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Guide
Antsiranana, Madagascar π²π¬
#368
,
Nomad Score:
49%
Essentials
ποΈ 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. |
π₯ Population | Approximate population of 90,000. |
π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 5 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 USD β 4,200 MGA. Local currency is Malagasy Ariary (MGA). |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
π Power | Electricity supply is 220V, 50Hz, with Type C and E plugs. |
πΆ SIM Card | Local providers include Telma and Orange; SIM cards available at the airport and local shops. |
π³ Banking for Expats | International cards accepted in some places; local banks like BNI Madagascar available. |
π Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb. Prices range from $10 to $50 per night. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Not very cashless; cash transactions are predominant. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Booking.com, and local guesthouses are widely available. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like 'HΓ΄tel de la Plage' starting at $15 per night. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Stay near the beach or in the city center for easy access to attractions. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Areas around Avenue Jean JaurΓ¨s offer convenient access to cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Working Space Madagascar on Avenue de l'IndΓ©pendance. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Mer, known for its wifi and comfortable setting. |
πΌ Networking Events | Local expat meetups hosted at various cafes and restaurants; join Facebook groups for event notices. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Regular meetups at places like 'La Boussole' for networking among expats. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxify (Bolt) operates in the area. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops offer bike rentals, priced around $5 per day. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Madirokely Beach, approximately 15 minutes from the city center. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Tsaradia is the main regional airline. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Air Madagascar and Air France connect from Antsiranana. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | RN6 highway connects Antsiranana to the south and west of Madagascar. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Antsiranana has no train services; travel via bus or taxi. |
π Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes; pay per trip. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses to nearby cities like Nosy Be and Ambanja, costing around $3. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | HΓ΄pital Provincial d'Antsiranana is the main healthcare facility. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes offered at 'Classes de Yoga Madagascar' located downtown. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gym facilities at 'Fitness Center Diego,' membership costs around $10 per month. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Laundry services available at local laundromats for approximately $5 per load. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food offers menu selections from various restaurants. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Ravitoto, a traditional dish made from cassava leaves. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Try 'Le Tanjona,' which caters to vegetarian diets. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | PΓ’tisserie Soa offers delicious Malagasy pastries. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like 'MarchΓ© d'Antsiranana' sell fresh produce and affordable meals. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia Madagascar offers a variety of products online. |
π Grocery Delivery | Some local grocery stores provide delivery services, inquire locally. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | The beachfront bars near Madirokely Beach are lively, especially at night. |
π» Local Brewery | Brasserie de Madagascar offers local brews. |
π· Wine Bars | Less common; local shops stock South African wines. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Affordable street food options available at various stalls on Avenue Jean JaurΓ¨s. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like 'Le PΓͺcheur' serve French and seafood dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The Amber Mountain National Park and the famous 'Tsingy' formations are nearby. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | The Museum of the Sea sheds light on Madagascar's maritime history. |
π° Historical Sites | Fortikal, a relic from colonial times, offers panoramic views. |
π Religious Sites | The Cathedral of Antsiranana showcases unique architectural style. |
π Annual Events | The Festival of the Sea is celebrated each September. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Explore the local arts and crafts in the artisans' quarter. |
π Theater Venues | Local performances held at 'Le Grand ThéÒtre.' |
ποΈ Local Markets | Visit the MarchΓ© de la MΓ©diterranΓ©e for local crafts and souvenirs. |
πΌ Music Scene | Live music at various bars featuring local Malagasy music. |
π¨ Street Art | Look for colorful murals along the city center streets. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Join a Malagasy cooking class at 'Culinary School Antsiranana.' |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Visit Gallery Nofy for contemporary Malagasy art. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Check out the historic architecture along Boulevard de l'IndΓ©pendance. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Experience the unique blend of African and French colonial history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit the nearby Emerald Sea and its natural beauty. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Amber Mountain National Park is a short drive away, offering hiking trails. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Enjoy scenic paths along the coast and into the hills. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Fort d'Ambre offers stunning ocean views. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Ideal birdwatching at Amber Mountain National Park. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public spaces near beaches allow bonfires during designated hours. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services can handle parcel deliveries. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Antsiranana offer repairs for devices. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers may have tables for public use. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | English and Malagasy language classes available in local centers. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | The local library has study spaces; inquire for access. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Cultural exchange activities at 'Maison des Jeunes' community center. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Limited; local gaming events may be held at cafes occasionally. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos; local gaming can be found in bars. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $32,000). |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $24,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $750 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $45,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $550 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $33,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $56,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $40,000). |
πΌ Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 20%. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding tax on dividend distributions is 10%. |
π¦ Tax System | Madagascar operates a progressive tax system for residents. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 20%. |
π§Ύ VAT | Value Added Tax standard rate is 20%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules for foreign subsidiaries are enforced. |
π Property Tax | Annual property tax based on property value; typically low. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Property transfer tax is 5% of transaction value. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No special tax benefits for digital nomads; standard tax rates apply. |