Tamatave, Madagascar 🇲🇬
#1353
-18.155398, 49.409835
Nomad Score:
52%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Tamatave, also known as Toamasina, is the largest city and the chief port of Madagascar, located on the east coast. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 300,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 10-15 Mbps, but can vary significantly. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 4,500 MGA, local currency is Malagasy Ariary (MGA). ATMs are available, but credit card acceptance is limited. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Orange Madagascar and Telma, offering decent mobile data coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like BNI Madagascar and Bank of Africa operate, while international services like Revolut may not offer full functionality. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from Airbnb to guesthouses. Prices for short-term rentals are approximately $15 to $40 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred in most places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is available with prices usually starting from $15 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and guesthouses like Les Charmilles offer budget stays starting at approximately $10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Tana Coworking expanded to Tamatave, providing a quiet space for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Gare is popular among digital nomads for its ambiance and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Networking events are limited; however, local expat groups on Facebook can provide updates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Meetup groups on social media often organize cultural events and social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis can be hailed, or services like Easy Taxi might be available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rentals are available from local shops; expect to pay around $10 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Plage de ST Michel, a popular beach about 30 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Madagascar provides flights to other regions. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Ethiopian Airlines operate flights to major international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | National Route 2 connects Tamatave with the capital, Antananarivo. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The main public transport terminal is near the city center with bus and taxi-brousse services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport consists mainly of minibuses without fixed passes; pay per ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Taxi-brousse (shared minivans) travel to nearby cities, such as Antananarivo. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toamasina; offers general and emergency services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Kalypso Wellness Center offers yoga classes and health services. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fit Club Madagascar offers basic gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Several laundromats are available; most hotels also offer laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo is available for food deliveries in Tamatave. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Romazava, a traditional beef stew cooked with greens. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | La Table de Tana offers vegetarian-friendly dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pâtisserie Paniers offers a range of local sweets and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as Analakely produce vibrant shopping experiences. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Cdiscount Madagascar is a widely used local e-commerce platform. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermarkets like Shoprite offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Le Mistral is a popular bar close to the waterfront with a lively atmosphere. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Fanorona Beer is a local favorite, crafted in Tamatave. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Café de la Gare serves a selection of local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various food stalls are scattered around the city, especially at night. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Le Velvet serves a mix of French and Malagasy cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Port of Tamatave and the beautiful beaches are key attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Musée de la Ville offers insights into the local culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old colonial buildings near the waterfront are worth exploring. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of Tamatave provides a glimpse into the local architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Famadihana festival, a cultural celebration, occurs annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The downtown area features a mix of local and colonial architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | La Salle de Spectacle hosts various cultural shows and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Analakely market is vibrant and offers artisanal goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various clubs and bars host local music performances, especially in the evenings. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Urban murals can be found in various neighborhoods, showcasing local talent. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking workshops are offered by locals to teach traditional Malagasy cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local art can be found in various galleries in the city center. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Colonial-era buildings along the waterfront provide historical context. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Malagasy cultural heritage is celebrated in local events and food. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nearby parks include Parc Ivoloina, rich in biodiversity. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is accessible and offers guided tours. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal roads provide beautiful scenery for biking and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The hilltops provide panoramic views of the city and sea. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Ivoloina Park is ideal for spotting unique bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx provide reliable international shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops exist, but finding specialized repairs may be challenging. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available at various community centers and schools. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local schools offer classes in Malagasy and French. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The city library provides a quiet space for study and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host various cultural activities and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges, but some cafes offer gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no major casinos; however, some hotels may feature gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax is around 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding tax rate on dividends is approximately 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 20%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Moderate regulations exist for foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax is based on property value, generally low. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction tax for property purchases is approximately 5%. |