Toamasina, Madagascar 🇲🇬
Nomad Score:
52%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Toamasina, also known as Tamatave, is a city located on the eastern coast of Madagascar, serving as the country's primary port. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 200,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | average download speed of 5-10 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 Euro ≈ 4,300 Malagasy Ariary (MGA). Local banks such as BNI Madagascar and Bank of Africa provide banking services. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C and E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Orange Madagascar and Airtel, with data plans starting around MGA 25,000. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards widely accepted, local banks often require residency documents for foreign accounts. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and serviced apartments. Prices range from MGA 100,000 to MGA 300,000 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; cash is preferred for most transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local travel agencies offer short-term rentals; prices start at MGA 80,000 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and budget hotels such as Hôtel de la Plage, with rates starting from MGA 50,000. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking Tamatave, offering fast internet and a comfortable workspace. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Mer, known for good coffee and available Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Informal community meetups are occasionally held, check local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Toamasina Expat Community has regular gatherings and social outings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No major apps available; local taxis are available but usually require negotiation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals are available through local shops; prices start from MGA 10,000 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Toamasina Beach, easily accessible within 10 minutes by taxi. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Madagascar, operating flights to major cities like Antananarivo. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Madagascar and Ethiopian Airlines have flights to and from Toamasina. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | National Route 2 connects Toamasina to Antananarivo and other cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Toamasina’s train station offers limited services, mainly to Antananarivo. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes; buses are pay-per-ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and bush taxis are available to nearby towns; fares start at MGA 20,000. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hôpital Général de Toamasina, the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Wellness Madagascar offers yoga classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fit Gym Toamasina has modern equipment and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats and self-service options available; prices from MGA 5,000 per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food operates in Toamasina for local restaurant deliveries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Romazava, a traditional meat and vegetable stew, widely available. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Le Jardin serves vegetarian dishes; however, options are limited. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patissier Toamasina, known for fresh baked goods and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as Marché Be for fresh produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local options include Jumia for general shopping and delivery. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some local shops offer delivery; inquire at markets like Shoprite. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bars along the waterfront like Le Taimano for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie de Toamasina, known for locally brewed beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited wine bars; options at upscale hotels like Ibis. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Common near markets; try a local 'sambos' for a quick snack. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Café Kely offers a mix of French and Malagasy cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The beautiful Toamasina lighthouse and historic colonial buildings. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Musée de la Ville offers insights into the city's history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the old port area and colonial architecture surrounding it. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Cathédrale de Toamasina, a prominent local church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Fêtes de la Mer, celebrating maritime culture annually in October. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit the island of Nosy Boraha for traditional culture and crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theater productions at the town hall or community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Marché de la Ville for a vibrant shopping experience. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events often held in cafes and bars around the town. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Check local alleys for vibrant murals representing Malagasy culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes available through local culinary schools; inquire at hotels. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited options; local artists showcase work in small exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Explore the colonial architecture throughout the town. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Attend festivals that showcase traditional Malagasy music and dance. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Kalambatritra National Park offers stunning hiking trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Pangalana Canal provides beautiful views and wildlife spots. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal paths along the beach for scenic walks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Head to the cliffs near Toamasina for breathtaking sunsets. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching at the coastal wetlands is popular. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beachside locations permit bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services available for shipping needs. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer mobile and laptop repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Some schools offer Malagasy and French language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local libraries are available, though resources may be limited. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural events often hosted at community centers in the city. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming options; check local cafes for gaming nights. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | A few local establishments offer gaming options; inquire locally. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MGA 1,200,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = MGA 48,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MGA 900,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = MGA 36,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MGA 1,500,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = MGA 90,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MGA 1,100,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = MGA 66,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. MGA 1,800,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = MGA 144,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. MGA 1,300,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = MGA 104,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residency-based taxation for individuals. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 20% |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules, but local compliance required. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property valuation. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 7% on purchase price. |