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Mahajanga, Madagascar 🇲🇬
#370
,
Nomad Score:
52%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Mahajanga is a port city located on the northwest coast of Madagascar, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 220,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 5-15 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 4,000 MGA (Malagasy Ariary). ATMs are available, but withdraw cash as card acceptance is limited. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C sockets are used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Telma and Orange; prepaid SIMs available at the airport and stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted at few establishments; local bank services are limited. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local guesthouses, Airbnb, and beachfront hotels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; mostly cash transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Akiba offers dorms starting at $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The waterfront area offers scenic views and easy access to restaurants and attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Consider staying near Grand Hotel de la Plage for a calm environment with reliable Wi-Fi. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Madagascar-Work provides good facilities for remote work, located near the city center. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Plage offers a nice atmosphere and decent Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Join local expat groups on Facebook for meetups and networking opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Check 'Expats in Mahajanga' on Facebook for regular gatherings and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available, but Bolt might have limited service. Negotiate prices beforehand. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented at various shops around the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Grand Pha and Antsanitia Beach are popular spots just a short drive away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Madagascar operates flights to and from Antananarivo. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Ethiopian Airlines offer international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Route National 4 connects Mahajanga to Antananarivo. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Mahajanga does not have a train service; local taxis and buses are primary transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport options mainly consist of mini-buses; no passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services are available to nearby towns, with travel times varying. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier de Mahajanga is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes are occasionally offered at local gyms. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Strong Fitness Club offers gym facilities and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available, but service quality may vary. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Check local Facebook groups for recommendations; specific apps may not be available. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Ravitoto is a traditional dish made with cassava leaves. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like La Table offer vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie Dany is renowned for its pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets offer fresh produce and affordable goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local e-commerce solutions may be limited; consider international shipping for online orders. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited; best to shop at local stores in person. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Places near the waterfront provide lively nightlife with bars and dancing. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie de la Côte offers local beer tasting. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; some restaurants offer wine selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Vendors near the beach serve local snacks, especially grilled seafood. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Mambo Cafe serve a mix of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Mahajanga Cathedral is an architectural highlight. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Centre Culturel Albert Camus showcases local art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Explore the Lighthouse on the beach for its historical significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Louis Cathedral is worth a visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Festival of the Sea is held annually in September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the local neighborhoods for traditional crafts and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters may host cultural performances, check community boards. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mahajanga Market is vibrant and offers local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be enjoyed at various bars, especially on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look for murals along the beach promenade. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer classes in traditional Malagasy cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Small galleries feature local artists, often in the city center. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old Port area features colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The local culture reflects a blend of African, Arab, and French influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Tsingy de Bemaraha is a UNESCO World Heritage site nearby. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Anakao National Park offers stunning natural scenery. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal paths are ideal for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the lighthouse is breathtaking. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Local reserves are home to diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches have designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL services available for international shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer basic electronics repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local institutions offer language programs for Malagasy and French. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries are available, but may have limited resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Check for activities and classes at local community spaces. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; local cafes might have some gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos; local entertainment centers may offer gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (40 m² = $36,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (60 m² = $90,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (60 m² = $66,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (80 m² = $136,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (80 m² = $96,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding tax on dividends is around 0%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | The tax system is based on residency status. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Top rate is 20%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax is 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No specific CFC rules are implemented. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation system applies with local regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically around 3% for property transfers. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No tax on overseas income for non-residents, which is favorable for digital nomads. |