Save on your journey with smart planning.
Make the most of your time in Antananarivo with these efficiency hacks.
Gain insights from local customs and avoid common tourist pitfalls.
Customize your approach according to your travel companions.
You might want to bring a a travel water filter or water cleaning tablets to treat tap water, even if you mainly drink bottled. This grants a backup and helps cut plastic waste.
These resources and references greatly assist your journey.
Leverage technology to help your journey with essential apps and online tools.
Sometimes, a physical resource shows its worth, especially where internet access is limited.
Be safe and informed having emergency contacts and medical facility details.
Seek out local tourism accounts or bloggers who travel specializing in Madagascar for up-to-date visual information and travel tips. Instagram and Facebook often feature recent updates.
A private clinic often recommended for foreigners due to generally higher standards of care.
Another well-regarded private clinic, often serving expatriates and tourists for various medical needs.
A public, larger hospital, where standards can vary; used mainly for serious emergencies or as a last resort.
Always hold a copy of your passport and visa separate from the originals. This speeds up replacement processes if documents go missing.
A well-organized pre-trip checklist makes your journey to Antananarivo smooth and stress-free.
Follow a timeline in chronological order to distributed your planning tasks.
Break down your preparations into manageable steps leading up prior to your departure.
Check your passport validity. Make sure it stays with at least six months of validity beyond your departure date from Madagascar. Research what visa you need for your nationality. Apply for your visa if needed, allowing ample processing time.
Book international flights, especially for peak season (July-September) for better availability and fares. Research travel insurance options and purchase a full policy, such as from World Nomads, covering medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip disruptions.
Consult a travel health clinic or your doctor for vaccinations and to discuss malaria prophylaxis. Begin any necessary vaccination courses.
Schedule flights within the country (if applicable) for travel within Madagascar; confirm major accommodations in Antananarivo and other places. Arrange any specialized tours or guides, notably for national parks or unique cultural experiences.
Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you plan to drive in Madagascar (though a car with a driver is usually better). Begin learning basic French or Malagasy phrases for your experience; Babbel is a fantastic option for rehearsing language.
Inform your bank and Credit card companies of your travel plans to prevent card blocking. Arrange for local currency exchange or plan for BANK machine cash outs upon arrival.
Confirm all flight, hotel, and tour bookings. Gather all documents: original passport, visa, vaccination certificates, and print/digital copies of all reservations.
Purchase packing necessities: a Universal power adapter, high-quality insect repellent (with DEET or Picaridin), and a comprehensive first aid kit. Charge all electronics. Download offline maps and useful apps. Consider Eagle Creek for packing organizers.
Review your detailed itinerary and emergency contacts. Confirm airport transfers to and from Ivato Overseas Airport.
Secure these prior to your trip for peace of mind.
Understanding for your trip and peace of mind for your home.
Leaving your home in order before you go.
Always carry physical copies of your essential documents (passport, visa, flight tickets) separate from your electronic copies. This gives a backelevated in case of tech issues.
These first steps on arriving in Antananarivo create a smooth transition.
Complete immigration and customs procedures at Ivato Overseas Airport.
Obtain your visa on arrival (if applicable) and pay any required fees in the local money or major foreign currencies.
Exchange a small amount of currency at the airport or use an ATM for immediate needs. Purchase a local SIM card (e.g., Orange Madagascar) to get connected right away.
Arrange airport transfer: use your pre-booked hotel transfer or negotiate a fare with a recognized taxi. Confirm the price before you start your journey.
Get knowledgeable about your accommodation's neighborhood. Ask hotel staff for local tips, security tips, and directions to nearby points of interest.
Exchange more currency at official bureaus or banks in the urban area for better rates than at the airport. Purchase bottled water immediately upon leaving the airport.
Purchase souvenirs a few days before your departure for careful selection and packing.
If you plan to ship large items, inquire about costs and procedures well in advance with local postal services or international shipping companies.
Madagascar does not typically operate a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund system for tourists on goods purchased.
Therefore, this step is not usually applicable for your departure from Antananarivo.
Arrive at Ivato International Airport at least THREE hours prior to international flights due to potential check-in queues and security lines.
For domestic flights, arrive at least 2 hours prior to your scheduled departure time.
Always confirm the current travel advisories from your government for any updated entry requirements or safety alerts before and during your trip.
Final steps to finalize your trip and plan for your return.
Final financial checks before you depart.
Double-check your carry-on for all essential documents, medications, and valuables you'll need during transit.
Ensure your checked luggage adheres to airline weight and size restrictions to avoid unexpected fees.
