• Getting to Madagascar
• When to go?
• Languages
• Time
• Entry formality
• Climate
• Voltage and frequency
• Banking
• Export
• What should I bring in my carry on bag?

Getting to Madagascar

The following Airlines have regular flights to Madagascar:

• Air Madagascar. As well as operating on the national network, the national airline has regular flights from the following countries:
  • France departing from Paris Charles de Gaulle and Marseille
  • Italy departing from Milan
  • South Africa departing from Johannesburg
  • Thailand departing from Bangkok
  • Reunion Island from Saint Pierre
  • Mauritius from Plaisance
  • Kenya from Nairobi
  • Comoros from Moroni

• South African airlines. A Star Alliance member airline
  • South Africa departing from Johannesburg.

• Air France. A Skyteam member airline.
  • France departing from Paris Charles de Gaulle.

• Air Mauritius
  • Mauritius departing from Plaisance

• Kenya airlines
  • Kenya from Nairobi

• Interair
  • South Africa from Johannesburg

• Air Austral
  • Reunion Island from Saint Pierre

• Corsair
  • France departing from Paris Orly

When to go?

Madagascar is a destination you can enjoy all year long but some seasons can be more suitable depending on your interests.

The touristic high-season in Madagascar starts from mid-April and ends around mid-November which is the austral winter and dry season. All non-paved roads are practicable during this time.

Please remember that Madagascar has 5 micro-climates which are very different from one to another. The island is huge and some regions like the deep South almost never have rain.

Some of our tours operate permanently and some are seasonal. Again, our staff will be very willing to help you choose the best options depending on your availability.

Languages

Malagasy, French and English are the three official languages. Malagasy is used throughout the island. French is practiced in major cities.

Time

Being at GMT + 3, Madagascar is:
+ 1 from South Africa,
+ 2 in winter and +1 in summer from Western Europe
+ 7 from Eastern Canada and United States of Americas’ east coast.
- 4 from Thailand
- 6 From Japan

Entry formalities

Entry and stay visa with a single entry is issued by Malagasy diplomatic and consular representations. Please click here to find the embassy serving the territory in which you reside. It may also be obtained at the disembarkation airport for the relevant fee.

Climate

The dry season or southern winter is from April to October, and Summer from November to March. Following the physical geography of the island, the climate is temperate in the Highlands, hot and dry in the west coast, hot and humid in the east coast, semi-arid in the south.

Voltage and frequency:

AC 50 Hz; 220-240 volts
Telephone Area Code:
+ 261

Banking

The local currency is the Ariary (MGA). It is advised to carry US dollars or Euros which are easily exchangeable currencies. Traveller cheques are also accepted in banks. Credit cards have limited availability outside the larger cities. ATM are beginning to be spread out in large cities.

When should I exchange money for a trip to Madagascar?

The global currency market is in a constant state of flux due to inflation, depreciation, import and exports and other economic factors. The market can experience a slight change in value or there could be a major surge in value, especially if a country’s currency is just emerging in the global market, like Russia and Argentina. Changes in a country’s exchange rate can have a major impact on a foreign vacation budget, so it’s important to do a little research while you’re planning the trip and then develop an exchange strategy that will eliminate surprises that can drastically alter your plans. Waiting until the last minute to exchange currency is not the best strategy. A sudden surge in a currency’s value could destroy a vacation at the airport. Even a 1600 point change in the Dollar/Ariary exchange pair could cost you an extra $160 plus the exchange fee for every $1000 you exchange and that’s a surprise no one enjoys, especially after planning the dream vacation of your life to beautiful Madagascar, the island with endless excitement and wilderness.

The currency exchange market can work in your favor if you develop a strategy while you’re planning the trip. When you exchange small amounts of money at different times before your departure, you can offset any currency surprises when you arrive in your host country. Averaging exchanges while you’re planning gives you an exact cost for each exchange which means your budget is based on real costs, not estimates. Averaging is an effective way to cover all of your expenses, especially on an extended vacation.

Where should I average my exchanges?

Banks are always ready to exchange your money. They are convenient, but they may cost your more than necessary if you don’t understand their fee structure. Banks add at least 3% to every exchange and they may only post one or two rates a day which means you may not be getting a real time rate and in most cases that’s an extra cost. Credit cards use a rate which includes their profit and they add a surcharge to every vacation purchase, which means you don’t know how much the trip actually costs until you get the statement.

A reliable currency trader can help you average your exchanges in the planning stage of the trip and that strategy eliminates hidden fees, surcharges and bogus exchange rates. A professional studies the currency market hourly so you exchange money using a real time rate at the right time.

Other travel thoughts

Some countries have a limit on the amount of cash you can carry through customs checkpoints. If you exceed the limit and an official finds it, your cash may be confiscated. Always carry cash and passports in a hidden pocket or money belt that’s secure and out of sight and use hotel safes and other security precautions when you arrive at your destination. Wallets and purses are easy targets for pickpockets so just carry enough money in them for incidental purchases.

ForexTraders.com study the dynamics of the forex market. For more information about currency exchange strategies, forex broker reviews, analysis, useful articles or forex trading, please visit our website.

Customs, traditions and taboos:

The population of Madagascar is known to be peaceful and tolerant. They are, however, they do feel strongly about their customs and practices, especially in rural communities. Be aware of these traditions, customs and taboos that could translate sometimes as banned or not accepted behavior. Our role is to inform you of these practices and when and where they are appropriate.

Bargaining is a tradition and is accepted at all times with a smile and in good spirits. Bargaining should reflect fair compensation.

Export

An export permit is required for items such as precious or semi-precious stones, jewels, wooden sculptures, butterflies, hewed stones, and vanilla. The permit will be delivered by the sellers, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce Craft and Tourism, or the Ministry in charge of mines. It is strictly forbidden to export rare fossils, funerary statues in ancient wood, and endangered animals such as lemurs, turtles, crocodiles, and chameleons.

May be taken freely:

- 250 gr of hallmarked jewels

- 2 kg of vanilla beans

What should I bring in my carry on bag?

• Swimwear
• Sunblock
• Your personal pharmacy
• Sensible footwear
• Waterproof breathable clothing
  
• A sweater
• Cream malaria
• Masks, flippers and snorkel
• Camera and film
• Electric lamp