Toamasina, Madagascar 🇲🇬
#367
,
Nomad Score:
51%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Toamasina is Madagascar's leading port city, known for its tropical climate and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 200,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is about 10-20 Mbps for mobile connections; fiber options available in select areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 4,500 MGA. Multiple local banks such as BNI Madagascar and Bank of Africa. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not safe to drink; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 220V, 50Hz. Type C and E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Main providers include Telma and Orange Madagascar with affordable prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks accept credit cards, however, cash is commonly used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from budget hostels to beachfront hotels; Airbnb is also available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred in most places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies offer short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel option: 'Hostel Madagascar' with beds starting from $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Saka, near the beach and many restaurants. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Near the city center for access to coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Work Lab Toamasina offers desk space with good Wi-Fi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Gare provides a nice ambiance and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech meetups and local expat gatherings are held monthly; check local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular community events hosted through Expats Toamasina group. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use 'BlaBlaCar' for intercity travel; local taxis available but negotiate fare. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals are available at 'Tana Bicycles' in the city center. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Plage de Toamasina, only 5 km from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Madagascar connects Toamasina with major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Ethiopian Airlines have flights to Antananarivo from Toamasina. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | National Route 5 connects Toamasina with Antananarivo. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Toamasina train station offers local rail services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited; buses are available but cash is required. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local taxis and shared vans called 'Taxi-Brousse' provide access to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hôpital de Toamasina is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes available at 'Santé & Bien-être'. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gym options such as 'Club Sportif Toamasina' offer memberships. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat 'Lave Main' provides self-service and drop-off options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat serves various local food options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Ravitoto - a traditional dish made from cassava leaves and served with rice. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like 'La Paillote' offer vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pâtisserie les Amis serves various local pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit the local market 'Marché de Toamasina' for fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Shop Madagascar offers local products and delivery. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local grocery stores may offer delivery through phone orders. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Rooftop bars near the beach such as 'Sky Bar'. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Bière Toamasina is the local beer brand. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; check local restaurants for wine selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try the local street food at 'Place de l'Indépendance'. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Places like 'Le Restaurant Français' offer international options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The port area and L'Avenue de la Liberté for a local feel. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Musee de la Mer showcases the city's maritime history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old colonial buildings near the central square. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathédrale de Toamasina is worth a visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Fête de la Mer, a festival celebrating the sea, occurs every year in October. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the bustling Port District for local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theater events are held at 'Centre Culturel de Toamasina'. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Marché de Toamasina hosts a variety of local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music often played at local bars including 'Le Rasta'. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Check out murals around the central square. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary schools offer classes focused on Malagasy cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries showcasing regional artists are located downtown. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Colonial Museum showcases historical architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural blend of Malagasy and French influences seen in architecture and cuisine. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby Analamazaotra National Park is a popular destination. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Isalo National Park is a few hours' drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Trails along the beachfront provide scenic walking opportunities. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Cliffside views over the Indian Ocean near the port. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is popular in nearby mangroves. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beach areas south of the port are available for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local courier services such as DHL and the post office. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide service for phones and laptops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | French and Malagasy language classes available through local schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | 'Bibliothèque de Toamasina' is a good spot for reading and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local cultural centers often host events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited, but some cafes provide gaming opportunities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | A few local gaming halls in entertainment districts. |
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. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $84,000) |
| 🏡 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 | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on territorial income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 20% |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules applied. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No property tax based on income, but a registration fee applies. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Most foreigners are only taxed on income sourced within Madagascar. |