| Currency |
The unit of currency is the Malagasy Franc (Fmg).
Exchange rates are approximately £1 = 10,000Fmg, US$1 = 6,500Fmg.
Coins are often marked in Ariary, 1 Ariary = 5 Malagasy Francs.
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| Flights |
Both Air France and Air Madagascar fly from France, South Africa, and Kenya; they charge similar rates (between £650 and £850).
Flying Air Madagascar into the country gives the advantage of a 33% reduction on the most popular internal flights.
Internal flights cost beween £25 and £80 (depending on distance and number of stops), and are the most convenient way to travel the country avoiding the abysmal and time-consuming overland options.
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| Living Expenses |
Budget travellers should expect to spend about £10 (US$16) per day without cutting-back on too much.
A litre of beer costs on average 6,000Fmg, local cigarettes (Good Look) cost 4,000Fmg per pack.
Reasonable hotels (two to three person hut) cost about 60,000 per night, but can be as low as 30,000.
Food is good and varied (as long as you like rice), and an average meal costs about 30,000Fmg per person for two courses.
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| Parks and Guides |
Park entrance fees are 50,000Fmg per person, and guides should cost no more than 100,000Fmg per 24 hour period (for groups of up to 4 persons).
Transportation fees are often very high, compounded by the current high prices of petrol. Many parks require 4x4 vehicles, and some (such as Masoala) can only be reached by speedboat (prices are extortionate).
Examples of costs can be found in the journal section: Ankarana, Masoala/Nosy Mangabe
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