Most places in Madeira do take cards, but you'll need some cash for buses, and I've heard that some of the cable cars only take cash too (the cable car from the promenade in Funchal does take cards). The small shops and cafes I visited all took cards but it's best to have some money just in case.
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Madeira uses the Euro, though major credit cards will work and ATMs are widely available. If you're flying direct to Madeira, currency can be exchanged at airports, banks, and hotels.
Madeira's currency is the Euro. Credit cards and contactless payments are accepted in many places, especially in tourist areas and larger establishments, but not everywhere so it's worth always carrying some cash.
You should plan to spend around €95 ($101) per day on your vacation in Madeira Islands, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, €33 ($35) on meals for one day and €9.87 ($10) on local transportation.
Tipping in Portugal & MadeiraMany people may tell you that tipping is not necessary and that restaurant workers earn a healthy wage, but this is not really true. Staff at restaurants earn among the lowest wages in Portugal and they rely on tips. As such, a tip is always appreciated.
Well, you don't have to, and most certainly no one will give you a hard time if you choose not to tip. Tipping is not mandatory, and you should only do so if you feel comfortable about it and if you want to reward truly exceptional service. Tipping for great service is very much appreciated.
Resist the urge to buy foreign currency before your trip.Some tourists feel like they just have to have euros or British pounds in their pockets when they step off the airplane, but they pay the price in bad stateside exchange rates. Wait until you arrive to withdraw money.
Madeira uses the Euro, though major credit cards will work and ATMs are widely available. If you're flying direct to Madeira, currency can be exchanged at airports, banks, and hotels.
Cards are by far the most popular cashless payment method in Portugal, including international cards from Visa and Mastercard. Both credit and debit cards are used, but debit cards are much more common.
10% or “rounding up” are seen as the norm when tipping. Tipping is usually for exceptional service, when someone went above and beyond what their job required them to do. If you're used to tipping elsewhere, don't stop just because you're in Portugal. Always tip with cash if you can.
Madeira uses electricity at 220-240V, 50Hz with European standard Europlug and Schuko plug sockets. If you plan on using electrical appliances that operate on a different voltage, a transformer is required, while appliances that have different plugs will need an adapter.
Once you've reached your destination, avoid airport kiosks or other exchange houses. Your bank's ATM network is likely the best option. You may be able to withdraw cash in the local currency with competitive exchange rates and low fees (1% to 3%). Use your institution's app to find an ATM near you.
Visiting MadeiraHowever, there are other means of transport available such as buses, taxis, tuk-tuks, bicycles and scooters. It is also worth mentioning the importance of the cable cars, which connect to some of the archipelago's most iconic points of interest.