Organize your stay Madagascar
Money Madagascar
Since 2003, the Ariary (MGA, noted Ar in the guide) has been the official currency of Madagascar, replacing the Malagasy Franc (FMG).
In April 2023, €1 was worth around 4,870 Ar.
Important: the Ariary has replaced the Malagasy Franc, and all prices (except very rarely in the north and east or in the bush) are displayed in Ariary. However, the rural population still thinks in Malagasy francs, and it's common to be quoted a price in FMG (1,000 Ar = 5,000 FMG).
Beware of confusion: if someone says "it costs 10,000", they may be talking about 10,000 FMG and therefore 2,000 Ar, not 10,000 Ar (common for cabs, porters, etc.). Be sure to ask beforehand, and always be on your guard, as you'll never be contradicted if you give a sum 5 times higher.
Budget & Tips Madagascar
Madagascar may be a country where the cost of living is low, but you often spend a lot of money very quickly. Indeed, while hotels and food are very reasonably priced, you have to add transportation (very expensive planes, expensive car rentals, tours and tips, extras, etc.). National park entrance fees, for example, should be factored into the budget (prices can be high, especially as the services of local guides are often compulsory and extra).
Small budgets: allow between 30,000 and 80,000 Ar (based on two people) for accommodation, and between 5,000 and 15,000 Ar for a meal.
Medium budgets : expect to pay between 100,000 and 200,000 Ar for accommodation (based on two people), and between 15,000 and 30,000 Ar for a meal (drinks not included).
Comfortable budgets : over 200,000 Ar for accommodation, at least 45,000 Ar per meal.
Since its launch in 2010 by operator Telma, MVola, Madagascar's first mobile money service, has gone from strength to strength, becoming the most secure means of payment in Malagasy daily life. Practical and accessible to all (even without a bank account), this service enables you to transfer money from your cell phone, withdraw money, receive money from abroad via Western Union, pay your bills and make purchases, and much more. Registration is simple. It's a practical way to avoid carrying too much cash, and to travel with complete peace of mind, since all transactions are secure.
Passport and visas Madagascar
A passport valid for 6 months after your stay on the island is required. Foreign nationals are required to apply for a visa.
In 2023, the tourist visa cost €10 for a stay of less than 14 days, €35 for 15 to 30 days and €40 for a stay of 31 to 60 days. It can be issued on arrival at the airport (please bring the cash amount in euros and present your return flight ticket). It is also possible to obtain an electronic visa before arrival, by visiting the following website: www.evisamadagascar.com.
You can also apply for a visa at the Embassy of Madagascar in Paris, where prices vary slightly: from 1 to 30 days, €20; from 31 to 60 days, €25; and from 61 to 90 days, €35.
Driver's license Madagascar
It is possible to rent a vehicle in Mada and travel without a guide or driver. However, given the state of the roads and infrastructure, this is not the option we recommend, especially for a first trip to Madagascar.
Health Madagascar
Madagascar's state of health cannot be compared to that of a developed country. In the event of major or even minor problems, you'll need to think quickly about repatriation. Generally speaking, however, protect yourself from mosquitoes and avoid tap water, and you should be fine.
Mosquitoes can transmit dengue fever and malaria, so don't forget your anti-malarial treatment and mosquito repellent, especially on the east coast. Malagasy tip: drink lemongrass tea four or five times a day to keep mosquitoes away (it works!). Beware, too, of certain lakes and rivers, which are a permanent invitation to swim, but they can be infested with bilharzia, and these parasites are not kind to your intestinal system. As a general rule, take medicines for diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, bandages, compresses and anything you need to disinfect a wound.
As poverty is rampant in Madagascar, any donation of medicines will be welcome: antibiotics and anti-malaria drugs are the most needed. Your kind gesture can give new courage to doctors who are overwhelmed by the lack of resources. So, at the end of your stay, before you leave Antananarivo for France, we suggest you donate any unused medicines to a dispensary, the health department of an orphanage or a local pharmacy (but not to just anyone, as they may be sold on the sly or misused).
Mandatory vaccination Madagascar
No vaccinations are required except for the DT-polio update. The following are recommended: hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever. Some doctors may offer you the rabies vaccine.
Security Madagascar
Despite all the crises the country is confronted with at regular intervals, Mada is a fairly safe country. Admittedly, the capital has some of the dangers associated with all the world's major cities in general, and those of Third World countries in particular. But Tana isn't a cut-throat either, even if you have to take precautions, such as avoiding walking at night.
In the provinces it's much safer. As everywhere, you have to keep your wits about you and not tempt the devil, but the Malagasy people are very welcoming and hospitable.
Attacks by dahalo, the zebu rustlers, have multiplied in recent years, creating red zones in certain regions, so check the embassy website beforehand. Remain vigilant and respect a few basic rules (at night, avoid walking alone and driving on intercity roads, avoid all outward signs of wealth, remain respectful and open-minded in all circumstances...), and all should go well. A word of friendly advice: make good use of the safe if your hotel room has one, as in-room theft is more common than you might think in this country! It's a good idea to register with Ariane when you travel to Madagascar, and to notify the French embassy in Antananarivo for longer stays. This will enable you to receive live alerts and recommendations in the event of an incident occurring in the country.
Time difference Madagascar
The time difference is as follows: plus 1 hour in summer (9am in Paris = 10am in Tana), plus 2 hours in winter (9am in Paris = 11am in Tana).
Spoken languages Madagascar
The two official languages are Malagasy (mostly Merina) and French (spoken by about 25% of the population). English is not widely spoken in Madagascar, except in tourist areas.
Communication Madagascar
Thanks to Telma and Orange, the country has one of the best telecoms networks in Africa. Nearly 400 hotels throughout the country are equipped with fiber optics by Telma. You can exchange your French SIM card for a Malagasy SIM card as soon as you arrive at the airport. All you have to do is register your card in a dedicated store and top up your Internet or telephone package.
Electricity and measurements Madagascar
Electricity. Most electricity is 220 volts. A word of warning to travelers: electricity rates provided by Jirama are very high in the country, partly because the costs of maintenance and installation are just as high. In fact, this cost is reflected in the price of rooms, air-conditioning, and so on. This is one of the reasons why some tourists consider the country as a whole to be expensive in relation to the services on offer.
Weights and measures. In Madagascar, we count in grams, liters and meters.
Luggage Madagascar
Bring a sweatshirt, a light jacket and even a good sweater (or even a lighter jacket) for some of the cooler weather in the Highlands, or for the thermal shock of returning to Europe in winter. We'd like to stress this point: we've met travellers who were really surprised by the low temperatures in the Hautes Terres and Andasibe; in Antsirabe, for example, it can get really cold in July!
On the coasts, it's hot (even very hot), but a little wool may do the trick in Fort Dauphin or Tuléar in June-July. An umbrella or raincoat is advisable on the east coast! A small flashlight can be very useful, as some hotels often cut off electricity after 10pm. Budget travellers can add a sleeping bag or silk sheet for hotels that are a little too basic.
