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Money & duty free for Madagascar

Currency information: 

Currency can be bought only at banks and official bureaux de change in hotels and at the airport in Antananarivo. Exchange rates in hotels are less-favourable than other outlets. The Ariary is non-convertible and cannot be exchanged back into tradable currency. Changing small amounts, as required, is therefore advisable.

The pre-colonial Ariary (MGA; symbol Ar) has replaced the Malagasy Franc (MGF). Notes are in denominations of Ar10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200 and 100. Coins are in denominations of Ar50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1.

Note: Malagasy Francs are no longer accepted.

Credit cards: 

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted at top-end hotels in Tana and the provincial capitals. However, outside of the main cities cash is king.

ATM: 

ATMs can be found in and around the capital and in some of the larger towns.

Travellers cheques: 

These can be exchanged in banks and major hotels. Traveller's cheques in Euros or US Dollars are advisable to avoid additional exchange rate charges.

Banking hours: 

Mon-Fri 0800-1100 and 1400-1600.

Currency restriction: 

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency.

Currency exchange: 

Currency can be bought only at banks and official bureaux de change in hotels and at the airport in Antananarivo. Hotels have a less-favourable exchange rate. The Ariary is a non-convertible currency and cannot be exchanged back into tradable currency. Therefore it is a good idea to exchange currency as required.

Madagascar duty free

The following goods can be imported into Madagascar without incurring customs duty by persons 21 years of age and over:

• 500 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 500g of tobacco.
• One bottle of alcoholic beverage.

Note: All perfume is subject to duty. All vegetables must be declared and import permit received before travel. Animals need a detailed veterinary certificate. Dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies. Arms and ammunition require an exit permit. Tourists should be aware that many items on sale may have been manufactured illegally and may not be taken out of the country, with or without a permit.

Restricted items: The import and export of all foodstuffs (including fruit), protected plants and animals is forbidden. Only 100g of vanilla may be taken out of Madagascar. Non-residents can export 1kg of precious and semi precious stones, as long as proper receipts can be provided; residents are permitted to take out 250g.

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