Madagascar Travel Guide

1. Visa Application We understand that you can apply for a visa on arrival. The specific fees are as follows: USD 10 for a 15-day visa, USD 37 for a 30-day visa, USD 45 for a 60-day visa, and USD 55 for a 90-day visa. We recommend that travelers choose the appropriate visa duration based on their itinerary to avoid unnecessary trouble and expenses. A tip: Do not follow others' example of applying for a short-term visa and then renewing it, as the process is cumbersome and not cost-effective. 2. Entry and Language The entry process is smooth, and customs officers generally do not ask additional questions. People here mostly speak French. Although there are fewer English speakers, you don't need to worry too much about communication. You can download a French translation app in advance for emergencies. 3. Currency Exchange and SIM Cards Regarding currency exchange, we do not recommend exchanging money at the airport due to poor exchange rates. You can choose to go outside and find a taxi driver to exchange money. For example, on the way to Pegasus Hotel, drivers usually quote MGA 70,000, but the actual price can be bargained down to MGA 30,000–50,000. We finally settled at MGA 40,000. For SIM cards, you can choose to buy a 25 GB data package at an Orange store for about MGA 110,000 (approximately CNY 170). In addition, Airtel Express is also a good choice for price comparison. 4. Accommodation Recommendations 1. Budget: Hotel Moonlight, moderately priced, located near the city center, with a local market nearby, is a cost-effective choice. 2. Mid-range: A L'Hote is located on a hillside, with a nightly rate of about MGA 72,000 (sometimes discounted to MGA 65,000), with a balcony offering a panoramic view of the city. However, please note that the water pressure may occasionally be unstable. 3. Convenient: Jin Hai and Pegasus hotels are run by Chinese owners and offer Chinese food options, suitable for travelers who want a convenient stay. 5. Food Recommendations 1. The dishes at the Chinese restaurants Jin Hai and Pegasus are very delicious and unforgettable, and some tourists even say they want to return to China after eating there. 2. In addition, we also recommend Shaanxi Noodle House Dun Huang, where the dishes are also very good and worth a try. This is a brief travel guide we have prepared for you, and we hope it will be helpful for your trip. In addition, more detailed guides on attractions and nearby activities are being compiled, and we look forward to your continued attention and exploration. Good luck! Note: The above information is for reference only, and specific fees and policies may change over time. Please verify the latest information and plan your itinerary before traveling. Have a nice trip!