Practical Information
Visa & entry
Most nationalities receive a 30-day tourist visa (or free entry for some EU citizens) on arrival at the airport. Passport must be valid for 6 months. Extend at the immigration office in Antananarivo if needed. Roundtrip ticket required at check-in.
Money & payments
ATMs (Banky Foiben'i Madagasikara, BNI, BMOI) are reliable in Antananarivo, Toliara, and Nosy Be. Exchange rates are poor at hotels; use banks or ATMs. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) accepted at larger establishments. Carry cash in USD or EUR for exchanging in towns. Small towns and villages use Ariary only.
SIM cards & internet
Three main carriers: Orange, Airtel, and Telma. Buy SIM cards at airport or any mobile shop (3G/4G data available). Expect 3-5 Mbps in cities, slower in rural areas. Wi-Fi in hotels and cafes is patchy but available. WhatsApp calls and messaging work reasonably.
Getting around
Internal flights (Air Madagascar, Tsaradia) are affordable and faster than roads. Minibus taxis (taxi-brousse) connect towns; book a seat the day before. Roads are rough; car hire with driver recommended, especially for remote areas. Driving is left-hand traffic. Expect 4-6 hours for 200km of road. No functioning trains for tourists.
Health
Malaria risk exists below 1400m, especially October-May. Take prophylaxis. Water in cities is chlorinated but not safe; drink bottled water. Hospitals in Antananarivo are adequate for emergencies; serious cases may require evacuation. Vaccinate against hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and polio. Medical tourism is not well-developed here.
Language & etiquette
Malagasy is the national language; French is understood in tourism. Greet elders first. Haggling is normal in markets but disrespectful in shops. Respect fady (taboos, vary by region). Photography of people requires permission. Dress modestly in religious sites and rural villages.
When to go
Best time is April to October (dry season). Avoid November to March (cyclone season, heavy rain). Central Highlands are mild year-round; coastal areas are tropical. Temperatures range 15-30C in highlands, 25-35C on coasts.
Getting there
Antananarivo's Ivato International Airport is the main gateway; Air Madagascar, Air France, and regional carriers connect to Europe and the Indian Ocean region. Scheduled connections via Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, or Mauritius. Seaport access at Toliara and Antalaha exists but is primarily commercial. Most visitors connect through Paris or East African hubs.