£1 MGA 5,591
Today
6:53 am
+3h from you
Weather in Madagascar
Madagascar
28°
Partly cloudy
Wed
17
28
Thu
16
30
Fri
17
30
Sat
16
29
Sun
17
29
SPF level in Madagascar
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Madagascar
Tipping in Madagascar
Tipping is appreciated for good service in Madagascar, but not always expected. It's becoming more common in tourist areas.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill for good service
Bar/Café
Small change or 5-10% for table service
Taxi
Round up the fare for good service
Hotel Porter
2,000-5,000 MGA per bag (~£0.40-£1)
Hotel Housekeeper
2,000-5,000 MGA per day (~£0.40-£1), left at the end of your stay
Tour Guide
5,000-10,000 MGA per person per day (~£1-£2) depending on the tour length and quality
Safety in Madagascar
Tips for British travellers
Madagascar is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be alert for violent robberies and assaults on isolated and remote beaches, even in the daytime.
Always carry your passport with you as police make random ID checks and do not always accept copies.
Avoid walking alone in city centres or poorly lit urban areas after dark to reduce the risk of street crime.
Do not use multi-passenger taxi vans due to the risk of robbery and frequent fatal road accidents.
Be wary of criminals acting in pairs and avoid using your mobile phone or showing cash while on the street.
Bonus tips:
Get local advice or use an experienced travel operator when visiting any beach, as many popular coastal locations pose risks.
Use pre-booked taxis or hotel transport and be cautious of drivers, asking for a different driver if you have safety concerns.
Driving in Madagascar
A UK driving license is valid for up to 3 months. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Remember: Madagascar drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
117
Ambulance
118
Fire
118
Save 117 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Madagascar
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type D, Type E, Type J, Type K
UK adapter needed?
Yes
The standard voltage in Madagascar is 220V and the frequency is 50Hz. Several plug types are used, including Type C, D, E, J, and K. British travelers will need a plug adapter.
Cards & payments
Limited, especially outside of tourist areas and major establishments in cities.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +13039671096
ATMs in Madagascar
Limited, primarily in major cities like Antananarivo, Mahajanga, and Nosy Be.
Local name
Guichet automatique
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are available in major cities but can be unreliable. It's best to carry cash, especially when travelling to more remote areas. Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid card issues.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile customers. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Madagascar. Roaming can be expensive, so consider purchasing a local SIM card.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 30,000 MGA (~£6)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Local carriers
Telma, Airtel, Orange
WiFi & internet
Limited. Available in some hotels, restaurants, and cafes in major cities.
Average speed
5 Mbps
WiFi is available in tourist hubs. However, expect slower speeds and less reliability compared to the UK. Mobile data is a viable alternative with a local SIM card.
Health & vaccinations in Madagascar
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including evacuation. A Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not applicable in Madagascar.
Vaccinations required?
Yes
Recommended
Hepatitis A
Consult your doctor well in advance of travel for advice on vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis. Malaria is a significant risk in Madagascar. Drink bottled or purified water and be cautious about food hygiene.
Calling Madagascar
Country code
+261
To call Madagascar from the UK, dial 00 261 followed by the local number.
To call the British Embassy in Antananarivo from the UK, you would dial 00 261 20 22 333 33.
The country code for Madagascar is 261. The international access code from the UK is 00.
UK Embassy in Madagascar
British Embassy Antananarivo
Lot III M 1 Ter, Rue Ralaimongo Analakely, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
Airports in Madagascar
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.