Madagascar
Living in Madagascar
Last updated on Jan 01, 2024
Summary: The approximate population of Madagascar is 26.9 million people. The largest cities in Madagascar are Antananarivo (the capital), Toamasina, Antsirabe, Fianarantsoa, and Mahajanga. Expats love living in Madagascar for its stunning natural beauty, friendly people, and unique culture. Life in Madagascar is often described as relaxed and laid-back, with a strong emphasis on family and community. Foods popular in Madagascar include rice, beans, and other staples, as well as a variety of seafood dishes. Popular dishes include romazava (a beef and vegetable stew), ravitoto (a pork and cassava dish), and laoka (a spicy vegetable dish). The cons of living in Madagascar include a lack of infrastructure, limited access to healthcare, and a high cost of living. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,500-$2,000 per month, depending on lifestyle. This includes rent, food, transportation, and other expenses.
What do I need to know about living in Madagascar?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Madagascar, they said:
"Before retiring in Madagascar, expats should be aware of the cost of living, which is generally lower than in many other countries. It is important to research the availability of healthcare and medical facilities, as well as the quality of the services provided. Expats should also be aware of the local culture and customs, and be prepared to adapt to the local way of life. Additionally, expats should research the availability of banking and financial services, as well as the local currency and exchange rates. Finally, expats should be aware of the local climate and weather patterns, and be prepared for the hot and humid climate," commented one expat who made the move to Madagascar.
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Madagascar?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Madagascar?
- Will I be able to find a job in Madagascar?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in Madagascar appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Madagascar?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Madagascar accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Madagascar like?
- How are healthcare services in Madagascar?
- What are medical services in Madagascar like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Madagascar?
- What are emergency services like in Madagascar?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Madagascar?
- How are local medical facilities in Madagascar?
- As a foreigner living in Madagascar, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
