Advices and Information for traveling in Madagasacar
Below an information list to prepare your stay on the Big Island.
USEFUL INFORMATION
VISA Information
Madagascar Useful Information. The Visa is obtained on arrival at the airport. No need an ID photo. On the plane, the flight attendants / steward will give you a small form named “passport for Madagascar” to fill out. At the plane exit, take the line “Without Visa”, give the form to the customs. In 2023 the Visa cost is : 20 Euros for 14 days, 35 Euros from 15 to 30 days, 45 Euros from 31 to 60 Days.
The “e-visa” is not operational ( take care for inforaml web sites which sell e visa online )
No PCR test is asked 72 hours before departure. No more Antigen test at arrival, it has been cancelled the 10 August 2022.
If you have to take a domestic flight, procedures with antigenic test are no more requested, see our page : ( Local Flight Information )
CHANGE / ATM
There are money exchange offices at the airport with interesting prices such as « Socimad ». They are open for every international arrival. You can find also change offices in the city center; the driver can bring you there at the beginning of the tour.
We advise to change only one part of your money at your arrival. You can easily find a bank or exchange office and ATM in each main city. Indicative change rate in January 2023 : 1 Euro = 4 200 Ariary
SECURITY
Madagascar is a poor country which means conducive to temptation. Never have much money with yourself. It is better to withdraw money progressively. Do not wear visible value effects. Always check rooms and windows closures before going out and during the night. Hotels usually have individual chests. If it is not the case, hotels ‘Managers have a common safe. Otherwise, it is advised to equip the main bag with a padlock. Drivers are not allowed drive at night except an emergency condition.
TELEPHON NETWORK AND INTERNET
The country has weel developed and has good coverage. Hotels generally have WIFI; there are “cyber cafe” in the main cities. The telephone providers are Airtel, Telma and Orange. With 5 Euros, you can easily buy a prepaid SIM card used for call and internet. The operaor Telma is the most current with fast connexion ( fiber ).
ELECTRICITY
The electricity in Madagascar is 220V with a frequency of 50Hz. Remember to charge your batteries around 18:00; in the province, the hotels cut their generator around 22:00 and then switch to solar batteries.
CLOTHING / BUSINESS / BAG TYPE
The highlands region (Tana and Fianarantsoa, altitude around 1300 m) are quite cool especially from June to August (sweater, good jacket is necessary). On the coast it’s warm; we can walk the day in shorts and T-shirts.
Walks in the parks: a pair of sneakers is enough; a pair of mid-mountain shoes is more suitable. K Way advised.
It is not necessary to take a mosquito net; the rooms are equipped; in the highlands region, few mosquitoes, the rooms are not equipped, but the a diffuser can be provided.
Bags: 4×4 vehicles are spacious, large bags are well suited instead of suitcases.
Descent of Tsiribihina River / Sleeping: Nights are under tents. We provide: mattresses, sheets, pillows, blankets. Bring a headlamp and a towel.
DRUGSTORE / MALARIA / SANITARY / MOSQUITO NET
Recommended kit: General Antibiotic, Eye Drops, Efferalgan or Doliprane, Betadine, Cotton, Dressing, Immodium, Ercefuryl.
Drink only capped water; wash hands frequently, disinfect a wound immediately. There are no compulsory vaccines. Preventive treatment for malarious advised.
Link site institut pasteur: https://www.pasteur-lille.fr/vaccinations-voyages/?pays=Madagascar
Mosquito nets: Hotels are usually equipped with mosquito nets, so no need to bring them.
The hotels that do not dispose of them are, either located in the highlands (few mosquitoes, if necessary, hotels can provide broadcasters) or either equipped with air conditioners.
MEAL / DRINKS
The cost of a meal (starter / main course / dessert) is about 8 Euros in a restaurant. In a “gargote” ( local restaurant ), the main course is 2 Euros. A little bottle of water costs from 1500 to 2000 Ariary. Coca or beer type drinks between 3,000 and 5,000 Ariary.
WEATHER Information
There are two main seasons: the rainy season from January to March and the dry season from April to December.
For example, winter in Europe corresponds to the summer in Madagascar or the rainy season and vice versa.
January to March
Rainy season, cyclonic risk in February; hot temperatures.
April to June
Start of the dry period with the opening of the slopes, the descent of the Tsiribihina and the Tsingy of Bemaraha.
July / August
Weather is cold on the highlands (Tana / Antsirabe / Fianarantsoa); on the coasts, temperatures are summery.
September to December
Beautiful and warm all over the island.
End of Page Madagascar Useful Information
