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-Sat 0930-1800.
Currency Information:CurrencyThe pre-colonial
Ariary (MGA; symbol Ar) has replaced the Malagasy Franc (MGF). Notes are in denominations of Ar10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200 and 100. Coins are in denominations of Ar50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1.
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. ATMs are increasingly available around the capital and in some of the larger towns.
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.
Currency RestrictionsRestrictions apply.
Banking HoursMon-Fri 0800-1100 and 1400-1600.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Jan 09 |
| £1.00= | Ar2,763.07 |
| $1.00= | Ar1,893.94 |
| €1.00= | Ar2,536.53 |
Next Page »
