In Madagascar, the two-pronged plug and the European standard socket are the most used with a tension of 220 volts (but it may go down to 170 volts in some areas at peak times).

The official currency of Madagascar since 2005 is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA), which has been reintroduced to replace the Malagasy franc. One Ariary (Ar) is divided into 5 iraimbilanja, which turns it to one of the two circulating currencies with a non decimal division in the world.There are banknotes of 10,000 MGA, 5,000 MGA, 2,000 MGA, 1,000 MGA, 500 MGA, 200 MGA and 100 MGA. There are even coins from 1 up to 50 Ar. The one of 50 Ar is very beautiful and has baobabs carved on it.BankingBanks are normally open from 08h00 to 12h00 and 14h00 to 15h30 weekdays.Credit cards (the most useful credit card is VISA card) are only accepted in large hotels, restaurants, and some shops, mainly in Antananarivo. In the other big cities, you can get cash from ATMs, but only with VISA cards. There’s now also an ATM at the airport in Antananarivo. Don’t rely on ATM machines only; they are often out of order. Keep some cash in Euro for emergencies.

Madagascar’s cuisine is traditionally based on rice, that are served with some kind of dressings, vegetables, meat and spicy seasoning. Malagasy enjoy very spicy food, therefore many dishes are prepared with hot peppers or any other spices. The dishes are usually flavored with garlic, ginger, onion or curry, whereas desserts are flavored with vanilla.Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Madagascar. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Most hotels have drinking water available. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.Specialties: •​ Ro (beef and pork marinated in vinegar, water and oil, then cooked with leaves, onion, pickles and other vegetables and seasoned with pimento).•​ Ravitoto (meat and leaves cooked together).•​ Ramazava (leaves and pieces of beef and pork browned in oil).•​ Vary amid ’anana (rice, leaves or herbs, meat and sometimes shrimps), often eaten with kitoza (long slices of smoked, cured or fried meat).National drinks:•​ Malagasy drinks include litchel (an aperitif made from lychees).•​ Toaka gasy (distilled from cane sugar and rice).•​ Three Horses lager Non-alcoholic drinks include ranon ’apango or rano vda (made from burnt rice) and local mineral waters.Regional drinks: •​ Malagasy drinks include litchel (an aperitif made from lychees).•​ Toaka gasy (distilled from cane sugar and rice).•​ Three Horses lager.•​ Non-alcoholic drinks include ranon 'apango or rano vda (made from burnt rice) and local mineral waters.

Any time of year is fine for a visit except January to March; when heavy rainfall in many areas can make some roads all but impassable, and when there’s a high risk of cyclones in the east and northeast. In general, the best time to travel in most areas is April and October/November. The coolest time to travel anywhere is during the dry season (May to October), but during this time the hauts plateaux (central highlands; which include Antananarivo) can get cold and windy, with freezing showers.The west and southwest get searingly hot during summer, but the winter months in these regions are pleasant, with blue skies, cooler temperatures, and little rain. Most rain in the northeast falls from July to September.Average maximum temperatures vary from about 86°F in coastal areas (higher in summer) to around 77°F on the hauts plateaux. In Antananarivo and other highland areas, temperatures during winter can drop to 50°F and even lower during the night.

Madagascar is a huge place, the roads are bad and travel times long: it takes 24 hours of solid driving from Antananarivo (Tana) to Diego Suarez (Antsiranana), 18 to Tuléar (Toliara), 16 to Morondava and so on. Be realistic about how much ground you want to cover or you’ll spend every other day in the confines of a vehicle!Internal flights can be huge time savers but they are expensive and do no good to your carbon footprint. If you decide to fly, you’ll have to choose between booking your flight before setting off, which is more expensive but guarantees availability, or booking once in Madagascar, which is cheaper but less flexible in terms of timing.Taxi-brousse (bush taxi) is the main public transport: slow, uncomfortable, cheap and omnipresent. Private vehicle and driver is a great but dearer alternative.Due to the often difficult driving conditions, most rental agencies make hiring a driver compulsory with their vehicles. Driving in Madagascar is on the right-hand side. Police checkpoints are frequent (mind the traffic spikes on the ground) – always slow down and make sure you have your passport and the vehicle’s documents handy.

To cope with the Madagascan climate, lightweights should be worn during the summer on high central plateaux and throughout the year in the north and south. Cotton and natural fibres work better in this sweaty weather. Warmer clothes are advised for during the evenings and winter in mountainous areas. Rainwear is advisable as a precaution. Military-style clothing should always be avoided as it can lead to arrest.

Please consult your health-care provider 4-6 weeks prior to travel to ensure you are receiving all required vaccinations, and that the medication has enough time to take effect. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance with medical benefits, and that you bring any personal medication with you. Please also check with your health department prior to departure for any changes in health regulations.Required Immunizations/Vaccinations:• Yellow Fever- required for travellers coming from a yellow fever infected country. It is otherwise not required or recommended. You should be vaccinated at least 10 days before you travel, as this will allow enough time for your body to develop protection against the yellow fever infection. Your proof of vaccination certificate will only become valid after this time.Recommended Immunizations/Vaccinations:• Routine vaccines – recommended for all travellers• Malaria prophylaxis – highly recommended for all travellers (even if you are only visiting malaria-free areas as there has been an increase in malaria in southern Africa)• Hepatitis A – recommended for all travellers over one year of age• Hepatitis B – if not previously vaccinated• Typhoid – recommended for all travellers• Rabies – recommended for travellers spending a lot of time outdoors

Madagascar is a fairly safe country. You must, however, respect some simple principles:• Don't walk around at night in Antananarivo (other cities are pretty safe).• Don't exhibit signs of wealth (cameras, jewels, …).• Similarly, always carry small bills. Paying with large bills shows off your wealth, can insult the seller because they will not have change, and opens you up for becoming a target.• Don't resist in case of aggression.• Don't provoke stray dogs.• Keep an eye on your belongings when using public transportation or visiting markets where numerous pickpockets swarm.• Learn the Malagasy word for thief, "Mpangalatra" which is pronounced "Pun-gul-ah-tra". If someone is trying to rob you in a busy market area scream this. The fact that a vazaha is screaming thief will unsettle the thief as well as alert the people near you to help.• Always listen for the words "vazaha" or "vazongo" when spoken in low tones. If you hear these words be aware that someone is talking about you, for better or for worse!Like any other developing country, the presence of beggars never goes unnoticed. This is sometimes uncomfortable for tourists, but these people should be respected none-the-less. They are, predictably, attracted to foreigners as they view them as being wealthy and will not hesitate to ask for a handout. If you don't want to be bothered, a simple "Non, merci" or "Tsy Misy (tsee-meesh)" (I have nothing) will do the trick. If they persist, try shouting "Mandehana! (man-day-han)" (Go Away!). It is recommended not to give money, but other useful items, such as a banana, a piece of bread, etc. It is usually accepted with gratitude, and if the beggar is a child, he will run away with a smile on his face. Don't give money, take the children to a hotel and buy them something NUTRITIOUS, not candy. It is imperative not to encourage begging – in Madagascar the people do not really believe in getting something for nothing and will invariably offer you something first. For example, a chameleon to photograph.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Make copies of all your important documents such as passports, driver’s licenses, credit cards, etc. Keep copies with you and back at home. If anything is lost or stolen this will be a lifesaver.Passport:Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended departure date. Please ensure you have at least three blank visa pages (not endorsement pages) in your passport.Visa:U.S. citizens do require a visa. This is available upon arrival. Non-U.S. citizens should consult with your local embassy.Yellow fever certificate:A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers coming from a yellow fever infected country. It is otherwise not required or recommended. You should be vaccinated at least 10 days before you travel, as this will allow enough time for your body to develop protection against the yellow fever infection. Your proof of vaccination certificate will only become valid after this time.

Language:English is not widely spoken. Malagasy (which is related to Indonesian) and French are the official languages. Local dialects are also common.National Emergency Numbers (customize):118 – Fire117 – PolicePublic Holidays:The dates of certain public holidays change from year to year – refer below. If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, then the Monday is also declared a public holiday.Jan. 01 – New Year's DayMar. 29 – Martyrs' DayVaries – Easter MondayMay 01 – Labor DayVaries – Ascension DayJune 26 – Independence DayAug. 15 – AssumptionNov. 01 – All Saints' DayDec. 25 – Christmas DaySocial Conventions:Malagasy are extremely hospitable and welcoming with a refreshingly open communicative style that can sometimes border on direct. Arrangements and meetings can suffer as a result of a relaxed attitude to clock-watching. Dress is casual, except for posh hotels and restaurants where lightweight suits are advised. Military-style clothing should always be avoided as it can lead to arrest. Restaurants and bars are used for entertaining with invitations to a family home requiring a good degree of personal acquaintance. Acts of extreme kindness should be rewarded by a gift, but never money.Everyday life in Madagascar is regulated by numerous fady (taboos) which vary from one region to another. They can forbid foods (pork, lemur, turtle… ), wearing clothes of a particular color, bathing in a river or a lake. Observance of "Fady" is mostly limited to rural areas, as tourists will most likely not run into this problem if they stay in the main towns. However, there are Fady's in places such as Antananarivo but most Vazaha are exempt.Fady are attributed to ancestors, to whom Malagasy adopt a respectful attitude whatever their religion. It is safest to respect these prohibitions and not violate them, even if you feel they don't make sense. Inform yourself about local fady when you arrive in a new place.When addressing anyone older than you or in a position of authority (e.g. police, military, customs officials), use the word "tompoko (toom-pook)" the same way you would use "Sir" or "Ma'am" in English. Respect for elders and authority figures is important in Madagascar.Do not ever take photos of a tomb without permission. Always ask permission before taking photos. Also, if you go to a remote village or hamlet it is fomba or tradition that you first meet with the head of the village if you have business in the village. Meeting this person can save you a lot of time if you have work to do there. Time Zone (customize):Botswana is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) all year round.TippingUS Embassy