Jazmin Li
If you're travelling to Madagascar, you'll need to know about exchanging currency at the airport. The local currency is the Malagasy Ariary, abbreviated to Ar. or MGA. While you can exchange ariary for dollars at the airport, some sources suggest that you may get a better rate in Antananarivo. There is an ATM at the airport, but it's recommended that you don't carry large amounts of cash, and instead use a mobile wallet like MVola.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Currency at Tana Airport | Malagasy Ariary, Euros, and Dollars |
| Exchange at the airport | Possible at the "bureau de change" or ATMs |
| Exchange rate | May be different from the city rate, and the bank rate is lower than the "bureau de change" rate |
| Carrying cash | Not recommended due to safety reasons |
| Mobile wallets | MVola is recommended for use |
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What You'll Learn
Exchanging ariary for dollars at the airport
When travelling to Madagascar, it is important to know that the local currency is the Malagasy Ariary, abbreviated as "Ar." or “MGA”. While it is possible to exchange ariary for dollars at the airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended not to carry too much cash, as it may not be safe. Instead, consider exchanging around $500 USD at the airport money changer to cover your initial expenses, and then withdraw more cash from ATMs located in major cities. Additionally, consider using a mobile wallet like MVola, which is available to anyone with a Telma SIM card. This will help you avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
When exchanging currency at Tana Airport, you may encounter conflicting information. Some sources suggest that the airport snack bar does not accept ariary, only accepting US dollars or euros. However, others claim that they were able to spend their remaining ariary at the same snack bar by indicating that they had no other currency. It is speculated that the airport collects foreign currency to support the central bank in keeping the ariary lower.
It is recommended to check the exchange rates offered at the airport's "bureau de change" before proceeding. The rates may differ, and you may lose some money in the transaction. Additionally, ATMs at the airport may be unreliable, as they can be out of order or malfunction and retain your card. If you plan to use a prepaid travel card, consider having it in euros or US dollars.
While you can exchange ariary for dollars at the airport, it may be beneficial to wait until you reach Tana or other major cities to get better rates. Exchanging currency in Antananarivo, for example, may result in a higher return. Additionally, some travellers suggest bringing small denomination euros or US dollars for ease of exchange, especially if you are travelling to less touristy areas. Remember that the ariary is not an officially convertible currency, so plan your exchanges accordingly.
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The ariary-dollar exchange rate
While the ariary is the official currency of Madagascar, it is not always accepted at the airport, particularly in the departure lounge and at snack bars, where euros and dollars are often required. This has been a source of frustration for travellers, who have reported being turned away from purchases due to only having local currency. However, some travellers have reported success in using ariary at the airport by signalling that they did not have any other currency.
When it comes to exchanging ariary for dollars, there are a few options available at Tana Airport. There is a bureau de change where travellers can exchange ariary for dollars or euros, although the rate may be less favourable than other options. ATMs are also available at the airport and in major cities, although they may be unreliable and often incur additional fees. Some travellers recommend bringing US dollars or euros to exchange at the airport, as this can be done easily, and using a prepaid travel card or a fee-free debit card to withdraw local currency from ATMs.
It is worth noting that the ariary floats against the dollar and the euro, and the exchange rate may fluctuate. As such, travellers may want to consider exchanging smaller amounts of currency as needed, rather than carrying large amounts of cash. Additionally, it is important to be mindful of the restrictions on the amount of ariary that can be taken out of the country, which is currently limited to 400,000 ariary.
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Using an ATM at Tana Airport
Location of ATMs at Tana Airport
There are two ATMs at Tana Airport, belonging to BFV-SG (Société Générale Bank) and MCB Madagascar (Mauritius Commercial Bank). These ATMs are easily accessible within the airport premises.
Card Acceptance
It is important to note that the ATMs at Tana Airport primarily accept Visa and Mastercard. If you have a foreign debit card, ensure it has a Visa or Mastercard symbol. Some ATMs in Madagascar, including those from MCB, also accept Maestro cards.
Withdrawal Limits and Currency
There is no daily withdrawal limit imposed by the ATMs at Tana Airport. However, there is a limit of 40 notes per transaction, and the maximum amount you can withdraw per transaction is 800,000 Malagasy Ariary (the local currency). This limit is due to the highest denomination of Ariary notes being 20,000. You can always make multiple transactions if you need a larger amount.
Exchange Rates and Fees
Alternative Options
If you prefer not to use an ATM, you can exchange currency at the airport money changer. It is recommended to bring at least $500 to exchange to cover initial expenses. Additionally, you can use a mobile wallet service called MVola, which is a safer option than carrying large amounts of cash.
By following these guidelines, you can efficiently utilise the ATMs at Tana Airport and navigate your arrival in Madagascar with ease.
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Using a credit card at Tana Airport
When it comes to using a credit card at Tana Airport in Madagascar, there is limited information available. However, it is known that the airport provides facilities for money exchange, ATMs, and mobile wallets.
While I cannot provide a direct answer regarding credit card usage at the airport, I can offer some general insights and suggestions for managing your money during your travels in Madagascar. Firstly, it is recommended to avoid carrying large amounts of cash for safety reasons. Instead, consider exchanging at least US$500 at the airport money changer to cover your initial expenses for a few days. You can then withdraw more cash from ATMs located in major cities as needed.
Additionally, consider using a mobile wallet like MVola, which is available to anyone with a Telma SIM card. This can help you avoid carrying bulky amounts of cash during your trip. The local currency in Madagascar is the Malagasy Ariary, often abbreviated as "Ar." or "MGA." The exchange rate between currencies can vary, so it is advisable to check the rates before your trip.
When it comes to credit cards, some premium cards do offer airport lounge access as a perk. However, the specific benefits and lounges accessible can vary, and there may be additional costs or requirements, such as separate lounge membership or guest fees. It is recommended to carefully review the terms and conditions of your credit card to understand the specific benefits and limitations regarding airport lounge access.
Lastly, when exchanging money, be mindful of potential scams or individuals offering higher exchange rates, as mentioned in some traveller accounts at Tana Airport. It is generally safer and more advisable to use official exchange services and ATMs.
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Carrying cash vs using a mobile wallet in Madagascar
When travelling to Madagascar, it is important to consider how you will manage your money. This could mean carrying cash, using a mobile wallet, or a combination of both. Here are some things to consider when deciding between carrying cash and using a mobile wallet in Madagascar:
Carrying Cash
One of the benefits of carrying cash is that it can be easily accessible and accepted everywhere, including in smaller towns and remote areas. It is recommended to carry a mix of cash and other payment methods to ensure you are covered in various situations. Carrying some cash can be useful for immediate needs, such as paying for transportation or small purchases, and it may be necessary in places where other payment methods are not widely accepted. However, carrying large sums of cash can be risky and inconvenient. It can make you a target for theft, and losing it or having it stolen could leave you stranded without funds. Additionally, carrying cash can be bulky and cumbersome, especially when dealing with large denominations of local currency.
Using a Mobile Wallet
Mobile wallets, such as MVola and Orange Money, offer a convenient and secure alternative to carrying cash. They allow you to access your money digitally and make payments or transfers without the need for physical cash. These mobile money services have become increasingly popular in Madagascar, with over 10 million mobile money accounts, surpassing the number of bank accounts in the country. Mobile wallets provide benefits such as peer-to-peer money transfers, the ability to send and receive money instantly, and the convenience of not having to carry large amounts of cash. Additionally, mobile wallets can be used to pay bills and make purchases at various establishments. However, it is important to note that mobile wallets may not be universally accepted, especially in smaller towns or remote areas, where internet connectivity or mobile network coverage may be limited.
Advantages of Using a Mobile Wallet Over Carrying Cash in Madagascar:
- Safety: Carrying large amounts of cash can make you a target for theft or loss. With a mobile wallet, your funds are secure, and you don't have to worry about leaving cash unattended in hotel rooms or safes.
- Convenience: Mobile wallets eliminate the need to carry bulky cash, especially when dealing with large denominations. It is much easier to carry your phone with you and access your funds digitally.
- Accessibility: While ATMs may not be readily available or reliable in all areas, mobile wallets provide access to your money anytime, anywhere, as long as you have your phone and a stable mobile network connection.
- Flexibility: Mobile wallets often offer a range of services beyond just storing and sending money, such as paying bills, purchasing goods and services, and even applying for loans.
Recommendations:
When travelling to Madagascar, it is generally recommended to use a combination of cash and mobile wallets for convenience and safety. Here are some specific suggestions:
- Bring some cash in a widely accepted currency, such as US Dollars or Euros, and exchange a small amount into Ariary at the airport or local money changers to cover immediate expenses.
- Obtain a local SIM card upon arrival at the Tana Airport, such as Telma or Orange, which offer mobile banking services MVola and Orange Money, respectively.
- Set up a mobile wallet account, such as MVola or Orange Money, which will allow you to deposit cash into your phone and access your funds digitally.
- Use your mobile wallet for day-to-day expenses, and keep a small amount of cash for immediate needs or emergencies.
- Avoid carrying large sums of cash and leave any excess cash in a secure location, such as a hotel safe.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can exchange ariary for dollars at the airport's bureau de change.
The exchange rate at the airport's bureau de change is likely to be worse than in the city of Tana itself. The rate at the airport is also likely to be worse than the rate you would get from a debit card withdrawal from an ATM.
Yes, there is at least one ATM at the airport. However, ATMs in Madagascar are not always reliable, as they are often out of order or may retain your card.
The domestic and international sections of the airport upstairs accept ariary. However, the departure lounge and some shops and restaurants in the airport may only accept euros and dollars.
It is recommended that you bring and exchange at least $500 at the airport to cover your expenses for the first few days. You can always withdraw more cash at ATMs located in major cities.
