Nosy Be, Madagascar 🇲🇬
#366
,
Nomad Score:
52%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Nosy Be is a small, tropical island off the northwest coast of Madagascar, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant marine life. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 30,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is about 10-20 Mbps, with some areas offering up to 30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 4,500 MGA, local currency is Malagasy Ariary (MGA). |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C plugs. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Operators include Orange Madagascar and Telma, with good coverage in tourist areas. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most banks accept major credit cards. ATMs are available but might have limited withdrawal amounts. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals via Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is still preferred, but some businesses accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses offer short-term rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget hotels and hostels can be found starting around €10-20 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Hell-Ville is the main town and offers easy access to amenities and ferry services. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Around Ambatoloaka and Madirokely Beach; offers co-working spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Mada Coworking, located in Ambatoloaka. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Plage is popular for its internet access and beachfront views. |
| 💼 Networking Events | You can find local networking events through Facebook groups and expatriate communities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Monthly meetups organized by expat groups on Facebook. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No major ride-sharing apps. Taxis are available but negotiate fares upfront. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals available at various shops in Hell-Ville. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Ambatoloaka Beach, known for its soft sand and clear waters. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Madagascar for domestic flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Ethiopian Airlines have flights to Nosy Be. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Limited; road conditions may vary, mostly unpaved outside main towns. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train services; mini-buses (taxi-brousse) connect to the mainland. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes; pricing based on distance. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Access to Diego Suarez and other locales via taxi-brousse or charter boats. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier d'Ankarana, located in Hell-Ville. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Nosy Be Yoga offers classes in a serene environment. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited options; some hotels have basic gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries available, with pricing around €1-3 per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major delivery apps; local restaurants offer take-out. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Ravitoto, a traditional dish made with cassava leaves and meat. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Some restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, though options are limited. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie Nosy Be in Hell-Ville offers local pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Hell-Ville provide fresh fruits and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited services; reliance on local markets is typical. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No established grocery delivery services; local shops are preferred. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Ambatoloaka Beach area has several bars and nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | La Fabulous Brewery produces local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited; some restaurants offer wine selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Common along the beaches; enjoy fresh seafood and samosas. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some Italian and French restaurants can be found in Hell-Ville. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Lemuria Land and Nosy Tanikely Marine Reserve. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Nosy Be does not have significant museums; galleries exist in Hell-Ville. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Old colonial buildings in Hell-Ville. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of St. Augustine in Hell-Ville. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Nosy Be Festival in July celebrates local culture and music. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Hell-Ville for shops and restaurants reflecting local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | No established theaters; local performances may occur during festivals. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Hell-Ville daily market for local crafts and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music events at bars, featuring traditional Malagasy music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; local artists may showcase work at markets. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Available at local hotels and community centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Small galleries exhibit local artists in Hell-Ville. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old post office and colonial houses in Hell-Ville. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Rich traditional Malagasy culture with unique customs and practices. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nosy Komba and Nosy Sakatia for nature hikes and relaxation. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Lokobe National Park on Nosy Be for unique biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic trails around the island for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Mount Passot offers breathtaking sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | A variety of bird species can be found in Lokobe National Park. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas on some beaches; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited; check local courier services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Few local shops, primarily in Hell-Ville. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local recreation centers may have ping pong tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local centers and expat groups occasionally organize language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited options; small local library in Hell-Ville. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community space in Hell-Ville used for local gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; some cafes may have gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos; local bars may offer gaming machines. |
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. €1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €136,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 10% for small businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income; rates vary. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40% for high earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | The standard VAT rate is 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict regulations; foreign income generally not taxed. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes apply based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typical rate is 7%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Flexibility in taxation due to lack of strict CFC rules. |