Shopping in Madagascar - outlets, shopping streets and boutiques

It is hard to call Madagascar a popular shopping destination. Travelers visit this island primarily to enjoy wild nature on the land and in the water, attend interesting excursions, and swim or dive. Of course, this doesn’t mean that no more activities are available to guests of Madagascar. If you have free time, why not to use it to visit local shops and markets in search of something special and authentic? Without a doubt, Madagascar can offer these. It is not hard to buy attractive and useful gifts for friends and oneself. Let’s start with ammonites.

Ammonites are basically shells. These are extinct mollusks, which petrified shells we now can see. The shells are not empty as precious and semi-precious stones formed in them. The process of mineral formation lasted millions of years! It is possible to find agate, quartz, and jasper inside ammonites. A small ammonite with the size of up to 25 cm is quite inexpensive, but larger ones starting from 60 cm are not cheap. Fine jewelry – emeralds, amethysts, garnets, tourmalines, topazes, and aquamarines – is another popular purchase in Madagascar.

There is one recommendation about buying precious stones in Madagascar. It is better not to buy raw stones and jewelry from private individuals. This way, there is a risk of dealing with swindlers. Moreover, tourists can purchase a piece of glass instead of an emerald or have problems with the customs when leaving the country. It is allowed to export only polished stones with purchase certificates. These certificated are obtainable from sellers. Stones without certificates are confiscated, and the unlucky tourist will have to pay a fine. Customs rules are also strict regarding leather items, horns, bones, taxidermied lemurs, turtles, and crocodiles. It is not allowed to export live animals and birds without special permission, as well as flowers, seeds, bulbs, and even dried plants. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Zuma Market in Antananarivo is the most popular place to purchase souvenirs and all kinds of items in general. It is possible to buy virtually everything here – from spices and consumer electronics. Lamba costumes and rituals masks are also wonderful gift ideas. Tourists are usually in love with local textiles with colorful prints and cotton items, such as tablecloths, scarves, and shirts. Everything is attractive and pleases with the quality. Many items are decorated with embroidery. Take a look at local jewelry with mother of pearls, horns, and leather. When buying something, don’t forget to take the receipt and certificate.

Wood carving is popular in Madagascar, so there are many skilled masters on the island. It is always a good idea to visit several artisan shops because each of them offers something new and unique. Moreover, local craftsmen work fast. Tourists can leave an order in the morning and return for the ready item in the evening. The finished product is well-made, polished with wax, and neatly packed for future transportation. It is not common to trick buyers in Madagascar, so there will be no attempts to deceive tourists or hide something from them. Local artisans accept orders for wooden figurines, tableware, utensils, picture frames, chess, and even furniture.

Vanilla pods and coffee beans are the most popular souvenir choices in the food category. It is possible to buy them in local markets or directly from farmers when exploring rural Madagascar. Consider buying a jar or two of local honey and jam. Local herbal teas and spices are also interesting – some of the mare not available anywhere else in the world. Of course, local wine and rum have already become classy choices. The prices for the mentioned products are not high, so even budget tourists can afford them. Finally, don’t forget about baobab shampoo and coconut oil that is widely used in cosmetology and massage.

When making a purchase, it is better to ask the currency indicated on the price tag. The thing is, there are several currencies in operation in Madagascar – Malagasy ariary, American dollar, and euro. Bargaining is allowed not only in markets but also in shops and even hotels. It is not common to bargain only in luxurious hotels and boutiques of the same level as they have fixed prices. Of course, bargaining can be unsuccessful if it is clear that you are a tourist, but it is always worth trying. Local shops are open from Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm. Sunday is a day off, and Saturday usually has shorter work hours. Siesta from 12 pm to 4 pm is adopted in the south and south-eastern parts of Madagascar.