The Euro is the currency of the Economic and Monetary Union and was adopted by 11 state-members from the European Union on the 1st of January 1999: Portugal, Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Austria and Finland. In 2001 Greece also adopted the Euro.

The circulation of the Euro started on the 1st of January 2002 with 7 different bank notes and 8 different coins: bank notes of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 Euros, and coins of 2 and 1 Euros and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, and 1 Cents. Although banknotes and coins have a European common side as well as a specific national side, they are accepted in all the countries that joined the Euro currency.

Both bank notes and coins were also conceived for people with visual disabilities. Therefore the bank notes and coins have different sizes and other elements that allow the identification through touch.

If you don’t want to carry large amounts, you can exchange your money in the local banks and at official exchange kiosks. Beware when changing cash at the bank, as there is a minimum fee of 8,00 Euros independent of the amount you exchange. In exchange kiosks there is no fee but the exchange will be based on a slightly lower rate.

If you have graphics turned off on your browser, turn them on! Below you will find a pictorial list of bank/ATM cards that can be used on the island of Madeira (also on mainland Portugal).

Euro cheques can be used to exchange for cash at the banks but Euro cheque cards, although valid for ATM machines, are not accepted to make payments in restaurants and shops.