Antananarivo, Madagascar 🇲🇬
#365
-18.910012, 47.52558
Nomad Score:
53%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Antananarivo, the capital city of Madagascar, is known for its rich history and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1.6 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 10-15 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 4,700 MGA; 1 USD ≈ 4,350 MGA. ATMs are available, though credit card acceptance is limited. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/D sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Orange Madagascar, Telma, and Airtel, with affordable prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Commonly accepted cards include Visa and Mastercard; consider local banks such as BNI Madagascar. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to guesthouses and serviced apartments; popular areas include Isoraka and Antananarivo center. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited, cash is preferred, but some establishments accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies offer various short-term options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Madagascar offers dormitory beds from $10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Bureau C provides a collaborative environment with fast internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Gare, which has a relaxed atmosphere and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech events and meetups hosted by Madagascar Tech and other NGOs. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Madagascar Expat Facebook Group for local meetups and community events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Be and Todela are popular ride-hailing apps in the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited, but some local companies offer scooters for rent. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Mahaijanga Beach is approximately 10 hours' drive, best visited on a weekend. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Madagascar operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Ethiopian Airlines provide international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | RN1 connects Antananarivo to major regions, but road conditions vary. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The main bus station, Ambodivona, serves as a transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific passes; public transport is mainly buses and taxi-be. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and taxis are available for travel to nearby towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hôpital Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | L'Espace Yoga operates classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Groupe Fitness is a popular gym with various equipment. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry Express offers affordable services throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Yayoi and Friji provide food delivery services across Antananarivo. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Romazava, a traditional meat stew, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Mosaïque offers several plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pâtisserie Moka serves delicious local pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Analakely Market is a popular spot for local produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Various local platforms like Jumia Madagascar offer online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermarkets like Shoprite may provide grocery delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Antaninarenina is known for its nightlife, with multiple bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Thirsty Turtle Brewing Co. offers locally brewed beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Varangue features a good selection of local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Stalls around the city serve delicious local street food like koba. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | La Table de La Mer serves great seafood dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Rova of Antananarivo is a historical palace and must-visit site. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Is’Art Galerie hosts contemporary art exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Prime Minister's Palace is a significant historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Cathédrale d'Andohalo is a prominent cathedral in the city. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Madajazzcar festival showcases local and international jazz artists. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The old town area of Haute-Ville is rich in history and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Theatre de l'Alliance Francaise hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Andravoahangy Market is well-known for handicrafts and local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found in many bars and cultural venues around the city. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore street art around the Antananarivo city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking class offered by La Table d'Isabelle teaches local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Espace Mavoko exhibits local art and crafts. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The city's design features French colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Malagasy culture is rich with traditions and vibrant arts. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Lemurs' Park, just outside the city, offers a glimpse of local wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is around 3 hours away, rich in biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Parc de Tsarasaotra offers walking paths and birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit the viewpoint at the Rova for stunning city views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Anjanaharibe-Sud National Park is ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in some parks allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services like EMS operate delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops around Isoraka provide mobile and tech device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Clubs such as Judo Club offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Mandarin and French language classes are provided by local institutions. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Bibilothèque de la Ville de Tananarive is a quiet place for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centre Culturel Albert Camus hosts various community and cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Some cafes in the city have gaming setups and events. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de Madagascar provides gaming pursuits for nightlife. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $96,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system based on income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 20% |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% standard rate. |