Madagascar Flights and Travel Guide

Language

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

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Money

The official currency is the Malagasy ariary (MGA), which has been reintroduced to replace the Malagasy franc. Coins and notes display both currencies, but newer notes display the ariary more prominently than the franc. One ariary is equal to five francs. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and official bureau de change, but the ariary cannot be changed back into hard currency. Some banks will only accept US dollars or Euro. Travellers checks can be exchanged at most banks and in major hotels, but some banks refuse to accept them. ATMs are available in Antananarivo. Most major credit cards are starting to be accepted in top hotels and major travel agencies in the capital and other major towns, but have limited usage elsewhere.

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Communications

The international dialing code for Madagascar is +261. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the U.S.). To make an international call to Madagascar, the dialling code of 261 must be followed by atwo-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.

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Tipping

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

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Safety

Generally, visits to Madagascar are trouble-free, but precautions against opportunistic crime, especially in the urban areas, should be taken. Pickpockets operate at the airport and in crowded areas such as markets. At night, avoid walking around city centers 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.

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Health

Malaria is a risk throughout the year and is highest on the coast; resistance to chloroquine is reported. Cases of dengue fever and chikungunya fever have been reported in January and February 2006, and are transmitted by mosquitoes; precautionary measures against being bitten should be taken at all times. Vaccinations are recommended against Hepatitis A and typhoid, and all travelerscoming from a country with yellow fever require inoculation against the disease. Other risks include bilharzia, tuberculosis, rabies and bubonic plague; HIV/AIDS is prevalent. Dysenteries and diarrheal diseases are common and precautions with food and water should be taken. Tap water should not be drunk unless it has beenboiled or chemically treated. It is recommended that travelers bring antibiotics and anti-diarrheal drugs in case of severe diarrhea. Medical facilities are limited, and outside of the capital medical care may be difficult to find. Limited Frenchmedications are available in Tana and it is advisable to bring along a medical kit for private use. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised.

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Electricity

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

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