Toliara, Madagascar 🇲🇬
#371
-23.354173, 43.66966
Nomad Score:
51%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Toliara is a coastal city in Madagascar known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 100,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Mediocre around 7-10 Mbps in most areas |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 4,600 MGA; local currency is Malagasy Ariary (MGA) |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/D sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Orange Madagascar, Airtel Madagascar offering 4G services |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard accepted at some ATMs; local banks like BM Madagascar |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Various options available, from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is more common than cards |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses available |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hotel La Mira, approximately €15 per night |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Workspace Toliara - a small but growing coworking space with decent amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Mer, good coffee and Wi-Fi |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local expat community often meets at cultural events; check local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Toliara Expat Meetup Group on Facebook for socializing opportunities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | BlaBlaCar for carpooling; local taxis also available but can be inconsistent. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented from local shops, particularly near the beach. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Anakao Beach is a popular choice, a short ferry ride away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Madagascar operates regional flights from Toliara. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Madagascar is the primary carrier for international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | National Route 7 connects Toliara to Antananarivo. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Toliara has limited train services; buses are more common for longer trips. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses are inexpensive but often crowded. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate to major cities like Antananarivo and Morondava. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier de Toliara, basic services available. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes offered at various community centers intermittently. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Club Toliara is available for gym enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available; hotel services also offered. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Local equivalents, but typically food is purchased directly at markets or restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Romazava - a traditional Malagasy stew. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Some local cuisine options available; check Toliara's local eateries. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie de la Mer offers a variety of local pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as the Toliara Market for fresh produce and street food. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited e-commerce; Jumia Madagascar is a potential option. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited services; most groceries purchased at local stores. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Haingo Bar is a popular spot for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie de la Mer offers local beer options. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Very few wine bars; local wines available in restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Widely available along main streets, try 'mofo gasy' (Malagasy pancakes). |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The city has a few Italian and French restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Toliara's Avenue of Baobabs is a unique natural landmark. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Musée de la Mer offers insights into local marine life. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Explore the historic Fort of Toliara. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Toliara Cathedral is a notable religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Festival of Madagascar music usually takes place every November. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore Toliara's vibrant markets to experience local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural performances often occur at local community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Toliara's central market offers local crafts and food items. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local Afro-Malagasy music is celebrated in many venues. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some murals can be found scattered across the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Few local chefs offer cooking classes; inquire at local hotels. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local crafts are sold in various artisan shops throughout Toliara. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Colonial architecture can be viewed in the older parts of the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Malagasy culture is rich in traditions and crafts. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Ifaty Beach is renowned for its diving and beach activities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Andohahela National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Cycling along the beachfront is popular among locals. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Cape Sainte Marie offers stunning sunset views over the ocean. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands around Toliara attract many migratory birds. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near beaches provide perfect spots for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL operates within Toliara for international shipments. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local mobile shops can repair small electronics. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Some local schools offer French and English language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The local community center houses a small library. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community events frequently take place at the local cultural center. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; most local gameplay occurs among friends at home. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Very few, and mostly unregulated local establishments. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €40,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €850 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €34,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €120,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €96,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Income tax is progressive up to 20%. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 20% |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No specific CFC rules; general taxation applies. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Local taxes apply based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 5% for real estate transactions. |