Useful Info
Language in Madagascar
Malagasy is the first language, French is the business language and the use of English is increasing in hotels.
Electricity
220 V European 2-prong plugs
Remember to take an adapter. Even small lodges will have a generator and you will be able to charge your phone and camera batteries. Note that at some remote lodges and camps, electricity may not be supplied 24/7.
Mobile phone coverage and WiFi
Arrange international roaming for your mobile phone before you leave and remember to take along a charger. There is reception in urban areas but not at all the parks. However, our guides know where to drive to in order to get reception near the parks when needed. Increasingly hotels are offering WiFi services and these are listed in the Madagascar Bradt Guide.
Baggage Allowance
Free baggage allowance on both Air Madagascar and Air France flights is:
Economy Class 20kgs (44 lbs)
Business Class 30kgs (66 lbs)
Always organise your packing so that you have essential items for the first 3 or 4 days in your hand luggage, as it sometimes go astray en route and may only arrive in Madagascar a few days later.
Money Matters
Currency
The local currency is the Ariary. Ariary notes have a metallic strip on the right hand side.
While there are exchange facilities in the main cities during the working week, service may be restricted to certain hours. We advise against taking travellers cheques as this is also a lengthy process.
Ask for some small denomination notes – Ar 100 and 200 – for tips and local purchases. Remember that no more than 400,000 Ariary may be taken out of Madagascar.
Credit Cards
While Visa is increasingly useful in Madagascar, it is not generally accepted by hotels, restaurants and shops. Where cards are accepted, the fee is often between 3.5 - 8%. Do not rely on your credit card for obtaining local currency from the bank at the airport, but cards can sometimes be useful for drawing cash from banks in the main towns and at Ivato airport. Visa is the most widely accepted card. Avoid travellers cheques.
Spending money
We always encourage visitors to buy local goods as gifts to take home. There are many fine crafts people in Madagascar producing inlaid wooden objects, basket work, paper goods, objects painted with scenes of rural life, embroidered table linen and clothing, and so on. This helps to spread wealth to some of the poorest people who need it most.
Depending on your tastes, a lavish meal in the capital, Tana, can costs up to £20 per person, a bottle of local wine about £5 and a bottle of mineral water about £1.50 in a bar and 80p in a shop. A silk lamba costs about £35.
Don’t forget that in the airport departure lounge, you will need hard currency – US dollars or Euros.
Health
Health requirements
There are no compulsory health requirements at present, unless you are arriving from East Africa, when a yellow fever certificate is required. Note that AIDS is widespread in Madagascar.
Malaria zone
Madagascar is in a malaria zone so precautions, including anti-malaria tablets and insect repellent, are imperative. We advise visitors to wear light, long sleeve shirts and trousers as avoiding mosquito bites makes good sense.
Precautions
We recommend that visitors take a generous supply of wet wipes and use them after handling currency to reduce the risk of digestive upsets.
Never drink un-purified water. Bottled water is available almost everywhere. People planning a camping trip, or those conscious of re-cycling issues, should take water purification tablets. Avoid ice cream and local yoghurt. Peel all fruit before eating it.
The strong rays of the African sun can cause severe burns and sunstroke in just a few hours, so always take sensible precautions (eg light clothing that keeps you covered, a sun hat, sunglasses and sun block).
Your own doctor is the best source of precise and accurate information about health requirements and you should be guided by his/her advice.
Passports & Visas
You will need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Madagascar and must contain at least one completely blank page for the entry visa. Be careful to comply as failure to do so may result in the authorities denying you entry into the country.
British, other EU, American and Canadian passport-holders require a visa for entry to Madagascar. Visas may be issued by a Malagasy embassy or on arrival in Antananarivo.
Packing
Must haves
Take a large, powerful torch, spare batteries, camera, binoculars (large 8x40 are recommended), a sun-hat, sun block and insect repellent when travelling through wildlife areas. If visiting a rainforest, pack a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes. If you are camping, take warm clothing, a towel and soap, antiseptic wipes and a roll of toilet paper. By the sea, old trainers or ‘jelly shoes’ will help to protect your feet.
Ask us for a full packing list.
Shopping & Eating
Most urban centres of any size have shops, galleries and vibrant markets where a wide range of souvenirs may be purchased.
Items like sunblock and underwear are difficult to obtain outside of Antananarivo, Tamatave and Nosy Be.
Malagasy cuisine has elements of both Indonesian and French culinary styles. Please do inform us of any special dietary requirements before you depart. Outside of the main centres, vegetarians may find the menu a little monotonous.
Cultural Guidelines
Tourists or vazaha are mostly exempt from adhering to fady, the complex system of taboos that operate in Madagascar. However, the degree of tolerance varies from place to place. Your guides can inform you of the local customs and beliefs.
Christianity and the cult of ancestors are the cornerstones of Malagasy culture. Tombs are believed to be the sacred dwellings of the ancestors.
When visiting sacred spots, ask your guide whether photography is permitted. Always ask people if you may photograph them. Sometimes they will agree in exchange for a gift or some money. Do not take photographs around government buildings or military bases.
People appreciate it if you greet them in Malagasy. Shaking hands is considered important. Dress in a modest manner to avoid causing offence. Remember that public demonstrations of affection are not considered acceptable.