Antsiranana, Madagascar 🇲🇬
#368
,
Nomad Score:
48%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Antsiranana, also known as Diego Suarez, is the capital of the Diana Region in northern Madagascar, known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population of 90,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 5 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 4,200 MGA. Local currency is Malagasy Ariary (MGA). |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 220V, 50Hz, with Type C and E plugs. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Telma and Orange; SIM cards available at the airport and local shops. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted in some places; local banks like BNI Madagascar available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb. Prices range from $10 to $50 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Not very cashless; cash transactions are predominant. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Booking.com, and local guesthouses are widely available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like 'Hôtel de la Plage' starting at $15 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Stay near the beach or in the city center for easy access to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Areas around Avenue Jean Jaurès offer convenient access to cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Working Space Madagascar on Avenue de l'Indépendance. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Mer, known for its wifi and comfortable setting. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local expat meetups hosted at various cafes and restaurants; join Facebook groups for event notices. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular meetups at places like 'La Boussole' for networking among expats. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxify (Bolt) operates in the area. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops offer bike rentals, priced around $5 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Madirokely Beach, approximately 15 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Tsaradia is the main regional airline. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Madagascar and Air France connect from Antsiranana. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | RN6 highway connects Antsiranana to the south and west of Madagascar. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Antsiranana has no train services; travel via bus or taxi. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes; pay per trip. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to nearby cities like Nosy Be and Ambanja, costing around $3. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hôpital Provincial d'Antsiranana is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes offered at 'Classes de Yoga Madagascar' located downtown. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gym facilities at 'Fitness Center Diego,' membership costs around $10 per month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available at local laundromats for approximately $5 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food offers menu selections from various restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Ravitoto, a traditional dish made from cassava leaves. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Try 'Le Tanjona,' which caters to vegetarian diets. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pâtisserie Soa offers delicious Malagasy pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like 'Marché d'Antsiranana' sell fresh produce and affordable meals. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia Madagascar offers a variety of products online. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some local grocery stores provide delivery services, inquire locally. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The beachfront bars near Madirokely Beach are lively, especially at night. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie de Madagascar offers local brews. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Less common; local shops stock South African wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Affordable street food options available at various stalls on Avenue Jean Jaurès. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like 'Le Pêcheur' serve French and seafood dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Amber Mountain National Park and the famous 'Tsingy' formations are nearby. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museum of the Sea sheds light on Madagascar's maritime history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fortikal, a relic from colonial times, offers panoramic views. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of Antsiranana showcases unique architectural style. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Festival of the Sea is celebrated each September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the local arts and crafts in the artisans' quarter. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local performances held at 'Le Grand Théâtre.' |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Visit the Marché de la Méditerranée for local crafts and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at various bars featuring local Malagasy music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look for colorful murals along the city center streets. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Join a Malagasy cooking class at 'Culinary School Antsiranana.' |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Visit Gallery Nofy for contemporary Malagasy art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Check out the historic architecture along Boulevard de l'Indépendance. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Experience the unique blend of African and French colonial history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit the nearby Emerald Sea and its natural beauty. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Amber Mountain National Park is a short drive away, offering hiking trails. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Enjoy scenic paths along the coast and into the hills. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Fort d'Ambre offers stunning ocean views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Ideal birdwatching at Amber Mountain National Park. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public spaces near beaches allow bonfires during designated hours. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services can handle parcel deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Antsiranana offer repairs for devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers may have tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | English and Malagasy language classes available in local centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The local library has study spaces; inquire for access. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural exchange activities at 'Maison des Jeunes' community center. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; local gaming events may be held at cafes occasionally. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos; local gaming can be found in bars. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $24,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $45,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $550 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $33,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $40,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding tax on dividend distributions is 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Madagascar operates a progressive tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 20%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax standard rate is 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules for foreign subsidiaries are enforced. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on property value; typically low. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transfer tax is 5% of transaction value. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No special tax benefits for digital nomads; standard tax rates apply. |