Useful Information


Time Zone Funchal’s time is in the WET - Western European Time (GMT/UTC GMT/UTC +1 in summer) Austrália Camberra +10h Brazil Brasília -3h France Paris +1h Germany Bonn +1h Holland Amsterdam +1h Italy Rome +1h Japan Tokyo +9h Norway Oslo +1h South Africa Cape Town +2h Spain Madrid +1h Sweden Stockholm +1h UK London = USA Chicago -6h USA Los Angeles -8h USA New York -5h USA Washington -5h	Current Time in Funchal
Climate Funchal has a mild mediterranean climate with even temperatures all year around. The climate can be separated into two main seasons: a rainier and slightly cooler season from October through March with average daily high temperatures ranging from 20 °C (68 °F) to 25 °C (77 °F) and a drier and warmer season from April through September with average daily high temperatures ranging from 21 °C (70 °F) to 26 °C (79 °F). Humidity levels remain constantly high at about 70%. Sea temperatures range from a low of 18 °C (64 °F) in February–March to 24–26 °C (75 °F) in August–October. Since the city rises from the sea up to altitudes of 800 meters on its northern slopes, it is quite common to experience cloudiness, fog and rain on those northern suburbs while clear skies remain nearer to the sea. Temperatures also tend to be slightly lower at the higher altitudes. Early summer, especially June, tends to be quite infamous due to a phenomenon where persistent cloudiness covers the entire bay area of Funchal, locally nicknamed "Funchal's helmet". The length and severity of the rainy season varies greatly from year to year.	Weather History
Currency Since 2002 the sole currency of Portugal and Islands has been the Euro. Coins: 1cent, 2cent, 5cent, 10cent, 20cent, 50cent, €1, €2. Banknotes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500. More information about the updated exchange rates can be found at the XE Website. Electricity European type 2 pin sockets with 220 volts AC at 50 cycles are used. The phase 380 volt current is normally available in meeting and exhibition rooms. To use American-type plugs, a 220-volt transformer should be used together with an adapter plug. Useful Phone numbers Country Code: +351 International Call Prefix: 00 Funchal area prefix: 291 National Emergency Number: 112 Information Center: 118 Forestry Protection National Number/ Fire Department: 117 Police Headquarter (PSP): 291 208 400 Forensic Police: 291 215 600 Civil Protection: 291 700 112 SANAS – Lifeguards: 291 230 112 Marine Rescue Center: 291 213 112 Municipal Fireman Brigade: 291 222 122 Funchal Volunteer Fireman Brigade: 291 229 115 Portuguese Red Cross: 291 741 115 Radio Taxis Madeira Services: 291 795 149 Hospitals in Funchal: Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça Front desk: 291 705 600 Emergency Service: 291 705 608 Help Line: 808 201 414 Hospital dos Marmeleiros: 291 705 730 Credit Card Offices: Visa / Master Card: 800 811 824 American Express: 707 504 050 SIBS: 808 201 251 Money Exchange Money can be exchanged at any bank or hotel throughout the Island. Health Requirements With the exception of vaccination certificates for persons coming from areas where yellow fever is endemic, there are no special health requirements. Passport and Visas A valid passport (or identity card for European Community nationals) is required. Visas are not necessary for citizens of EU countries, the U.S.A., Canada and the majority of countries. Please contact your local Portuguese Embassy, Consulate or your Travel Agency for further information. Language Portuguese is a Romanic Language with 2010 to 2015 million native speakers, usually listed as the sixth or seventh most spoken language in the world. Some Useful expressions in Portuguese:
Hello: Olá Nice to meet you!: Prazer em conhecer-te! (often shortened to 'Prazer') Good Morning: Bom dia Good evening: Boa tarde (in the afternoon)/Boa noite (in the evening and at night) Good night: Boa noite Goodbye: Adeus See you soon: Até logo/ Até à vista Yes: Sim No: Não That depends: Isso depende I don't know: Eu não sei I think so: Creio que sim Where?: Onde?	When?: Quando? Why?: Porquê? Who?: Quem? How much/ How many?: Quanto/ Quantos? Please: Por favor Thank you: Obrigado (for men)/ Obrigada (for women) Excuse me: Com licença I'm sorry: Peço desculpa May I?: Posso? Good Luck!: Boa sorte! Enjoy your meal!: Bom apetite! Train station: Estação dos comboios Bus station: Central rodoviária Taxi central: Praça de táxis