|
|
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Get exclusive travel deals, trip reviews, and unique adventure travel ideas monthly.
|
|
Language: Malagasy is the official language, but French is used in business and government and is widely spoken in the main cities. A few people involved in the tourism industry might be able to speak some English, but it is not widely spoken.
Currency: The official currency is the Malagasy ariary (MGA), which has been reintroduced to replace the Malagasy franc. Coins and notes display both currencies, but newer notes display the ariary more prominently than the franc. One ariary is equal to five francs. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and official bureaux de
change, but the ariary cannot be changed back into hard currency. Some banks will only accept US dollars or Euro. Travelers cheques can be exchanged at most banks and in major hotels, but some banks refuse to accept them. ATMs are available in Antananarivo. Most major credit cards are starting to be accepted in top hotels and major travel agencies in the capital and other major towns, but have limited usage elsewhere.
Time: Local time is GMT +3.
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are generally two-pin.
Communications: The international dialing code for Madagascar is +261. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). To make an international call to Madagascar, the dialing code of 261 must be followed by a two-digit operator code (e.g. 20 for TELMA, the most reliable), then the regional code (e.g. 22 for Antananarivo) and then the five-digit number. A GSM 900 network is in use, covering major cities and main roads. Public Internet access exists in large cities; there are a few Internet cafes in Antananarivo.
Duty Free: Visitors older than 21 years may bring 500 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 500g tobacco, as well as one bottle of alcohol into the country without incurring import duty. Visitors are allowed to export a maximum of 100g vanilla without cost.
Getting Around: Air Madagascar connects Antananarivo to 51 towns on the island although flights do not depart daily for most locations. The train journey between the capital and Toamasina, and between Fianarantsoa and Manakara is recommended for its scenery. Buses are the most commonly used form of transport for the local population and are generally overcrowded, leave at irregular times and are slow. The island has just three main roads (from Tana to Mahajanga, to Toamasina and to Tuléar), with dirt tracks covering the rest of the country, and many roads are impassable during the rainy season. Car hire is not common, but agencies can be found in the main tourist towns.
Tourist OfficeMinistry of Culture and Tourism, Antananarivo: +261 (20)(22) 66805
Embassies
Madagascar Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 265 5525.
Madagascar Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (020) 3008 4550.
Madagascar Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 567 0505.
Madagascar Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 0983-6.
United States Embassy, Antananarivo: +261 (20)(22) 212 73/ 212 57.
British Honorary Consul, Antananarivo: +261 (0)20 245 2180.
Canadian Consulate, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (also responsible for Madagascar): +255 (0)22 216 3300.
Australian High Commission, Port Louis, Mauritius (also responsible for Madagascar): +230 202 0160.
South African Embassy, Antananarivo: +261 (20)(22) 433 50/ 494 82.
Next Page »
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
Related Madagascar Content
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
|
|
|
Madagascar Community:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Available Tours to Madagascar:
|
