Useful Information
Click on the word to take you to information on that subject.
Climate Medical Information Important Tel Numbers Internet Cafes International phone calls Shops & Banks Electrics Taxis Tap water Car rental Tourist Office

Climate. Most people who live here find Madeira has just about the most perfect climate in the world. It is never too hot (temperatures can get up to around 33 C when the Leste wind blows for a few days every year) averaging 24 C during the summer months (July through to October). During the winter average temperatures drop by approximately 4 C. The island is full of little micro climates. The bay of Funchal, protected as it is by the highest peaks, enjoys the best of sunshine.
Medical Information. There are over sixty health centres around Madeira Island and another one in Porto Santo, some are equipped with emergency service facilities. Some of the private clinics have emergency services but in an emergency most tourists will visit the Hospital 'Cruz de Carvalho'.Medical insurance is strongly advised, even though EU citizens can obtain a refund of most medical costs by using form E111 (available from Health Offices in your country).There are many English speaking doctors and dentists. The local chemists (farmacia), recognisable by a green cross sign, will have just about anything you may require and there is always one open after hours in each area. The location of the 'duty' chemist is displayed on every chemists window.
Key Numbers
National Emergency Number: 112
Police: 291 208 400
Airport: 291 524 941
Hospital: 291 705 600
Red Cross: 291 741 115
National Information Service: 118
International Telephone Calls Can be made from almost anywhere on the islands. You will find several public booths, where you have the choice of using coins, phone cards and sometimes credit cards. Telephone calls made from bars, restaurants and hotels are usually a great deal more expensive than the street pay booths.
Internet Cafés. There are many Internet Cafés on the island and access costs around €4 per hour.
Shops & Banks. Shops are opened from Monday to Friday, between 09.00hrs and 19.00hrs, with lunch break from 13.00hrs to 15.00hrs. On Saturdays, shops open only in the morning, from 09.00hrs to 13.00hrs.The exception are the shopping centres that do a 10.00hrs to 22.00hrs stretch seven days a week. The large Supermarkets also stay open until 22.00hrs, seven days a week.Banks are usually opened from Monday to Friday, between 08.30hrs. and 15.00hrs. Exchange houses operate everyday between 09.00hrs and 13.00hrs and from 14.00hrs to 19.00hrs.
Electrics.Travellers from the UK will require a plug adaptor and this is best bought in the UK as they are hard to find in Madeira.
Tap Water Is safe to drink and is good quality.
Taxis Have an official price list, approved by the Regional Government and the Regional Taxi Drivers Association with set prices for predefined routes. For example, if you are coming from the airport to Funchal,you can expect a price of about 28 Euros. All taxi drivers carry a government-approved price list for journeys for predefined circuits. You'll find it on the back of the driver's or the passenger seat.
Car Rental: There are several Rent-a-Car companies outside the airport arrival lounge. Look for the best offer!
Crime Madeira has very little crime and the worst that is likely to happen to you is sunburn or a hangover. Violence against tourists is very, very unusual. Common sense at all times should spare you any grief.
Funchal's Tourism Office, Arriaga Avenue. Opened from 9h00 to 20h00 - Tel: +351 291 211 900 -- Once on the island, you can contact the Tourist Green Line by telephone on 800 296 296. They will be able to help you in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish and advise you where to eat, what to see and give you information about cultural events and the major festivals happening at the time. This service operates everyday (including holidays), from 09h to 21h. But you can also go directly to the tourism offices spread around all the island.