Banks: 08.00 to 15.00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08.00 to 20.00, Monday to Friday; 09.00 to 21.00, Saturday
Government Offices: 09.00 to 12.00 and 14.00 to 17.30, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 08.30 to 13.00 and 15.00 to 18.00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 09.00 to 13.00 and 15.00 to 19.00, Monday to Friday; 09.00 to 13.00, Saturday

Madeira does not suffer from high crime levels or any other problems that might present visitors with threats to personal safety. Inevitably, with so many tourists in the high season, there are a few pickpockets and other opportunistic thieves loitering around the main attractions, so it pays to stay alert and keep a watchful eye on your cash and valuables. Don’t leave bags unattended at the beach or by the poolside. If you rent a car, park it in a well-lit area and don’t leave anything of value inside.

230V, 50Hz; plugs come with two round pins.

Health issues for visitors to Madeira are few but in the unlikely event that you take ill, a high standard of medical treatment can be found at the three hospitals in the archipelago. EU visitors with a valid European Health Insurance Card can take advantage of free emergency treatment. All other visitors will be charged, so travel insurance with medical cover included is a must.

Hospital Cruz de Carvalho (Funchal): +351 291 705 600
Emergency services: 112

Portuguese is spoken by locals on both Madeira Island and Porto Santo. English is also widely spoken.

Portugal uses the euro (EUR), with €1 equal to 100 cents.

EU residents entering Portugal from countries within the union are not required to pay duty on goods intended for personal use. Anyone carrying excessive volumes of a specific product, however, may attract the attention of customs officers.

Anyone entering from outside of the EU is permitted a duty-free allowance comprising the following: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g smoking tobacco (or a mixture consisting of a proportional volume); a litre of spirits with alcohol exceeding than 22 per cent proof, or two litres of spirits, liqueurs or fortified wines less than 22 per cent proof. Perfume up to 50mg and eau de toilette up to 250ml is permitted.

As a general rule, Portuguese are traditional and conservative characters who place great stock in old-fashioned values such as the importance of the family unit and respect for the social hierarchy. Smart appearance is considered indicative of good character, so visitors are advised to present themselves well in public places such as museums and restaurants.

A handshake is the usual gesture exchanged by strangers meeting for the first time. Hugs and kisses are considered appropriate when familiarity has been established. Punctuality is considered important, especially for business appointments. Religion (Roman Catholic) is an integral part of life and visitors should respect the views of the locals and behave and dress respectfully when visiting churches.

Nationals of EU countries do not need a visa to enter Portugal and can stay for an unlimited period of time. Visitors from the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand as well as visitors from countries party to the Schengen Agreement may also enter without a visa for short stays. Nationals of most other countries need a visa, which can be obtained from a Portuguese embassy.

The main tourist office for Madeira is located in Funchal on Avenida Ariaga 18. 
Phone: +351 291 21 19 00