Preparing your trip to Antananarivo: advices & hints - things to do and to obey

1. The monetary system in the city is quite not stable and can be confusing for tourists. It’s possible to see banknotes of different types, and price tags can have different digits. When heading to a market, it is better to stock up on francs in small denominations because sellers often do not have change.

2. It is allowed to bargain on markets. Many sellers intentionally raise prices, hoping to gain more profit from foreigners. However, it is important to mention that locals do not bargain as much as travelers.

3. Precious stones and jewelry remain one of the most popular souvenirs that travelers prefer to buy in Antananarivo. It is important to remember that it is allowed to buy them in specialized shops only. These shops must give a special certificate to buyers. The document allows export of the purchased goods. Fur items and even pressed flowers also require the export certificate. Naturally, street vendors cannot issue the certificate, therefore, it is recommended to make purchases in large shopping centers.

4. Tips are not required in local restaurants and cafes, but attentive staff will be happy to receive any reward. As a rule, visitors leave approximately 10% of the bill as tips.

5. When choosing a hotel, it’s important to pay attention not only to a number of stars but also to the services offered by a hotel. Many five-star hotels in Antananarivo have the quality of service on par with three-star European hotels. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

6. Local people do not wear clothes in the military style, and travelers who are keen on such apparel are also recommended to leave their outfits for vacations in other countries. People, who appear on streets of the city in battledress, are subject to a penalty that can range from a small fee to an arrest.

7. When you plan to visit a home of local people as a guest, it’s important to bring small gifts to hosts. As a rule, tobacco, good wine or rum are typical presents. When visiting some religious places, it is also better to leave small gifs. Food is a typical and the most popular offering in such case.

Top places to stay in Antananarivo - most luxurious hotels

The most prestigious hotel in the capital and one of the most famous resorts on the island is Carlton Madagascar. It offers more than 170 rooms with panoramic views of Anosy Lake; the …

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8. An invitation to national celebrations is a big honor for foreigners, so it is important to accept it with gratitude. Before the celebration starts, it is better to ask a guide or local people about manners during festive activities and the rituals, in which foreigners can participate.

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City tours, excursions and tickets in Antananarivo and surroundings

Madagascar: travelling advices

9. Tourists, who are planning to purchase precious stones and polished emeralds, need to think of the certificate in advance. Otherwise, they are likely to have problems at the customs. The same applies to all plants, including dead and dry ones, and, of course, to animals.
10. Tips are not widespread in Madagascar, but tourists are always welcome to leave an extra 10% reward to the staff that tries to deliver an international level of service but doesn’t earn much.
11. Tourists must be prepared to the fact that a room in a five-star hotel will hardly fit four stars in terms of comfort and quality of service.
12. Unlike many other African countries, there are almost no beggars in Madagascar. Tourists should communicate with local people in a calm and friendly manner. The Malagasy are almost always hospitable. … Open

Preparing your trip to Antananarivo: advices & hints - things to do and to obey

City tours, excursions and tickets in Antananarivo and surroundings

Madagascar: travelling advices

Photos of Antananarivo

Services search (pharmacy, police, parking, banks) on Antananarivo map

Tips for the cities around Antananarivo