Visas
Visitors from the following countries require visas, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, USA and other EU countries. A valid passport with at least one month validity remaining is required. Visas can be obtained on arrival at the airport. Alternatively visitors need to consult their closest Madagascan Consulate.

Transport

By plane - Weekly flights are available from Europe as well as connecting flights from the neighbouring countries of Africa and Asia. There are regular flights from Madagascar to Réunion, Mauritius, Kenya, Tanzania, the Comoro Islands, the Seychelles and Zimbabwe. Madagascar has an impressive network of domestic flights that can take you anywhere and everywhere in the country. Most airline offices are located in the capital Antananarivo. Regular flights connect the capital 'Tana' to places like the Ile Sainte Marie, Nosy Be and Mahajanga.

By boat/ferry - Cruise liners and passenger ships all stop at Toamasino, the main port. Daily ferries operate between the mainland and crowded islands located nearby. Large cargo boats and other boats can be hired on daily payment basis.

By road - The road network in Madagascar is quite poor. Tarred roads are normally only used to link major towns in the most populated areas, while the remainder is still dirt roads and are often impassable in the rainy season, (November to March).

By train - The 850km long railway network connects Antananarivo with all major towns. First class is comfortable but not of international standard. The Michelin private train service runs between Tana and Toamasina. A trip on this route is highly recommended, but tickets must be bought in advance. By bus - Buses are available on some routes, but services do not operate at nights.

By Taxi - The most popular and inexpensive mode of travelling for tourists is by mini buses and taxis. Taxis charge flat fares for rides except in Antananarivo and Fianarantsoa. There are two types of taxis: the taxi-be a more comfortable and generally a lot quicker mode of transport; the taxi-brousse (bush taxi) -a cheaper, slower service which makes more than one stop. It normally operates on cross-country routes. Here the fare should be agreed upon before commencing your journey.

Pousse-pousse - The pousse-pousse (rickshaw) is a common way of getting around within cities and towns. Prices are not set, and will vary depending on the distance of the journey. Fares should also be agreed upon in advance

Time
GMT + 3

Currency
The Malagasy Ariary is the official currency and replaces the previous currency: the Malagasy franc. Each Ariary comprises of five Iraimbilanja.

Credit cards
Few hotels accept credit cards and MasterCard cannot be used at all in Madagascar. Cash and travellers cheques are advisable and can be exchanged at the airport, banks and certain hotels.

Banking hours
Banks are open Monday to Friday from 08h00 to 16h00

Shopping hours
Shops are open from 08h00 to 12h00 and then again from 14h00 until 18h00 Monday through to Saturday

Communication
Calling code: +261 + Area Code + Telephone Number

Area codes:
Antananarivo: 22
Taolagnaro: 92
Toamasina: 53
Mahajanga: 62
Antsirabe: 44
Diego Suarez: 82
Toliary: 94
Fianarantsoa: 75
Nosy Be: 86

Electrical current
220 V, European two prong plugs

Health
Standards of healthcare vary throughout Madagascar. There are foreign physicians available in Antananarivo who represents a broad range of specialties. Outside of Antananarivo medical care is well below that in the capital and medications may not be available. Travelers should carry a sufficient supply of prescriptions or any other medication necessary for their stay in Madagascar. Madagascar is a malarial region. It is advisable to consult your doctor or travel health clinic prior to travelling as anti- malaria precautions are necessary. Cholera is present. Never drink unpurified water. Bottled mineral water is readily available throughout the country. Avoid ice cream and yoghurt.

Water
Local water is not generally drinkable. Visitors should drink bottled water or carbonated beverages. Bottled water is readily available in Antananarivo but is less so outside the city. Water purification tablets may be used as necessary.

Food
Eating is one of the many pleasures in Madagascar. International food usually with a French bias is popular, as is Chinese food. The national dish in Madagascar is called 'romazava' - a meat and vegetable stew which is spiced with ginger and contains 'brèdes' (pronounced bread). Another local dish is 'ravioto'- shredded manioc leaves with fried beef and coconut.

Official language
Malagasy is the national language and is of Malayo-Polynesian origin. It is generally spoken throughout the island. French is spoken among the educated population of this former French colony. English is becoming more widely spoken.

Religion
Approximately half of the country's population practices traditional religions, which tend to emphasize links between the living and the dead. About 45% of the Malagasy are Christian, divided almost evenly between Roman Catholics and Protestants.Muslims constitutes a significant minority.

Safety
Madagascar experiences petty crime such as pick pocketing and purse snatching which is prevallent in particular in cities. It is important that visitors are aware of the following: