SPECIFIC PURCHASES

ARE PROHIBITED :

Endangered animal and plant species listed in annex I of CITES or Convention on International Trade of Fauna and Flora Species. Are particulary included in ths category :

• Lemurs
• Dugong
• Radiated tortoise
• Spur tortoise
• BOA
• Antongil red frog
• Orchids
• Euphorb, Didieraceous, apocynaceos species (pachypodium)
• Authentic object classified as national heritage (aloalo, Zafimaniry shutters, ancient object and documents…)

ARE CONSIDERED AS PROTECTED :

• Vertebrate, fish and plant fossils
• Dinosaur bones
• Aepyornis eggs

THE TRAVELLER IS FREE TO TAKE OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY

• 250 g : hallmarked jewels (subject to justifying entry with foreign currencies, the traveller may be allowed to take as much as 1kg.
• 2 kg of vanilla exempted from tax and duties.

PURCHASES IN DUTY FREE SHOPS

Now, it is well known, Antananarivo-Ivato duty free shops, with their renovated attractive lay out, are among the best-stocked and the cheapest in the zone.

INTERNATIONAL AIR LINKS :

Air Madagascar (Tsaradia), EWA, Ethiopian Airlines, kenya Airways, Air France, Air Austral

BANK, CREDIT CARD, CURRENCY

After quitting the Franc zone in the 70’s, Madagascar created the Malagasy Franc (MGF), which until recently has remained effective after several historical devaluations. Since 1st January 2005, the country has chosen to shift back to its traditional currency, the Ariary ( Ar), which is 5 mg.

Euro and Dollars are the most used foreign currencies in Madagascar. The Malagasy currency in not convertible, soi t is best to change according to one’s needs at banks, foreign exchange offices and a few authorized hotels.

The bank sector is now fully liberalized. The network comprises 7 commercial banks which number 105 agencies nationwide. They have non stop opening hours Monday through Friday (except on days before public holidays when they close all Operations by the end of morning). Automatic cash dispensers are available to anyone having international credit cards.

Visa Car is the most generally accepted credit card. Others, such as Master Card, Diner’s and American Express, are not very much used. Travellers’ cheques are of better use in tourism activities than in everyday shopping.

BANK HEAD OFFICE :

Société Général Madagasacar

BMOI

BOA Madagascar

BNI-Crédit Agricole

BGFI

Budget

Time DIFFERENCES :

Madagascar is GMT +3, this means :