Antananarivo, Madagascar 🇲🇬
#365
,
Nomad Score:
51%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Antananarivo, the capital city of Madagascar, is known for its vibrant culture and rich history. |
| 👥 Population | The approximate population of Antananarivo is around 1.6 million people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Internet speeds average around 10-20 Mbps, with options for fiber connections in some areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | The currency used is Malagasy Ariary (MGA), and exchange rates are approximately 1 USD ≈ 4,000 MGA. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity in Antananarivo operates on 220V, 50Hz, with Type C and E power sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major mobile providers include Telma, Orange, and Airtel; local prepaid SIM cards are widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International debit/credit cards are accepted at many places, with services from banks like BNI Madagascar and Bank of Africa. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, hostels, and Airbnb rentals, starting from $15 a night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Cashless payments are increasingly accepted, but cash is still preferred in many places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental platforms offer many short-term rental options in different districts. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget options include hostels like Madagascar Underground, with beds starting from $10. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Isoraka neighborhood is popular for tourists due to its accessibility to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Ankorondrano area is favored by digital nomads with coworking spaces and a relaxed atmosphere. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | CIFIC Coworking Space is highly rated with good amenities and fast internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Gare offers a cozy atmosphere with reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for local meetups on platforms like Meetup.com and Facebook groups for expats. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Local expat communities often organize monthly social events; check out the 'Expats in Madagascar' Facebook group. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | The Yango app is widely used for ride-hailing around the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rental services like Madatraction offer bicycles and scooters for rent. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach is around 2 hours away at Mahajanga, accessible by taxi-brousse. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Madagascar operates domestic flights to several locations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Ethiopian Airlines serve international routes from Antananarivo. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | National routes connect Antananarivo to other major cities, such as Route Nationale 1 to Toamasina. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The main station for rail services is Gare Soarano, but services are limited. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited, with mainly taxi-brousse and local buses; purchasing tickets on the bus is common. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Taxi-brousse services are available for travel to nearby towns and cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | CHU Antananarivo is the largest hospital providing a range of services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Studio 55 offers yoga classes and wellness programs with great reviews. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness clubs like fitness center, Club Aney offer various fitness classes and equipment. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Services like Lavande are available for laundry and dry cleaning. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food is a popular choice for food delivery across the city. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Romazava, a traditional beef stew, popular among locals. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan options can be found at restaurants like La Veranda. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pâtisserie Chouchou is known for its delicious pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The local markets like Analakely Market offer fresh produce and local goods at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Visit Jumia for a variety of online shopping options in Madagascar. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Services like Avotr’Andro offer grocery delivery within the city. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Antananarivo has a vibrant nightlife, with areas like Antaninarenina being popular for bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie Star is a well-known local brewery with tours available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine bar La Brique offers a selection of Malagasy wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Explore the street food scene in the Analakely area for local delicacies. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like La Varangue offer European and international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Rova of Antananarivo is a historical palace worth visiting. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museum of Art and Archaeology showcases Madagascar's rich heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the Ambohimanga Royal Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Andohalo Cathedral is an important historical and architectural site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Donia Festival in Nosy Be celebrates music and culture annually in August. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore Antananarivo's historic districts, especially around Tsimbazaza. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural events are often held at the Mahajanga Theatre. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Experience the vibrant local life at the Analakely market. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Musicians often perform in local venues like the Coliseum. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be found in open spaces, particularly in the Isoraka area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking lessons on local cuisine are available at workshops around the city. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallerie No Comment features contemporary Malagasy art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old City Hall is a notable historic landmark worth checking out. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural symbols and practices can be experienced during the numerous local festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lemurs' Park, located about 30 minutes from the city, is a must-see. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is accessible within a 3-hour drive. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths are available in the botanical gardens of Tsimbazaza. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit the Tsarasoatra Lake for beautiful sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lake Anosy is a good spot for observing local bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Parks like Parc de Tsarasaotra allow for bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Madagascar Post offer reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech service centers like Sary offer repairs for various electronics. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Various community centers have tables available for playing. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Schools like Alliance Française offer Malagasy and French language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The University Library is a good place for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Antananarivo has many cultural spaces hosting events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Check out gaming cafes like Cyber City for video gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Le Grand Casino de Madagascar offers gaming and entertainment services. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., a 40 m² studio would be around $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., a 40 m² studio would be around $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., a 60 m² apartment would cost about $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., a 60 m² apartment would cost about $90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., an 80 m² apartment would cost about $160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., an 80 m² apartment would cost about $128,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The dividend withholding tax rate is set at 0%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on territorial and worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 20%. |
| 🧾 VAT | The standard Value Added Tax rate is 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Madagascar has CFC rules for foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on the property's assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | A tax of 7% applies during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads enjoy a simplified tax framework with many exemptions. |