Handicrafts include
lamba (traditional squares of cloth in various designs and woven materials);
zafimaniny marquetry, which is applied to furniture, chessboards and boxes; silverwork such as
mahafaly crosses and
vangavanga bracelets; jewelry made from shells and precious stones; items woven from reeds, raffia and straw;
antemore paper decorated with dried flowers; and embroidery. All products incorporating Malagasy flora or fauna (including dried flowers) often require export permits (see
Duty Free section).
Shopping hours Mon-Fri 0800-1200
and 1400-1800.
Currency Information:CurrencyThe pre-colonial Ariary (MGA) has been reintroduced to replace the Malagasy Franc (MGF). Notes are in denominations of MGA10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200 and 100. Coins are in denominations of MGA 50, 20, 10 and 5.
Note: Malagasy Francs are no longer legal tender but can be exchanged at banks until 2009.
Currency ExchangeCurrency can be bought only at banks and official bureaux de change in hotels and at the airport in Antananarivo. Hotels have a less favorable exchange rate. The Ariary is a non-convertible currency and cannot be exchanged back into tradable currency. Therefore it is a good idea to exchange currency as required.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsAmerican Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted at top-end hotels in Tana and the provincial capitals. These and other cards have limited use elsewhere in the country. There are a few ATMs in Antananarivo.
Traveller's ChequesThese can be exchanged in banks and major hotels. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Euros or US Dollars.
Banking HoursMon-Fri 0800-1100 and 1400-1600.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Apr 07 |
| £1.00= | MGA3,820.82 |
| $1.00= | MGA1,933.00 |
| €1.00= | MGA2,583.69 |
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