Mobile phones and internet in Madeira
Staying connected in Madeira: EU roaming, local SIM and eSIM options, mobile coverage in the mountains and on trails, Wi-Fi, and offline maps for walks.
Roaming
- EU and EEA phone plans: roam like at home. You use your normal calls, texts and data in Madeira at no extra cost, within your plan’s fair-use limits.
- Other countries, including the UK: roaming charges depend on your operator. Check before you travel, or use a local or travel eSIM.
Local SIM cards and eSIMs
Portugal’s three main operators sell prepaid SIM cards and data plans in their shops in Funchal and at the airport. You need an ID to buy one. Travel eSIMs bought online before you go are another easy option.
Coverage
4G and 5G cover Funchal, the towns and most of the coast well. In the mountains, deep valleys and on many levada walks, signal can disappear for long stretches, and it is weak inside tunnels.
- Download offline maps and your trail booking before a walk.
- Tell someone your route if you hike somewhere remote.
- In an emergency, 112 works on any network that has signal.
Wi-Fi
Most hotels, holiday apartments and cafés have free Wi-Fi. Fibre broadband is common, which makes Madeira popular with remote workers. If you need to work, ask your host for a speed test. See a month in Madeira.
Useful apps
- Your airline’s app, for wind-related changes. See airport wind.
- The bus companies’ apps. See buses.
- The SIMplifica website for trail bookings. See trail fees.
- A ride-hailing app for Funchal. See taxis.
- An offline map app with hiking trails.