Diego Suarez, Madagascar 🇲🇬
#372
-12.27795, 49.29136
Nomad Score:
51%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Diego Suarez, also known as Antsiranana, is a port city located in the northern region of Madagascar. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 100,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20 Mbps, with some cafes and coworking spaces offering higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | The currency is Malagasy Ariary (MGA). 1 USD ≈ 4,000 MGA. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It is recommended to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 220V, 50Hz, and uses Type C and E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Telma and Orange, with good coverage in the city. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards like Visa and Mastercard are accepted at some hotels and stores. ATMs are available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options vary from cheap hostels to mid-range hotels. Airbnb is also available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited. Cash is preferred, but some places accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses offer short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include Le Relais de la Reine and other guesthouses starting from 20,000 MGA per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Café de la Gare offers a pleasant atmosphere for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | L’Atelier Café is popular among digital nomads for its good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Join the Antsiranana Expats Facebook group for networking opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular meetups organized by expats take place at popular cafes and bars. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available; no major rideshare apps operate here. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local rentals provide bikes and scooters; inquire near the beach. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Nature Beach is approximately 20 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Madagascar operates flights to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France provides international connections through Antananarivo. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via Route Nationale 6 connecting to other regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Train services are limited; typically use local taxis. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is mainly by bush taxis (taxi-brousse) which are inexpensive. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Travel by bush taxi to nearby towns, typically costing around 10,000 MGA. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospitaly CENHOSOA is the main medical facility in Diego Suarez. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Few options available; some hotels offer wellness services. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centers limited; check local community centers. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats can be found around the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No prominent food delivery apps; local restaurants offer takeout. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Ravitoto, a delicious dish made from cassava leaves and pork. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian options are available in many local eateries. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café de la Gare provides a selection of desserts and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Analakely Market offer fresh fruits and local foods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | No major e-commerce presence; shopping is mostly in local markets. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited to local supermarkets; on-site shopping is common. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Popular nightlife spots include Le Tanjona and Le Grand Hotel. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewed local beers can be enjoyed, with certain bars offering them. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited wine bars; some upscale restaurants serve imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is diverse; try the local brochettes (skewers). |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzerias and French-influenced restaurants are available. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visiting the Amber Mountain National Park is a must for nature lovers. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museum of the Ocean offers insights into local marine biodiversity. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fort Diego offers a glimpse into the city's colonial past. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of St. Mary is an important local landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Festival of the Sea is celebrated annually in November. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the local market areas for vibrant culture and crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theater is found sporadically; check community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Analakely Market is a hub for local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local live music can be found at numerous bars. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art is mostly in urban areas; some murals can be found. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Occasional cooking classes highlighting Malagasy recipes are available. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited, but small exhibitions can be found near the port. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Various colonial-style buildings are scattered throughout the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural festivals celebrating Malagasy heritage occur throughout the year. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Tsingy Rouge and Amber Mountain National Park are popular excursions. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Amber Mountain National Park is approximately 35 km away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Trails in the surrounding hills offer excellent trekking opportunities. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lookout points in Amber Mountain provide breathtaking views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Favored in Amber Mountain National Park, known for its avian diversity. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas can be found along some beaches; inquire locally. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post service is available for sending parcels. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Few local shops offer basic tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited table tennis areas; check local community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | French and Malagasy language classes are offered locally. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited libraries; primarily local community educational spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers offer resources for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited availability; local cafes may have gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Limited gambling options are available in upscale hotels. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $128,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $104,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Standard withholding tax on dividends is 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Madagascar taxes residents on local income and international income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 20%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT is 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules, but foreign income can be taxed. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes apply based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transaction tax is 7%. |