Pratical information

VISA

A tourist visa (valid for three months maximum) is necessary for any foreigner of any nationality to enter and stay in Madagascar.
You can obtain it directly at the airport when you arrive.
In both cases, you will need to present:
- Your return or continuing plane ticket
- A valid passport for six months at least, after the departure date from Madagascar.
For 2010, touristic Visa valid for maximum stay of 1 month are for FREE !

MONEY

Since January 1st 2005, we have switched from the Malagasy francs to Ariary. 01 Ariary is the equivalent of 05 Franc Malagasy. The current exchange rate between Ariary and Euro is about 2900 ariary for 01 euro.
The Ariary can be described as the historical money for the country. Indeed, it has always existed beside the official malagasy franc. Also, it has always been used in the countryside by farmers.
Credit cards are not very useful in Madagascar, as they are only accepted in hotels of international standard as a mean of payment, and by the local banks in the main cities to draw money. In both cases, the commission is very important. Traveller cheques are very difficult to change so of no use. We advise to bring cash, euros or dollars and to change money upon arrival in Antananarivo's Airport. Do not change your money on the black market !

THE LANGUAGE

The population speaks more or less French all over the island. Few people speak English or German yet. However, the tourism's sector professionals speak more and more these three languages.
BOOGIE ADDS : We have English, French, German, Italian and Russian speaking guides.

HEALTH

No vaccinations are required by law to enter the country. However, we highly recommend people to come in with the following up to date :
"B hepatitis
"Typhoid fever
"Diphtheria / Tetanus / Polio
Anti-malaria treatment :
In spite of stronger risks on the coast than in the highlands, and during the raining season more than during the dry season, Malaria is present all over the island all year round. As a consequence, an anti-malaria treatment must be taken according to the medicine notice.

WEATHER

Best season to come to Madagascar is during dry season, from April to mid November. Peak season is July to October : book ahead!
Mid June to mid September is winter on the highlands (Antananarivo, Antsirabe, Fianarantsoa, Andringitra, Andasibe...) : during the day, temperatures are cool, approx. 18°C; but at night, temperatures can drop down till 5°C. On the coast, it is always nice and warm.
Cyclonic season (mid December to mid March) is to be avoided.

TELECOMMUNICATION

The national telephone company, TELMA, covers quite well almost the entire territory. It is possible to call anywhere in the world from most of the main towns. Average cost of an international communication is: 2,50 USD / minute for Europe.
Imported mobile phones are fine in Madagascar, Iridium is in service already, most of big providers do works with Madagascar already: your cellular phone from home might work here ! The country is already connected with the World Wide Net. Funny Cyber Cafés are all over the island, most of good standard hotels have internet connection.
How to call Madagascar from abroad?
00 261 20 + province code + 5 numbers
How to call abroad from Madagascar?
If direct dial 00 + international code of your country + your number
If operator dial 10 + ask your number
BOOGIE ADDS :
On request, we can provide cellular phones to rent.

DRINKING WATER & ELECTRICITY

Drinking water
You should not drink tap water anywhere in Madagascar. Bottled mineral water is sold all over the country.

Electricity
220 volts is provided in all main towns. But in smaller villages or isolated accommodations, electricity is often produced by generator. We suggest traveling with a torch anywhere you go. Same plugs as in France.

TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT + 3 hours all yearlong

TRANSPORTATION

International flights:
Air Madagascar has flights to Tananarive from Paris, Guangzhou, Reunion island, Mauritius, Comoros Johannesburg and Nairobi.
Corsair and Air France have flights to Tananarive from Paris.
Air Austral has flights to Tananarive and several provinces from Reunion, Mauritius, Seychelles and Comoros.
Kenya Airways has direct flights from Nairobi.
Airlink connects Johannesburg to Tananarive. Air Mauritius from Mauritius to Tananarive

Domestic flights:
The National Airline, Air Madagascar, has a dense domestic flight network, which covers the whole island.
Regarding Madagascar's size (as big as France + Benelux) and the short time visitors usually have, the plane is probably the best way of traveling in Madagascar.
BOOGIE ADDS: Tailormade Charter flights with bushpilots to the most exceptional places of the island.

The car
Recommended for people who have more time, It will make you discover the deeper Madagascar, crossing fabulous landscapes... However it is not recommended during the raining season. All car renting includes the driver.
BOOGIE ADDS: we choose all vehicles with care and check them regularly. According to the demand, we use saloon car (2-3 passengers), 4 WD Toyota (4-5), Mercedes (2-5 passengers), mini-busses (6-8 passengers) and busses (9-12,15,20 seats).

The train
The national train company has been taken over by Madarail. The eastern railway from Tananarive down to Toamasina is operating regularly with the TransLemuriaExpress and a historical Micheline Pneurail Train since January 2010 !
A second line exists Fianarantsoa / Manakara for more adventurers, on a less regular basis but very scenic !

TIPS

Restaurants : service is generally not included (when included, it is clearly mentioned on the bill), should add about 5% to the total bill if the service has been satisfactory.
Porters : 1000 ariary / piece of luggage. Guide and/or driver : the average is about 5 000 ariary per person per day.

CLOTHING & LUGGAGE

Casual, comfortable wash and wear clothing is recommended. A warm jacket is useful during the winter months on the highlands (June to September). Hiking boots are highly recommended as long as some walks are included in your itinerary.
Keep luggage to a minimum for your own comfort and ease of transport.