Tamatave, Madagascar 🇲🇬
#1353
,
Nomad Score:
49%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Tamatave, also known as Toamasina, is Madagascar's largest port city located on the eastern coast. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 300,000 people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-15 Mbps, though it can be inconsistent. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 4,500 MGA (Malagasy Ariary). Local ATMs and banks (such as Bank of Africa) available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, recommended to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Telma and Orange Madagascar, with reasonable mobile data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard accepted, but cash remains more common. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb and local guesthouses. Average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is around 200,000 MGA. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited use of cards, better to carry cash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses offer short-term rentals starting around 20,000 MGA per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and budget hotels available from 30,000 MGA per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | City center near the beach and local markets. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Bungalows near the beach and coworking spaces in the city center. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Maison des Entreprises, a coworking space with reliable internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Gare offers good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for local meetups on Facebook and community events at Maison des Entreprises. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular gatherings held by expats on social media groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available; ride-hailing apps are not common. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available, and exploration by bicycle is recommended. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Plage de Toamasina is a popular beach spot. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Madagascar for regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ethiopian Airlines and Air France operate flights to and from Tamatave. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | National Route 2 connects Tamatave to the capital, Antananarivo. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Tamatave railway station for regional connections. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal passes; local minibuses (taxi-be) provide affordable transport. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis to nearby cities are available. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hôpital Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona is the main hospital. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options, but yoga classes available at local fitness centers. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Center Madagascar offers gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available, services typically around 10,000 MGA per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major apps available, but local restaurants offer takeout. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Romazava, a traditional beef stew. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Local vegetarian options are limited; fresh produce markets available. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie Fanja offers local desserts and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Marché Bazar provide fresh produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited online shopping; generally best to shop locally. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | No widespread grocery delivery services yet; local shopping recommended. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Rue des hippopotames is known for its nightlife with bars and live music. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie Star offers local beer and tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options for wine bars; local wines available at restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near the markets serve affordable local dishes. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurant Le Phare offers a mix of international and local dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the historic Port of Tamatave and the local markets. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Musée de la Mer highlights maritime history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Explore the old colonial architecture in the city center. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit the Cathedral of Tamatave for its architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Tamataraba Festival held each July. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center is vibrant with local art and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local community centers host cultural performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Marché Bazar offers a taste of local culture and commerce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Tamatave has a lively music scene with local Malagasy music popular. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street murals can be found in various neighborhoods. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Private cooking classes available through local chefs. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited galleries, but local art can often be found at markets. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old colonial buildings reflect the city's history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Rich maritime history celebrated in local festivals and events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit Parc Ivoloina, a nearby nature reserve. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is about 4 hours from Tamatave. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Various scenic routes along the coastline. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lookouts along the coastal roads offer stunning views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Coastal regions attract various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches are suitable for bonfire gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post offices and DHL services available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Several local shops offer basic tech repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Cultural centers may have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local schools provide Malagasy and French language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited libraries, but cafes provide good study environments. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Places like Maison des Entreprises offer community engagement activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming facilities, but local cafes may have setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | One small casino exists in the city; gambling is not widespread. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,500,000 MGA per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 60,000,000 MGA) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,000,000 MGA per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 40,000,000 MGA) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,800,000 MGA per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 108,000,000 MGA) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,200,000 MGA per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 72,000,000 MGA) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,000,000 MGA per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 160,000,000 MGA) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,500,000 MGA per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 120,000,000 MGA) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is approximately 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Widespread, typically around 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on their worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is approximately 20%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax is generally around 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, these rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation is in place based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically a 7% tax on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | 0% tax on income earned abroad, making it favorable for digital nomads. |