Jurisdiction Guide

May through October brings cooler, dry weather with less risk of cyclones, especially good for travel in the east. The wet season (November to April) can cause washed-out roads, mainly in rural areas.

Carry small bills for taxis and markets; cash is king and ATMs cluster in larger towns. Tipping is not expected but always appreciated. Locals speak Malagasy, and some French is useful; English is rare outside the main cities. Pick up a SIM card from Telma or Airtel at the airport or a large town. Intercity taxis-brousse leave early and get crowded, so book ahead when possible.

Greet people with a handshake or 'Miarahaba.' Respect local 'fady,' which are taboos specific to regions or communities; always ask if unsure. Dress modestly, especially in villages and religious sites. Use your right hand when giving items. Public displays of affection are best avoided outside major cities.

Petty theft and pickpocketing target tourists, so keep valuables close. Roads outside main towns are rough, and night driving is risky due to hazards and poorly marked vehicles. Malaria is present year-round; use repellent and sleep under nets. Watch for strong currents at some beaches, as lifeguards are rare.

Head south to Ifaty for quiet fishing villages and spiny forests, hardly visited by package tourists. Visit the Tsingy de Bemaraha, but spend an extra day in Bekopaka to see the less crowded small Tsingy formations. Explore Ankarafantsika National Park for rare birds and baobabs without the usual crowds.

Most travelers can obtain a tourist visa on arrival for up to 30 or 60 days for a fee, payable in euros or U.S. dollars. E-visas are available in advance for added peace of mind. Longer stays require a visa extension or residency permit, and digital nomad-specific visas do not exist yet.

Domestic flights are best for covering long distances, since roads are often slow and bumpy. Taxis-brousse (bush taxis) connect towns cheaply but can be cramped and unreliable for schedules. Car rental with a driver is common and makes inland travel easier than self-driving. Ride-hailing apps are rarely used outside the capital.

Rice with stews (romazava, ravitoto) is eaten at every meal. Zebu steak and grilled fish are popular in most restaurants. Try local sambos (samosa-like snacks) and street crepes. Vegetarian options exist but can be limited outside larger towns. Water is rarely safe to drink from the tap; buy bottled or boil first.

Budget travelers can get by on $20–$30 a day with taxis-brousse and simple hotels. Mid-range rooms start around $40–$70 nightly, with comfort options much higher, especially in coastal resorts and Antananarivo. A basic meal costs around $2, while a main course at a tourist restaurant runs $6 to $12.