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Guide
Tamatave, Madagascar π²π¬
#1353
,
Nomad Score:
48%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Tamatave, also known as Toamasina, is Madagascar's largest port city located on the eastern coast. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 300,000 people. |
π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-15 Mbps, though it can be inconsistent. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 EUR β 4,500 MGA (Malagasy Ariary). Local ATMs and banks (such as Bank of Africa) available. |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable, recommended to buy bottled water. |
π Power | 220V, 50Hz, π Type C sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Providers include Telma and Orange Madagascar, with reasonable mobile data plans. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard accepted, but cash remains more common. |
π Accommodation | Options include Airbnb and local guesthouses. Average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is around 200,000 MGA. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Limited use of cards, better to carry cash. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses offer short-term rentals starting around 20,000 MGA per night. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and budget hotels available from 30,000 MGA per night. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | City center near the beach and local markets. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Bungalows near the beach and coworking spaces in the city center. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Maison des Entreprises, a coworking space with reliable internet. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Gare offers good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Look for local meetups on Facebook and community events at Maison des Entreprises. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Regular gatherings held by expats on social media groups. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available; ride-hailing apps are not common. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available, and exploration by bicycle is recommended. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Plage de Toamasina is a popular beach spot. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Air Madagascar for regional flights. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Ethiopian Airlines and Air France operate flights to and from Tamatave. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | National Route 2 connects Tamatave to the capital, Antananarivo. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Tamatave railway station for regional connections. |
π Public Transport Passes | No formal passes; local minibuses (taxi-be) provide affordable transport. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis to nearby cities are available. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | HΓ΄pital Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona is the main hospital. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options, but yoga classes available at local fitness centers. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Center Madagascar offers gym facilities. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Local laundromats available, services typically around 10,000 MGA per load. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | No major apps available, but local restaurants offer takeout. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Romazava, a traditional beef stew. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Local vegetarian options are limited; fresh produce markets available. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie Fanja offers local desserts and pastries. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like MarchΓ© Bazar provide fresh produce and goods. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Limited online shopping; generally best to shop locally. |
π Grocery Delivery | No widespread grocery delivery services yet; local shopping recommended. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Rue des hippopotames is known for its nightlife with bars and live music. |
π» Local Brewery | Brasserie Star offers local beer and tours. |
π· Wine Bars | Limited options for wine bars; local wines available at restaurants. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near the markets serve affordable local dishes. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Restaurant Le Phare offers a mix of international and local dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the historic Port of Tamatave and the local markets. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | MusΓ©e de la Mer highlights maritime history. |
π° Historical Sites | Explore the old colonial architecture in the city center. |
π Religious Sites | Visit the Cathedral of Tamatave for its architecture. |
π Annual Events | The Tamataraba Festival held each July. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The city center is vibrant with local art and culture. |
π Theater Venues | Local community centers host cultural performances. |
ποΈ Local Markets | MarchΓ© Bazar offers a taste of local culture and commerce. |
πΌ Music Scene | Tamatave has a lively music scene with local Malagasy music popular. |
π¨ Street Art | Street murals can be found in various neighborhoods. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Private cooking classes available through local chefs. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Limited galleries, but local art can often be found at markets. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The old colonial buildings reflect the city's history. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Rich maritime history celebrated in local festivals and events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit Parc Ivoloina, a nearby nature reserve. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is about 4 hours from Tamatave. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Various scenic routes along the coastline. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Lookouts along the coastal roads offer stunning views. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Coastal regions attract various bird species. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches are suitable for bonfire gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Local post offices and DHL services available. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Several local shops offer basic tech repairs. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Cultural centers may have table tennis facilities. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Local schools provide Malagasy and French language classes. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Limited libraries, but cafes provide good study environments. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Places like Maison des Entreprises offer community engagement activities. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming facilities, but local cafes may have setups. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | One small casino exists in the city; gambling is not widespread. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,500,000 MGA per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = 60,000,000 MGA) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,000,000 MGA per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = 40,000,000 MGA) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,800,000 MGA per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = 108,000,000 MGA) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,200,000 MGA per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = 72,000,000 MGA) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,000,000 MGA per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = 160,000,000 MGA) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,500,000 MGA per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = 120,000,000 MGA) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is approximately 20%. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | Widespread, typically around 10%. |
π¦ Tax System | Residents are taxed on their worldwide income. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is approximately 20%. |
π§Ύ VAT | Value Added Tax is generally around 20%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, these rules apply. |
π Property Tax | Annual property taxation is in place based on property value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Typically a 7% tax on property transactions. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | 0% tax on income earned abroad, making it favorable for digital nomads. |