Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
need to
know
CURRENCY
»The ariary (Ar)
LANGUAGE
»Malagasy and French
MONEY
»ATMs widely available in large towns and cities; in more rural areas, cash rules.
Euros are the easiest foreign currency to exchange.
VISAS
»Required for all visitors; free for up to 30 days, €45/70 for 60/90 days.
MOBILE PHONES
»Local SIM cards can be used in European and Australian phones; other phones
will have to be set on roaming.
TRANSPORT
»Taxi-brousse (bush taxi) is the main public transport: slow, uncomfortable, cheap
and omnipresent. Private vehicle and driver is a great but dearer alternative.
Your Daily Budget
BUDGET LESS THAN €60
»Basic double (shared facilities) €5-12
»Food from
hotelys
(roadside stalls) for breakfast and lunch; dinner at a restaurant
»Travel between cities by taxi-brousse; chartered taxi for day trips
MIDRANGE €60-150
»Double room (mostly ensuite) €12-25
»A good meal costs around €10
»At the upper end, hire a car and driver
TOP END OVER €150
»Accommodation varies wildly, €25 in a guesthouse to €500 in a full-board resort
»Travel by private 4WD with driver; internal flights to save time
