Nosy Be, Madagascar 🇲🇬
#366
-21.82493, 43.294533
Nomad Score:
54%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Nosy Be is an island off the northwest coast of Madagascar known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant marine life. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 30,000 inhabitants. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speeds around 10-15 Mbps, but can be slower in remote areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 4,400 MGA. ATMs are available but may not work with all cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It's recommended to purchase bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Telma and Airtel, offering good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, though cash is preferred. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from beachfront bungalows to guesthouses and hotels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited. Many places still prefer cash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local guesthouses provide short-term options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options start at about $10 per night, with places like 'Les Cocotiers' offering dorms. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | La Plage Kook is a popular coworking spot with reliable internet and ocean views. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Plage offers a relaxed atmosphere and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional expat meetups occur, check local Facebook groups for updates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Nosy Be Expats group organizes regular social events and outings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No ride-sharing apps. Local taxis are the primary option, negotiate fares in advance. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals available from multiple local shops, costing around $10 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Andilana Beach, known for its stunning sunsets and clear waters. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Tsaradia offers regional flights connecting Nosy Be to the mainland. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Madagascar operates flights to Nosy Be from major international hubs. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The main roads are well-maintained, connecting key areas of the island. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train service on the island; local taxis and buses are the main transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport system; use local taxis and private cars. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferries are available to nearby islands such as Nosy Komba and Nosy Tanikely. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de Nosy Be is the primary healthcare facility available. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Nosy Be Yoga offers classes and retreats; check their schedule for specifics. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited options; many resorts have gym facilities for guests. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries available; service costs around $5 for a load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Local delivery options may exist, but most restaurants do not provide online services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Zebu steak with rice and local vegetables is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Hermitage offers some vegetarian options, though choices are limited. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie Sucres et Sel offers a selection of pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Hell-Ville feature food stalls and fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Colis Madagascar is a local e-commerce site for various goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited options; most get groceries from local markets. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Mango Beach bar is a popular spot for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | L’Ankarana offers local beers and drinks. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | No dedicated wine bars; some restaurants offer wine selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various stalls in Hell-Ville offer local snacks like mofo gasy. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Hotel Andilana Beach serves Italian and French cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Lemuria Land is a popular destination featuring local wildlife. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Check local galleries in Hell-Ville for art exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The 19th-century church in Hell-Ville is of historical interest. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Catholic church in Hell-Ville offers a glimpse into local beliefs. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Nosy Be Festival of Music is celebrated annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Strolling around Hell-Ville reveals local culture and life. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | No dedicated theaters, but local performances happen in various venues. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Hell-Ville Market is great for local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars feature traditional Malagasy music, especially on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look for murals in Hell-Ville depicting local life. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Consider taking classes at local hotels to learn Madagascan cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Small local galleries showcase traditional artworks. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old colonial buildings in Hell-Ville reflect the island's history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The unique culture of the Sakalava people is integral to the island's identity. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve is a nearby spot for snorkeling and diving. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Lokobe National Park is located on the island and is accessible by guided tours. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Biking around the coastal roads is popular and scenic. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Mont Passot offers panoramic vistas of the island. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lokobe National Park is an excellent spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches allow bonfires, inquire locally for safe spots. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post office offers basic delivery services but is slow. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited options; small local shops can handle minor repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some resorts may have table tennis tables available for guests. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | French and Malagasy classes can be found locally; inquire at community centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited; best to work from cafes or resorts. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers sometimes host cultural activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | No dedicated gaming lounges; local cafes may have board games. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos on the island; occasional games can be found in 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. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 10%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Standard withholding tax on dividends is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on their worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 20%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are rules regarding foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is levied based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transactions incur a tax of 7%. |