It 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 of age to be able to rent a car.
Health Madeira
There are no infectious diseases or specific health risks in Madeira. Remember to take your European Health Insurance Card with you.
Mandatory vaccination Madeira
There are also no mandatory vaccinations to travel in the archipelago. However, check that your health record is up to date.
Security Madeira
As crime is almost non-existent in Madeira, there is no need to bring your self-defence gear. On the other hand, don't feel too comfortable leaving your valuables lying around in plain sight in your car either. Tourists who wish to hike alone should always inform their hotel receptionist of the site they are going to visit. If you're completely alone (and even more so if you're inexperienced), it's best to avoid going on risky trails. If you see that the trail is in poor condition, turn back. Also be aware that on the most touristy trails, you will always meet other hikers.
Time difference Madeira
There is an hour time difference between France and Portugal. When the clock strikes noon in Paris, it is 11am in Funchal.
Spoken languages Madeira
Portuguese, of course! With specificities in terms of pronunciation (more difficult to understand than in Lisbon, all the same). You will 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 cities and most villages. However, in some deep valleys this is not always the case. For more comfort, you can buy a prepaid card at the supermarket or at the operators present in Madeira (this allows you to use the Internet with complete peace of mind). For wifi addicts, you can now connect everywhere in public areas, libraries, cafes, hotels... But the speed is not always very efficient.
Electricity and measurements Madeira
220 volts, like in France. You can leave the adapters in the closet.
Luggage Madeira
If you take a good tour of the island, chances are you'll cross all four seasons in record time! Remember to pack all your hiking gear in your suitcase, starting with good walking shoes, warm and airy clothing for high-altitude excursions, a windbreaker/waterproof jacket, even walking poles and a backpack to carry your snack. As the island has many tunnels, it is useful to carry a small flashlight or headlamp. A water bottle may also be useful. Don't forget your swimsuit, sunglasses (and sunscreen), and summer clothes to enjoy the good weather. Finally, for the more organised, bring your Rother hiking guide, an essential complement, but which you can also find on site in French.
