Mahajanga, Madagascar 🇲🇬
Nomad Score:
51%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Mahajanga is a coastal city located in northwest Madagascar, known for its stunning beaches and warm climate. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 250,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 10-15 Mbps, with some cafes offering up to 30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 4,200 MGA, local currency is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA). International cards accepted in major banks. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; recommended to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C, D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Telma and Orange, offering prepaid SIM cards for around 10,000 MGA. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like BNI Madagascar and Bank of Africa; ATMs are available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, hotels, and private apartments available through Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred, but cards accepted in bigger establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is widely used; prices range from 25,000 MGA to 100,000 MGA per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like La Riziere and budget inns available starting from 15,000 MGA. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Co-Work Mahajanga, offering flexible spaces with decent internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Gare, known for its coffee and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Small meetups organized through Facebook groups for expats. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Community gatherings often held at La Riziere or local beaches. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis, no rideshare apps like Uber or Bolt available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Biking is common; rentals for around 10,000 MGA per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Plage de Mahajanga, perfect for swimming and relaxation. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Madagascar operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Ethiopian Airlines fly to and from Mahajanga. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected via Route Nationale 4 (RN4). |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train services; buses and taxis are primary options. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes; pay per ride for buses or taxis. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Mahajanga to Antananarivo and other major cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier de Mahajanga, providing basic healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes available at local studios, like Yoga Mahajanga. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Flex Gym offers basic facilities for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available; prices start from 2,000 MGA per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No popular apps; local restaurants offer delivery directly. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Ravitoto, a dish made from cassava leaves, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Zanadralong, a vegetarian-friendly restaurant. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie le Bonheur serves delightful pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Bazary Be offers local produce and snacks at budget prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local options include Jumia, though selection is limited. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited but available through local supermarkets. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Le Village is popular for nightlife and bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Local brews can be found at various bars in the area. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Maison des Vins offers a selection of fine wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local stalls near the beach serve delicious snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | La Marmite offers a fusion of international and local dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The beautiful Avenue of Baobabs is a must-visit location. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Musee de la Mer showcases Madagascar's marine history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fort Mahajanga, an important historical site from the colonial era. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of Mahajanga, known for its architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Festival of the Sea, usually held in November. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the local market for cultural experiences and goods. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters often host traditional dance and music performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Visit the Analakely market for local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music is vibrant; check out live performances at bars. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals can be found throughout the city, showcasing local talent. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Some local chefs offer cooking classes to learn Malagasy cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries display Malagasy artists' work. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The former colonial buildings around the city center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Traditions like the Famadihana (turning of the bones) are significant cultural practices. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Fosa National Park is just a bus ride away, great for hiking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Ankarafantsika National Park, known for its unique wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Tropical coastal paths along the beach; perfect for walking or biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The lighthouse offers stunning views of the coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Ankarafantsika is also a great spot for ornithologists. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beach areas allow bonfires; just check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services available for shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops available for phone and laptop repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers have table tennis setups. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Private lessons available for Malagasy and French. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The city library has resources for reading and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local cultural centers offer various activities for residents. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; some cafes have video gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos present; basic local gaming centers exist. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 600,000 MGA per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 24,000,000 MGA) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 400,000 MGA per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 16,000,000 MGA) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 800,000 MGA per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 48,000,000 MGA) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 600,000 MGA per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 36,000,000 MGA) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,000,000 MGA per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 80,000,000 MGA) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 800,000 MGA per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 64,000,000 MGA) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% in Madagascar. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 20%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable to foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 6% during property purchases. |