Madeira News Blog

Important Things To Remember If Driving On Madeira 

Please read the disclaimer at the bottom of this page.

1. If you are a tourist or visiting Madeira, you may hire a car. You cannot own and drive, or borrow a car, unless your licence has been registered with the driving authorities. Nearly all of the car rental agencies are based in Funchal, and some also have booths at Madeira Airport. Most international car rental companies cover Madeira, but not all, and so reservations can usually be made online.

Research shows that most problems with car rental generally are the result of surcharges for extras, petrol, and vehicle damage. Keeping petrol receipts, and doing a careful inspection with photographs of any damage might help you later in the event of problems. Also check the terms of the insurance, as if you make a claim and haven’t followed the requirements, your claim could be rejected.

2. If you are resident on Madeira, you have the option to keep your own European format driving licence, having registered it with the authorities, or you may swap your driving licence for a Portuguese licence. You must register with DGV within 30 days of becoming resident on Madeira.

Registering A Driving Licence – The DGV (Direcção Geral de Viação) is the licensing authority, and is based either behind the casino in Funchal or in the ‘Loja do Cidadão’. To register a EU issued driving licence, you need to complete their registration form, copy it, and take two copies of your ID and two copies of your driving licence. Also you may need to provide photographic ID. You can do this by post or in person. They will give you back a stamped document, which you must keep. With the exception of hire cars, you cannot drive a car on Madeira without registering first.

3. In line with most of Europe, in Portugal you drive on the right hand side, and if you buy a new car it will be left hand drive. You use roundabouts in an anticlockwise direction, otherwise the driving rules are similar to the UK, and the traffic signs and warnings should be recognisable, if not readable.

Many of the roads on Madeira are hilly and have sharp bends, so extra attention is needed. The standard of driving is generally good on the island, but as in any country you need to be beware of the odd idiot driver.

Speed limits on Madeira are signposted, and are generally 40 to 50 kph (kilometres per hour) in built up areas, other wise you can drive at up to 80 kph. The major dual carriage ways (via rápidas) have speed limits of up to 100 kph, with lesser limits displayed where road conditions warrant a reduction.

4. You can import a right or left hand drive car onto Madeira, but the importation process is complex and time consuming, and the re-registration will require you to have a new vehicle registration plate. Right hand drive cars are not popular, and if you try and sell one it will be difficult and you will achieve a considerably lower price than for the same left hand drive model.

The car must be registered within 30 days of arrival on the island, and the importation process must be complete within 180 days, on the risk of impoundment for tax evasion.

5. Depending on  your residency status, you may be able to import a car tax free to Madeira if you have owned the vehicle for sufficient time. If you do have to pay tax it is based on the car age and emission rating, and may result in a considerable tax charge. The charges are available at Finance offices, otherwise the company managing the car import should be able to advise on tax liabilities. You are strongly advised to consider tax implications before bringing a car to Madeira.6. Portuguese law states that you must carry a red warning triangle and a yellow reflective vest in the car at all times, for safety reasons, for use in the event of a breakdown or accident. You must wear the seat belts in both the front and back of the car, and children under the age of 12 years must sit in the back seats.

7. You should carry your insurance, car registration documents, and driving licence with you, when out driving. If stopped by the police you should produce these at the time, if not you may be fined and told to report to a police station on Madeira with your documents. All cars on Madeira should also show 2 or 3 stickers in the top right corner of the windscreen.

The first is provided by the insurance company (seguro automóvel). Car insurance is available on 3 main levels, fully comprehensive, third party fire & theft, and third party. Other additions such as windscreen damage are available for an extra premium, and ‘no claims’ are accrued and can normally be ‘imported’ from non-Portuguese insurance companies, and these ‘no claims’ can also be insured for the car owner only.

The second should show that you have paid your car tax for the year. From 2008, the car tax is paid annually on the anniversary of the vehicle registration,  and can be renewed at Finance offices or over the internet. Car tax has been very cheap for many years, but new rates based on fuel consumption and exhaust emissions are now in place that will penalise gas guzzling cars. You should receive a bill at the address registered in Finances when the car tax (IUC) is due, although Madeira does not seem to be in line with the rest of Portugal in this respect, so it is best to keep a diary note to avoid a late payment fine. There is more information on renewing car tax via the internet below.

The third sticker is necessary if the car is over 4 years old, and will be issued at one of Madeira’s inspection (MOT) centres. After the first inspection (4 years), the next is at 6 and then 8 years, and annually thereafter. The inspection will give one of 3 decisions. Pass, with up to 7 minor defects (which although not serious safety issues still need to be rectified). If more than 7 minor defects or a safety defect, you can be failed, on the proviso that you bring the car back promptly with the faults fixed. And lastly, failed with a serious defect(s), in which case the car has to be towed to a garage for repair.

Getting Your Car Inspected (MOT test) – In some respects the car inspection system on Madeira is quite advanced, and a lesson in production line methodology that other countries could learn from. No appointment is needed.

Having got yourself to the test centre, going west out of Funchal and turning off after the petrol station at the sign for the Botanical Gardens, you park up and go into the reception.

There you have to produce the car registration documents, insurance, the previous inspection record, and the princely sum of €26 (2007). Strangely there is no receipt issued. You then put yourself and your car in one of the queues at the back of the building, and drive bit by bit into the building where the test is carried out.

At the first stage they test exhaust emissions, lights, horn, and some under the bonnet stuff. Also they check you have the safety jacket and red triangle in the car. The car then goes onto some rollers to test the brakes, and then is driven over a pit where the car is shaken around to test for unwanted movement in steering and suspension mechanisms. And that is pretty much it!

You then park up at the front, and go into the office to wait for the verdict, hopefully a green certificate with as little printing as possible. This is where things may become a little puzzling, as on occasions money changes hands. Whether this may or may not influence the outcome of an inspection is hard to say. Just ‘tips’ perhaps! And, whilst on the subject of ‘puzzling’, you will also find a bar on the premises, so take it steady!

If you are not so lucky, they will explain what you need to do, which could involve a retest (about €13 in 2007). There is a further test centre at São Vicente, but it is a mobile unit but it is worth checking it is in place to avoid a wasted journey.

Vehicle inspections take place on the anniversary of registration of the vehicle in Portugal, and are based on age of the vehicle. Private vehicles have their first inspection after 4 years of age, then 6 years, 8 years, and then every year. You can take your vehicle for inspect in the two months prior to the due date. Do not leave it until the very last day possible, as the queues can be substantial.

8. On the spot fines are normal for minor traffic offences on Madeira. More serious offences, such as drink driving, may land you in court, resulting in a suspension of your licence and a driving ban, as well as a large fine. If you drive with more than 1.2 g/l of alcohol in your body you will be arrested. Using a mobile phone whilst driving is also an offence.

Drink Driving Limits For Portugal & Madeira – If after a test the alcohol reading equals or exceeds 0.5 g/l but is than 0.8 g/l, the penalty varies between €250 and €1250.  If it is equal or exceeds 0.8 g/l and is lower than 1.2 g/l, the penalty varies between €500 and €2,500 and the driving licence is withdrawn. The length of withdrawal depend on the circumstances and the quality of the defence, but in the best cases it is likely to be at least 3 months. Police are now very vigilant for drunk and dangerous drivers, and the local newspaper publish the numbers arrested every week.

9. Portuguese car insurance covers the car, not just the person. If you lend your car to someone they should be covered, but they must have your authority in writing to borrow your car (meeting a specified format). You must check your insurance policy before lending your car to someone.

10. Outside of Funchal, petrol stations can be sparse, so its best to fill up when you see one unless you know where they are situated. You can buy ordinary grade unleaded petrol (gasolina 95), high grade (gasolina 98) and diesel (gasóleo), but they are all fairly expensive due to the importation costs to Madeira.

11. If you breakdown on the Madeira dual carriageway (via rápida) phone 800 290 290 for
assistance. There are plenty of cameras along the busiest sections, so you may find help is on the way before requesting it. Be aware that mobile phones may not work inside the tunnels, and keep clear of any burning vehicles inside tunnels.

12. If you need to park on Madeira, you will probably have to use a car park if you are in or near a town / city centre. There is no established formula across the island for calculating parking charges, but they are comparatively expensive for local people, who tend to know where else to go to avoid paying. Also, some supermarkets will pay for limited parking when you shop with them. 

Where the ‘P’ sign shows the word ‘LIVRE’, it means parking spaces are available. ‘COMPLETO’ means full up.

13. Car Tax is due on the anniversary of the month of the vehicle registration in Portugal. The tax authorities on Madeira are encouraging car owners to renew car tax through the internet, although it is still possible to do so in your local Finance Office (take all your vehicle documents and tax number with you).

To renew on the internet is fairly simple if you understand Portuguese and have a password to access the IRS website. If you don’t speak Portuguese but are happy to give it a go, go to the IRS website and enter your tax number (Nº Contribuinte) and password (senha). Then go to the grey menu on the left, and select CONTRIBUINTES, ENTREGAR, IU CIRCULAÇÃO. You should find your vehicle listed. Once you have selected your vehicle and submitted your application (EMITIR), you then need to make arrangements to pay. This can be done at the Finance office, through the multibanco machines (ATMs), or through internet banking. Whichever way you choose, you will have to refer to the PDF document that will be presented to you after ‘EMITIR’  to obtain the payment references.

The payment references can also be obtained through the grey menu : CONTRIBUINTES, CONSULTAR, IU CIRCULAÇÃO, DOCUMENTOS.

If you go back through the links above a couple of days after payment, the certificate should be updated with your payment details. Print this off and keep it in your car as proof of payment. You should be sent a window sticker to prove you have valid car tax, but this can take some weeks after renewing to arrive by post.

DISCLAIMER – THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HERE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE PROFESSIONAL ADVICE, AND IS PROVIDED FOR BRIEF GUIDANCE ONLY, ON A BEST ENDEAVORS BASIS.

NO RESPONSIBILITY CAN BE ACCEPTED FOR THE ACCURACY OF INFORMATION SHOWN HERE, AND YOU SHOULD SEEK INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION OR PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE. THIS PAGE WAS LAST UPDATED IN 2008.

This information sheet is copyright material – do not reproduce in part or full without written consent                                     

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Qualifying For Free Health Care Under The Portuguese Health Service.

If you are resident on Madeira, you are entitled to make use of the health service and enjoy the same benefits & standards of health care as a portuguese citizen with doctors & health centres. However, in order to obtain residency it has been necessary in the past to demonstrate that you already have medical protection in this respect, but you will be told this when you apply for residency at the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras in the Loja da Cidadão, in Funchal. If you use the website link above you can click a button to see the english language version.

Once you have residency, any need for health and medical insurance becomes optional, as you can then apply for your medical registration and ‘health card’. Depending on your working circumstances, you may also need to show that you are registered with your local social security office (Segurança Social) and pay national insurance contributions.

There are cases where applicants have gone to their local health centre and been issued a ‘health card’ showing no more than their passport, and have seen a doctor that same day.

Anyway, however you manage it you will end up with a card called the ‘Cartão De Utente’, which will hold medical information about you on its magnetic strip, or you may be issued with a substitute document. Once you have registered you are covered (even if you have been issued with a temporary document), and you can then seek help or treatment from registered doctors at any of the health centres or hospitals on Madeira. The card will also entitle the owner to discounts on prescription medicines.

If you are unable to obtain the registration, particularly if you are waiting for your residency permit, then you will need to have a medical insurance policy to cover you. As a traveller, you can use the European Health Insurance card (formerly the E111) obtained in your own county, or use your travel insurance policy to deal with any emergencies, and in addition, some countries like the UK have reciprocal agreements with Portugal for assistance and treatment of each others citizens. This will cover any emergency treatments in health centres and hospitals.

Health Care Standards

Unless there is something to compare with, it’s hard to make comparisons, but feedback from people who have used the Portuguese health service has been pretty positive in all respects. Of course each hospital or health centre has good days and bad days, but the bad days are apparently few and far between, and it is fair to say that Madeira provides a very satisfactory medical service, that would compare well with the top european countries.

However, Madeira is a small island, and health problems of very specialised natures may not be familiar to the doctors here, or they may not have the equipment, hospitals or facilities to deal with particular specialist problems. In this case, if you are properly registered in the health care system of Portugal, you may be sent to the mainland to receive consultations or treatment, with nearly everything organised and paid for, including a meal allowance (€18 per day). Flights will be prepaid, but taxis to the airport will not be fully reimbursed for example (75%). If going to the mainland, you have an option to take a companion to help you as necessary. Normally an administrative and help contact is provided in your city of destination, so you can phone at any time for advice and support.

Doctors on Madeira may be reluctant to send foreigners to Portugal, so if necessary you should insist, and as a last resort complain.

Of course some things are done differently than elsewhere, and there have been adverse comments about food quality, hygiene issues, and lack of privacy..

How The Health System Functions

The hospitals on the island are located in Funchal, but major towns have their own Health Care facilities, and even some smaller towns have some facilities, known as the ‘Centro de Saude’. The health centre, depending on the size, will have a number of medical staff (médico/a = doctor, and enfermeiro/a = nurse). If you are making a routine visit, or are well enough to travel yourself, then you should go to your nearest ‘Centro de Saúde’ and report to the reception (if there is one), needing only to take your ‘Cartão de Utente’. If you don’t have one, take your European Health Insurance Card, or your health insurance policy, and also your passport (and Residency Permit if you have one). If you don’t have any protection, it is likely you will have to pay for any treatment.

You will need to wait until a doctor is available to see you, and if he cannot treat you, then it may be that you will be referred or transferred immediately to a hospital. Most doctors speak english very well, so a good dialogue should be possible. The doctor may give you a prescription to obtain medicine, which you will need to take to a chemist. If you need a repeat prescription, ask the receptionist at the ‘Centro de Saúde’, if possible show a copy of the previous certificate.

In the larger ‘Centro de Saude’, you will find facilities to deal with accidents and emergencies as well as the more routine problems and illnesses, and doctors will be available for longer hours.

Private Medical Insurance

If you don’t have the entitlement to use the Portuguese Health Service free then you need to ensure you have one of the other forms of protection previously mentioned. If private medical insurance is the only option open to you, for example as a non EU citizen, then you should keep it valid and present any documents at the request of medical staff.

Private Doctors

Private Doctors and Specialists are plentiful on Madeira with over two whole pages in the yellow pages in the telephone directory under ‘Médicos’. You should enquire about the cost before you agree to have treatment done.

Ambulances

You should dial 112 if you need an ambulance in an emergency, or find a listed number here bearing in mind you may be talking to the fire brigade, who provide ambulance services. Ambulance journeys can be chargeable, so if you can find your own way it may be quicker and cheaper. Road accident attendance are normally charged to the policyholder to reclaim on their vehicle insurance.

Dentists

Dental care falls outside of the Portuguese health system, so you will always need to consult a private dentist, and their services are not cheap, a fact supported by the fact that a great many Madeirans never go to the dentist, or only in the event of an emergency. You should ask the dentist about the cost before you agree to have treatment done. You will find over 30 dentists in the yellow pages of the telephone directory listed under ‘Médicos – Dentistas’.

Opticians & Eye Care

Opticians are plentiful on the island, with a shop or more in most large towns. You need to pay for everything, as they operate outside the Portuguese health system. You will probably find them very helpful if you need a screw replacing in your glasses, but if you need to buy new glasses then you might find them comparatively expensive against prices in other countries. It is possible to have an eye test and then use the prescription to order glasses on the internet or use the same prescription in another country. Likewise, it is possible to see an optician in another country to obtain a prescription and use it on Madeira. You will also find over 20 opticians in the yellow pages of the telephone directory listed under ‘Oculistas’ and several opticians advertise in the daily paper ‘The Diário’.

Chemists /  Pharmacies

Chemists / Pharmacies are well represented across the island, with around 100 listed in the yellow pages and a presence in most towns, the shops with the green cross outside. If you have a minor ailment or just need some advice, your local ‘farmácia’ may well be a good port of call, as the staff are well trained and helpful, and are able to recognise most medicinal products you may be familiar with. Chemists / pharmacies also carry large stocks of non prescription items.

Many chemists / pharmacies open in the evening, some until late at night, and there are even 24 hour chemists / pharmacies. The YELLOW PAGES directory on-line may help.

Prescriptions are issued by doctors in the health centres and hospitals, and this is taken to the pharmacy. If you have a ‘Cartão de Utente’, present that also, as it may earn you a discount on the marked price. Often the medicine prescribed may have a much cheaper generic alternative, but the pharmacist is not permitted to make a substitution. It is often worth asking for an generic alternative, as it may be available without a prescription.

Tax Concessions

Medicines and many medical expenses are tax deductable for tax payers in Portugal. Ask for and keep any receipts safe. Also medical insurance is a allowable tax deduction.

Complaints

‘ORDEM DOS MÉDICOS’ – This is the governing body covering doctors and medical facilities and specialists. You can contact them if you have a complaint about medical personnel, services and facilities on Madeira.

Complaints about public health institutions, including hospitals and health centres should be directed to the regional health administration office if they are unresolved at the point of origin.

However, you can now access an online complaints book, instead of asking for the ‘Livro de Reclamacões’, go to: Health Care Complaints Book Online

At this stage, this is only for complaints on matters of health care, but the principle is good, and hopefully it will extend to other areas. It’s certainly a lot easier than doing this in the environment where the complaint was incurred. The form is in Portuguese, but is not too hard to understand with the help of a dictionary.

DISCLAIMER – THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HERE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE PROFESSIONAL ADVICE, AND IS PROVIDED FOR BRIEF GUIDANCE ONLY, ON A BEST ENDEAVORS BASIS.

NO RESPONSIBILITY CAN BE ACCEPTED FOR THE ACCURACY OF INFORMATION SHOWN HERE, AND YOU SHOULD SEEK INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION OR PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE. THIS PAGE WAS LAST UPDATED IN 2008.

This information sheet is copyright material – do not reproduce in part or full without written consent 

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