Do you need cash in Madeira?

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.



People Also Ask

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Past travelers have spent, on average, €33 ($35) on meals for one day and €9.87 ($10) on local transportation. Also, the average hotel price in Madeira Islands for a couple is €103 ($109). So, a trip to Madeira Islands for two people for one week costs on average €1,334 ($1,410).

MORE DETAILS

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. It's worth noting that Multibanco cards – which we'll explain below – can be used as both debit and credit cards.

MORE DETAILS

Madeira in general isn't an expensive place to live. Housing, transport, and food are quite affordable for expats staying in Madeira longer term.

MORE DETAILS

My little AA Essential Guide to Madeira suggests that, as Flowercity says, tipping is appreciated but not required in Madeira. If you do want to tip, the advice is 10% in restaurants and for taxi drivers and hairdressers. In bars it suggests just loose change but nothing for chambermaids in hotels.

MORE DETAILS

Our prices do not include a tip. In Madeira Island tips are not compulsory. As is standard across the globe if you feel your driver has been friendly and courteous, then a small tip is the norm.

MORE DETAILS

ELECTRICITY AND WATER The electric current in the archipelago is 220 volts. There is plenty of water in Madeira and it is all drinkable and of excellent quality.

MORE DETAILS

Madeira's national currency is Euro (EUR), which comes in denominations of 5€, 10€, 20€, 50€, 100€, 200€ and 500€ notes. Coins come in 1, 2,5, 10, 20 and 50 cent and one and two euros denominations. Banks are open from 8:30 am to 15:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

MORE DETAILS

You will need a valid passport or national identity card during your stay in Madeira. Although not mandatory, possessing a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or equivalent health insurance coverage is recommended.

MORE DETAILS

Average monthly temperatures For the highest temperatures the best time to visit Madeira is between August and September although the sub tropical climate offers sunshine throughout the year and winter months are equally popular with visitors.

MORE DETAILS

One of the greatest aspects of life in Madeira are its coastal villages. And Ponta do Sol is arguably the most beautiful.

MORE DETAILS

Funchal is the most expensive place to buy property on the islands – given its higher demand and abundance of services.

MORE DETAILS

Food and drink prices at restaurants in Madeira In Funchal, you can go to a small local place and pay €5-12 for some food and a drink but then you can also go across the street to a fancier place and pay over €25 for food and a drink.

MORE DETAILS

If you don't already know, Funchal is the capital city of a magical Portuguese island archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic known as Madeira.

MORE DETAILS

In fact, Madeira was just voted Europe's “Leading Island Destination” in the World Travel Awards again (the sixth time in the last seven years). Less than four hours from London and with almost guaranteed sunshine, Madeira is an ideal winter break, or for that matter, anytime destination.

MORE DETAILS

While there's no obligation to tip in Portugal, it's also important to remember that when you do leave a tip, it's essential to use cash euros (the European currency), so the recipient of your tip can easily use the money without having to make a special trip to a bank (and then pay a transfer fee).

MORE DETAILS