Madagascar travel details
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Madagascar has a population of 2Cr with main currency as Malagasy Ariary. The languages spoken are French. Madagascar travel safety advice is Exercise a high degree of caution. Automatic teller machines are rare in Madagascar. Tipping is usually not expected in Madagascar. Internet speed in Madagascar is on average 3.3 Mbps.
Madagascar travel advice
⬤ Exercise a high degree of caution
If you're arriving from a country affected by cholera, you'll need to undertake additional sanitary measures and asked to take an antibiotic. You may also need to provide your contact details to health authorities for follow-up contact (see 'Travel').
We advise:
Exercise a high degree of caution in Madagascar due to the threat of crime and risk of natural disasters and disease outbreaks.
Issue Date : 6 Jun 2024
Madagascar weather
Madagascar essential details
Plugs
Madagascar uses 220V, 50Hz with sockets and plugs Type C and Type E.
Languages
The languages that are typically spoken are French
Money in Madagascar
Currencies
Madagascar uses the Malagasy ariary (symbol: Ar), code MGA.Banknotes come in denominations of 10000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500, 200 and 100 ariaries. Ariary is subdivided into 5 iraimbilanjas. Coins come in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 4, 2 and 1 ariaries and 1 iraimbilanja.
ATM
Automatic teller machines are rare in Madagascar. Your best bet is to look for them in large cities and community places.You do not need a chip & PIN card to use an ATM — your standard magnetic card will work fine.
Tipping
Not expected, but can leave extra tip Tipping is usually not expected in Madagascar. However, if you are satisfied with the service provided you can show your appreciation by leaving a small ‘extra’ tip. Receipts might sometimes include a service charge. If there is a service charge there is no need to tip.
Internet in Madagascar
Internet
Internet speed in Madagascar is on average 3.3 Mbps. WiFi coverage in Madagascar is very low. It's quite hard to find one.
Phones
You can buy a SIM card for about 63,055.40 MGA, which includes 1 GB of data plan. You can choose from 4 telecoms: Airtel, Orange, Telma or bip by Blueline. Madagascar uses GSM mobile networks GSM 900. If you don't want to buy SIM card in Madagascar upon arrival, make sure to check the roaming charges with your telecom provider before your departure so there are no surprises when you return home.
Calling
To call Madagascar, dial +, then 261 (the country code for Madagascar), then the area code (without the initial 0) and the local number. For local calls within Madagascar, start with the area code (with the initial 0). In the case above area code is 20 .
Madagascar travel details
Driving in Madagascar
Emergecy
Universal
911
Police
911
Ambulance
911
Fire department
911
Madagascar map
Madagascar visa advice
If you're considering exploring Madagascar beyond the usual transit spots, our comprehensive guide on Madagascar transit visa offers deeper insights and broader options for travelers of different nationalities. For those transiting through other countries en route to Madagascar, understanding Madagascar Transit Visa requirements is crucial to ensure a smooth journey.