Antsiranana, Madagascar 🇲🇬
#368
-12.27795, 49.29136
Nomad Score:
53%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Antsiranana, also known as Diégo-Suarez, is the northernmost city of Madagascar, known for its stunning beaches and historical significance. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 100,000 inhabitants. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 8-15 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Malagasy Ariary (MGA). 1 USD ≈ 4,000 MGA. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Telma, Orange, and Airtel. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards like Visa and Mastercard are accepted at major banks and ATMs. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, small hotels, and apartments through platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Mostly cash-based; some establishments do accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is widely available, with prices ranging from $15 to $50 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include ‘La Maison des Cigares’ with dorms starting at $10. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | CoWork Madagascar is a popular spot for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Gare offers a relaxing atmosphere suitable for work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups for expat meetups and events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Look for events in the Expat Antananarivo group, which occasionally hosts gatherings in Antsiranana. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are common; ride-sharing apps are limited. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals available throughout the city, around $15 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Ramena Beach is the closest and most popular beach, about 20 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Madagascar operates flights between major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Ethiopian Airlines provide international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via National Route 6 for regional travel. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are limited rail options; local taxi services are more commonly used. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport mainly relies on taxi-brousse (shared minivans) not requiring passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Taxi-brousse services connect to other regions, with reasonable fares ranging from $3 to $10. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de Diégo is the main healthcare facility with basic services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Antsiranana offers weekly classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | La Salle Fitness provides gym facilities around $20/month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Several laundries available; La Blanchisserie charges around $1 per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food offers a variety of local options for delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Romazava, a traditional Malagasy stew, is a must-try dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | L'Hermitage offers vegetarian meals and smoothie bowls. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Boulangerie is renowned for its freshly baked pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like the Antsiranana Market offer fresh produce at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local marketplaces like Shoppe Madagascar provide online shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Locally sourced products can be arranged through markets often delivering on request. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The waterfront area is lively at night with several bars and live music. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Beer from Three Horses Beer (THB) is popular and brewed locally. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Local wine selections can be found at selected cafes and restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer quick bites like mofo gasy (Malagasy pancakes) for around $0.50. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Le Plaza features continental dishes alongside local cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Fort de France offers historical views; take a guided tour. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museum of History provides insights into local heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the Old Port to explore the colonial history of the city. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Cathedral of Saint-Trinity is notable for its architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Festival of the Sea is celebrated every January with cultural activities. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the vibrant artisan district near the market. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters host performances; check schedules for events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Antsiranana Market is lively and authentic with local products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Look for live music events at local bars and restaurants. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Check out the vibrant murals in the city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer cooking classes featuring Malagasy cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery Ar 1 showcases local artists and crafts. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Several colonial buildings can be seen throughout the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city reflects a blend of Malagasy and colonial influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Ankarana Reserve offers remarkable landscapes and wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Montagne d'Ambre National Park is famous for its biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the coast provide scenic views for biking and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from Cap Miné provides stunning landscape vistas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Ankarana Reserve offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches allow bonfires; check local regulations first. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services are available for parcel deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops can handle basic device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available in community centers and some parks. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer sessions for learning Malagasy and French. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The municipal library is a quiet space for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community events and activities can be found at Maison des Jeunes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges available; check local cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | More traditional gaming options are found in larger cities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $28,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $950 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $76,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $60,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 21% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax rates applicable to residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 20% |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, compliance with regulations is required. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Standard property tax based on the estimated value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 9.5% standard rate on property purchases. |