[Climate ] [ Visa & Immigration ] [ Money ] [ Banking & Business hours ]
[ Electrical Power ] [ Public holidays ] [ Local time ] [ Anti-Malaria ]


CLIMATE :

The climate of the eastern and northwestern coasts is dominated by the almost constant blowing of the southeasterly trade winds, which carry heavy rains during the austral winter (May to September). The central plateau and the western coast are sheltered from these winds but receive rain from the monsoon winds, which blow during the austral summer (October to April). These are a continuation of the Indian monsoons, but produce northwesterly winds. Neither the trade winds nor the monsoons reach the southern part of the island, which consequently receives little rain and is, in places, a semi desert. The central plateau enjoys a tropical mountain climate with well differentiated thermal seasons. Generally speaking, the climate throughout the island is moderated by altitude, with the coast being hotter (average temperature 21°-26°C or 70°-80°F) and wetter than the plateau (average temperature 13°-19.4°C, 55°-67°F). More Detail >>>

VISAS & IMMIGRATION :

All visitors must have visas, except citizens of some African countries.
Proof of return ticket is required . Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from departure date . If you are arriving from the African continent you must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate .
Please note that you can obtain your entry visa from the airport desk here in Madagascar after you get off from your plane . The new cost for the visa at the airport applied is 60 euro.

MONEY :

Official Currency : Ariary = 100 centimes .
Current Exchange Rate : Today's Exchange Rate


To convert your currency to others: international money converter

* Travelers cheque can be exchanged at banks and most the large hotels but Do not forget to take with you the receipt when you bought this travel cheque .

* Credit cards are accepted at the major hotels in the big city . ATM machine can be found in the big city only . It is advisable to take with you foreign currency in Euro or US Dollar in cash . Only few banks do change Master card in Madagascar so try to hand visa card instead .

TIME : GMT/UTC + 3

POPULATION : 16.9 million

TELEPHOONE : Country code 261; international access code 00

ATMs : In all major towns

BUDGET :

     Breakfast : from 3 euro up to 10 euro per person .

     Meals ( lunch or dinner ) : from 5 euro up to 20 euro per person .

     Local guide fees in the parks : from 6 euro up to 30 euro for 2 people .

     Hotels : from 25 euro up to 600 euro per night .

CAPITAL : Antananarivo

LANGUAGES : French, Malagasy

BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS :

Banking: Monday - Friday: 09:00 am - 16:00 pm.
Shops: Monday to Saturday: 08:00 am -12:00 am and 14:00 - 18:00.

ELECTRICAL POWER :

Electric Power is 127V/220V running at 50Hz. The Plug types used are :
Round pin attachment plug - view.
Round pins with ground - view .
Round pin plug and receptacle with male grounding pin - view.
Round pins with round grounding pin (offset) - view.
Round pins with spade grounding pin - view

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS :

* 1st January New Years Day .
* 29th March Commemoration Day .
* 1st May Labour Day .
* 26th June Independence Day .
* 25th December Christmas Day .
* 30th December .
* 31st December .( New year's eve )
* Moveable holidays: Good Friday and Easter Monday .

LOCAL TIME :

Madagascar is 3 hours ahead of GMT .

ANTI - MALARIA

precautions are recommended for all tours and clients are advised to bring insect repellent.