Madagascar isn't the easiest to
vacation. We've put together 10 tips for those considering a vacation in
Madagascar.
1. There is still mild confusion with the currency in this country. For more than a decade, Madagascar has had the ariari, or agiari, abbreviated as Ar, or MGA. Before that, the currency was the Malagasy franc, or MGF. Both currencies are still in use here. USD is also actively accepted as a universal currency. Keep in mind that there may not be changeable money everywhere, especially in the rhinestone hinterland. Make a habit of carrying small bills. Banks are open Monday through Friday from 08:00 to 15:00. Unfortunately, many exchange offices have a high commission, and you need to provide a customs declaration for currency import all the time. You can't change on the street, there may be fines. International credit cards are only used in the capital and in major outlets in the resorts. You will find ATMs in airlines, travel agencies, hotels and stores.
2. You can try to bargain, locals rarely do. Foreigners are overpriced, discounts do happen, however, from time to time. Just keep a close eye on what price the locals are told, you might just be quoted an order of magnitude higher. Then you can try to knock it down.
3. Madagascar is not rich at all, and most people are very destitute. Restaurants and cafes are staffed by ordinary Malagasy people, and although tipping is not very common, try to tip whenever possible. In major tourist centers like Antananarivo and Nozi Bi, tips are included in the check.
4. The islanders are friendly and hospitable. They appreciate and love tourists, and there are hardly any beggars here like in Africa. If you visit iconic places, you are required to be modest. But there are no special requirements for appearance, tourists are tourists, you will be the main source of income for the locals. Except that you should not wear clothes similar to military uniforms. It is not customary here, and there may be problems.
5. If you are visiting or attending a ceremony, you can bring alcohol, food or cigarettes. But you should not give money, it is not customary. You will probably encounter local beliefs and traditions. Not all places will allow foreigners, so listen to what the guides say. For example, not everywhere you can smoke or fish.
6. The crime rate on the island is not too high. Let's just say there is a risk. And this means that neither within the big cities, nor in the hinterland should not openly demonstrate wealth, waving large bills or jewelry. There is one unpleasant feature of Madagascar, with which women will have to face. You should not go alone, they may well obsessively molest. But if you are with a girlfriend, sister, parent or friend, there should be no problems.
7. Any water, if it is not in a bottle from the store, or not boiled, can be dangerous. Especially in the wintertime when cities are hot and humid. Boil your milk if you have already decided to buy it from residents, not in a bag at the store. Eat in good restaurants and cafes that meet sanitary standards. Roast purchased meats diligently, and thoroughly wash any fruits and vegetables you buy. Malaria is no joke in these parts, as well as many other diseases typical of southern countries. Try not to be bitten by anything. Neither mosquitoes nor, especially, leeches, of which there are enough in water bodies. Especially if large animals bathe in these water bodies, you should avoid such a neighborhood. Bloodsucking insects are still carriers of many diseases, and even it will not always be clear what the hapless guest has caught.
8. It is hard to resist swimming on such a huge island in the middle of a warm ocean. Try to swim in places specially prepared for this purpose. Shallow lagoons, protected by coral reefs, rarely meet such guests as sharks. But the wild coast of Madagascar can "please" these predators at any time of the year. In the mouths of rivers, in mangroves, in addition, there are poisonous snakes and blood-sucking insects. The animal world of Madagascar with all its colorfulness is quite dangerous for humans, not counting, of course, cute lemurs. But even a lemur can pull something out of a bag if it wants to, and let it be the most unpleasant incident in Madagascar.
9. In summertime, darkness comes early, it is already dark enough by 18.30, so it is worth keeping that in mind. In addition, it gets dark quickly, and after sunset it gets quite cold. This is especially noticeable in the country's capital, and in the middle parts of the country.
10. If you come for surfing, there are good waves in the northeast, south and southwest of the island. The southeast has the best conditions for windsurfing. For beginners who are just getting into sailing, the northeast of the island can be recommended as there are good schools there.
