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Diego Suarez, Madagascar 🇲🇬
#372
,
Nomad Score:
50%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Diego Suarez is a coastal city located in the northern region of Madagascar, known for its beautiful bay and rich biodiversity. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 100,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speeds of 25 Mbps, with varying quality depending on providers. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 4,000 MGA (Malagasy Ariary). Local banks include BNI Madagascar and Bank of Africa. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity operates at 220V, 50Hz with Type C/D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers like Telma and Orange offer good coverage and data plans for tourists. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards (Visa, Mastercard) widely accepted at major banks. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, hotels, and apartments available through Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is widely used, but cards are accepted in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local agents offer short-term rentals starting at 30 USD per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like La Terrasse or Hotel La Rade offer budget options starting from 15 USD per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center, near the beach and local markets, provides easy access to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Ankorahotra area is recommended for quieter living and coworking spaces nearby. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Co-Workspace is a popular choice with reliable internet and a creative environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Plage offers a nice atmosphere with ocean views for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for local expat community meetups on social media like Facebook and Meetup. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Diego Suarez Expat Group on Facebook hosts regular get-togethers. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No major ride apps; local taxi services can be hired directly. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals are available from local businesses for around 10 USD per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Ramena Beach, located about 15 km from downtown Diego Suarez, is popular for relaxation. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Madagascar operates regional flights connecting to Nosy Be and other locations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Precious Tree Airlines offers flights from Antananarivo to Diego Suarez. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Road access to major towns is present; Route Nationale 6 connects key locations. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train service; local buses and taxis are the primary means of transportation. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is mostly informal, with local buses charging between 0.50 to 1 USD. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis offer travel to nearby regions, typically costing around 5 USD. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier de Diego Suarez provides basic medical care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Madagascar Yoga offers classes and wellness sessions near the city center. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centers like Fitness Club Diego offer access for around 15 USD per month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats provide services at reasonable rates; around 5 USD for a full wash. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food is the most recognized food delivery service in Diego Suarez. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Ravitoto, a dish made from cassava leaves, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian options are available at local restaurants, such as Le Pirate. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie Manoel offers a variety of local and French desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Marché de Diego are great for budget groceries and local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia Madagascar is a popular online shopping website. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local stores may provide delivery services, inquire directly. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Places like Le Radeau or La Cabane are popular nightlife spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Komaso Brewery produces locally brewed beers available in bars. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vin di Mangalam offers a selection of local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near the market offer affordable local snacks and meals. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Various restaurants offer international dishes, including Italian at La Bella Napoli. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Emerald Sea and the Amber Mountain National Park are notable natural attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Local art galleries showcase Madagascar's culture and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Old Fort of Diego Suarez is a significant historical site to visit. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Cathedral of Diego Suarez is a beautiful religious landmark to see. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Kite Festival in July is a popular event attracting locals and tourists. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the local markets for crafts and traditional goods. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters occasionally host performances celebrating Malagasy culture. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Grand Marché is a vibrant place to experience local culture and cuisine. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found at various bars and restaurants, featuring local artists. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals and graffiti in the city reflect the rich culture and creativity. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are available offering insights into Malagasy culinary traditions. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries exhibit works by Malagasy artists and craftsmen. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Colonial architecture can be seen throughout the city center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Traditional Malagasy practices and crafts are integral to the local culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Amber Mountain National Park offers hiking and unique wildlife experiences. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Ankarana National Park is a great destination for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal paths provide scenic views for walking and biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Sunset views from the hills around Diego Suarez are stunning. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Local reserves offer opportunities to see endemic bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at beaches allow for bonfires on weekends. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL provides reliable international shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer basic repair services for mobile devices and laptops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may have ping pong tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Malagasy and French classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public library offers a quiet space for studying and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers often host events and activities for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | There are limited gaming lounges; some cafes provide gaming services. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no major casinos in Diego Suarez; gaming is mainly informal. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Average is approximately 1,200 USD per m² (e.g., 30 m² = 36,000 USD). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Average is approximately 800 USD per m² (e.g., 30 m² = 24,000 USD). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Average is approximately 1,500 USD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 90,000 USD). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Average is approximately 1,200 USD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 72,000 USD). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Average is approximately 1,800 USD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 144,000 USD). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Average is approximately 1,500 USD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 120,000 USD). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding tax on dividends is around 0% for registered businesses. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on local income with exemptions for expats. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 20%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax is 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules; favorable conditions for foreign investment. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is low, approximating 1% of property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction tax on property purchases is around 5%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | 0% tax on income earned abroad for registered digital nomads. |