Practical life in Antananarivo: tips and useful information
Are you staying in Antananarivo for a few days or several weeks? Here is some practical information to make your daily life easier in the Malagasy capital: money, payments, telephone, Internet, electricity, shopping, schedules and local customs.
Money and payments in Antananarivo
The currency used in Madagascar is the ariary (MGA).
Cash payments remain very common in Antananarivo, especially in small shops, markets, taxis and some restaurants. It is therefore advisable to always have a little cash.
Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and shops, but they cannot be used everywhere.
ATMs are available in different neighbourhoods of the capital. To avoid unnecessary travel, it is best to withdraw money from ATMs located in banks, shopping centres or crowded places.
Exchange and currencies
Euros and some major currencies can be exchanged in authorised banks and exchange offices.
Avoid informal exchange on the street and always check the proposed rate before an operation.
Telephone and Internet
Madagascar has several mobile phone operators. It is relatively easy to buy a local SIM card to have mobile Internet during your stay.
An identity document may be requested when purchasing or registering the SIM card.
Mobile coverage is generally good in Antananarivo, but it can be more irregular when travelling in certain regions of Madagascar.
Many hotels, restaurants and cafes also offer Wi-Fi.
Electricity and electrical outlets
In Madagascar, the electric current is usually 220 volts / 50 Hz.
The sockets encountered are mainly compatible with the European plugs with two round pins. For travellers from countries using other standards, providing a universal adaptor may be useful.
Power cuts can occur occasionally. It is therefore advisable to keep your phone charged and, for long trips, to possibly have an external battery.
Drinking water
As a precaution, travellers are generally advised to drink bottled water or properly filtered water.
Check that the purchased bottles are closed before consumption.
Shopping in Antananarivo
Antananarivo has many shops: small neighbourhood grocery stores, markets, supermarkets, pharmacies, bakeries and shopping centres.
Markets allow you to discover fruits, vegetables, spices and local products. Supermarkets offer many Malagasy and imported products.
In traditional markets, prices can sometimes be negotiated. In stores and supermarkets, they are usually fixed.
Business hours
Schedules vary by establishment.
Most businesses are open during the day, while some supermarkets, restaurants and shopping centres remain open in the evening.
Administrations, banks and some services may close earlier. If you need to complete an important administrative task, it is best to inquire about the schedules before travelling.
Pharmacies and care
Antananarivo has pharmacies, medical offices, clinics and hospital centres.
Some pharmacies offer out-of-hours services.
For contact information for doctors, clinics and health facilities, see our Useful contacts page.
In case of regular medical treatment, it is preferable to travel with a sufficient amount of medication and a copy of the prescription.
Spoken languages
Malagasy is the national language. French is widely used in Antananarivo, especially in hotels, restaurants, shops and administrations.
English is practised in the tourism sector, but less systematically than French.
A few words in Malagasy are always appreciated:
Salama: hello
Misaotra: thank you
Veloma: goodbye
Tips
The tip is not always mandatory, but it is appreciated when a service has satisfied you.
In restaurants, hotels or with a driver or a guide, its amount is generally at the discretion of the customer.
Travelling on a daily basis
Traffic in Antananarivo can be heavy, especially during peak hours. Distances that seem short on a map may therefore require more time than expected.
Taxis are widely used for travelling around the city. The rate must usually be agreed with the driver before departure when there is no meter.
For more information, see our guide Getting around Antananarivo.
Daily safety
As in many large cities, some simple precautions are recommended.
Avoid unnecessarily displaying phones, jewellery or large sums of cash in busy places. At night, prefer a taxi or organised transport for trips you don't know.
Keep a copy of your important documents separately from the originals.
For more advice, also see our page dedicated to security in Antananarivo.
Some tips to make your stay easier
Always plan a little cash, keep your phone sufficiently charged and anticipate your trips when you have an appointment or departure at a fixed time.
For a first stay in Madagascar, do not hesitate to ask your hotel for advice before travelling: traffic conditions, schedules or certain local habits may change.
Staying at the Hotel Niaouly
Located in Antananarivo, the Hotel Niaouly welcomes both passing travellers and people staying longer in the capital.
Our team can inform you about daily life in Antananarivo and guide you for your travel, restaurants, shops and practical needs during your stay.
FAQ
It is prudent to be able to prove your identity, but constantly travelling with your original passport can present a risk of loss. Depending on the circumstances, keeping the original in a safe place and having a paper or digital copy of your documents can be convenient. For any official administrative procedure, however, provide the original documents requested.
Yes, provided that your operator authorises roaming in Madagascar. However, roaming charges can be high. For a multi-day stay, a SIM or eSIM card adapted to Madagascar can be more economical. Remember to check the conditions of your operator before departure.
Some supermarkets, shopping centres, restaurants and shops remain open on Sundays, but hours are variable. Banks, administrations and many traditional businesses may be closed or operate with reduced hours.
Grocery stores, supermarkets, pharmacies and markets offering hygiene products, drinks, food and everyday items are easily found in the capital. For very specific products or certain imported brands, large supermarkets and shopping centres generally offer more choice.
In the event of loss or theft, it is advisable to quickly take the necessary steps with the competent authorities and then contact the embassy or consulate of your country. Keeping a digital copy and a photocopy of your passport separately can make the process easier.
For a stay of several weeks or several months, it is useful to quickly identify the shops, pharmacies, ATMs, restaurants and means of transport located around your accommodation. A reliable Internet connection and a local phone number also greatly facilitate daily life.
For an extended stay, favour well-located accommodation with easy access to shops, restaurants and daily services. Depending on the level of autonomy sought, you can choose a hotel offering long-term rates or a furnished studio/apartment with kitchen and associated services.