Madagascar travel information

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The Basics

Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are generally two-pin.

Language: Malagasy is the official language, but French is used in business and government and is widely spoken in the main cities in Madagascar. A few people involved in the tourism industry might be able to speak some English, but it is not widely spoken.

Getting around: Air Madagascar connects Antananarivo to 51 towns on the island, although flights do not depart daily for most locations and air travel can be much more expensive than going by train or bus. The train journey between the capital and Toamasina, and between Fianarantsoa and Manakara is recommended for its scenery. Buses and taxi-brousse 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 and not generally recommended, but agencies can be found in the main tourist towns.

Travel Health: Malaria is a risk throughout the year and is highest on the coast of Madagascar. Cases of chikungunya fever were reported in February 2010 and are transmitted by mosquitoes; precautionary measures against being bitten should be taken at all times. In April 2008, an outbreak of Rift Valley fever was reported in five regions; contact with domestic animals and mosquitoes should be avoided. While AIDS has not reached the levels of other sub-saharan countries, protection should be used at all times. All travellers coming from a country with yellow fever require inoculation against the disease. Other risks include bilharzia, tuberculosis and rabies. Tap water should not be drunk unless it has been boiled or chemically treated. Medical facilities are limited, and outside of the capital medical care may be difficult to find. Limited French medications are available in Tana and it is advisable to bring along a medical kit for private use. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised.

Tipping: Tipping in Madagascar is not usual, although in European-style restaurants and hotels tips of 10-15% are expected.

Safety Information: The political situation in Madagascar is unstable, especially in the Ambohijatovo, Lac Anosy, Antaninarenina and Analakely areas. Violence is possible at any large gatherings and political or military installations. It is advised to travel with an established agency, and solo travellers should continually monitor the local media. Precautions against opportunistic crime, especially in the urban areas, should be taken. Pickpockets operate at the airport and in crowded areas such as markets. Travellers should carry ID at all times. At night, avoid walking around city centres and road travel outside urban areas as there have been occasional hold-ups on the main routes. The height of the cyclone season is from January to March and affects the coastal regions. Piracy is a concern in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.

Local Customs: Do not photograph military or police establishments while in Madagascar. Identification should be carried at all times by visitors. In rural areas, locals may abide my a number of taboos called fady, which should be respected by visitors at all times.

Business: The Malagasy people are friendly and approachable. Business is somewhat formal, but lightweight suits are appropriate due to the subtropical climate. Although Malagasy is the official language of Madagascar, French is the language of business and the government. English is only more common in the tourism sector. Translators can be arranged. Business hours are usually Monday to Saturday.

Communications: The international dialling 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 dialling 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.

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