Entry and exit formality :
Passport which validity has to be at least 6 month after the date of return abroad . Obligatory Visa delivered by the abroad consular authority or upon the arrival at the airport.

Money :
The Malagasy currency is the Ariary which is not convertible . The travellers checks can be changed in all banking agencies and some hotels .
Blue Card Visa , Mastercard and Eurocard are well represented nationally .

Language :
The official language is the Malagasy , French is considered as the "second language" . Local dialects are also spoken

Time difference :
GMT/UTC + 3. When it is 18h in Madagascar, it corresponds to 15H GMT.
From 21March to 21 December : When it is 8H in France, it is 9H in Madagascar (+1)
From 22 December au 20 March :When it is 8H in france, it is 10H in Madagascar (+2)

Sunset and sunrise :
The sun rises and sets more or less regularly all the year.
The sunrise is between 05H and 07H. The sunset is between 17H and 19H (According to the season).

Health and Vaccination :
Antimalarial treatment is strongly recommended upon arrival .No obligatory vaccine except for passengers from zones infested by the cholera or the yellow fever .

Restauration :
All tastes and all purses will be satisfied , from the"hotely" , Malagasy popular restaurant to the best gastronomic restaurant . With a great variety of cuisine : traditional Malagasy or French as well Italian , Chinese or Indian. And on the coasts , dishes of fish and seafood basis are abundant .

Électricity:
Most of the time 220 alternative volts, 50Hz. Electrical plugs have generally two jack plugs

Telecommunication :
Telephone: Direct international calls are available in main cities. The indicative of the country is: 261, followed by two figures to select the service supplier , 20 for TELMA (the surest ), 32 for Orange , and 33 for Madacom. Portable telephone: The system GSM 900 network is used. Madacom and Orange are the main service suppliers . The system covers the great cities and main roads. Internet: Internet access for the public can be found in the great cities. There are also cybercafés in the great cities . Telegram: The main post office of Antananarivo (PTT) proposes a telegram transmission service operational 24h/24. PTT: The general delivery, in most important post offices is the surest option. Media : Six dailies are published in Malagasy or French language. The main newspapers are Midi Madagasikara, Madagascar Tribune, The Express of Madagascar and The Quotidien .

Hunting :
From May to October
Obligatory hunting permits, shotgun in temporary admission, 200 cartridges authorized

Clothings advice :
Light cotton clothes on the coasts and hotter clothes for the interior (mountains and high plateau where it can be fresh (especially the night). Take a raincoat according to the season and on the east coast. Take walkingshoes , a solar cream, an anti-mosquito product

Tips :
If the service is included in the bill , the tip is not necessary, It is however usage to leave small currency.

Customs and traditions:
The Malagasy people are very hospitable and naturally cordial . However, it is advised to respect customs and local traditions. Never mock the forbidden, joke on the death, show impatience.

Photographies :
Bring with you invoices of your camera for custom needs . Take new batteries and several types of films. It is possible to make develop photographies on the spot.