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Members' Recommendations

Moving to a new country can be a daunting experience. Information you can gather through  books and the internet, cannot replace first hand experience as shared below by WBFN members. If you are already in the Country Office and have some additional experience/tips you would like to share, please contact the WBFN Local Champion or the WBFN office and we will be glad to amend our members' recommendation for this specific country accordingly. WBFN is happy to share—but cannot endorse—information provided by members [consult WBFN Legal]. You have to be a registered WBFN member in order to access the information below; please log in/register

Members Recommendations

  1. 1. When arriving
  2. 2. Short term housing
  3. 3. Housing & understanding your lease
  4. 4. Schools and daycares
  5. 5. Security
  6. 6. Healthcare providers & emergencies
  7. 7. Shopping
  8. 8. Recreational activities
  9. 9. Communities
  10. 10. Other recommendations
  1. 1. When arriving
    1. 1.1 What to bring with you
      • Good walking shoes. The city can be quite dirty and dusty (so avoid white tennis shoes for ex.). There are few sidewalks and the roads have many potholes. Comfortable sneakers or closed-toe shoes are important.
      • Stock up on your favorite dvds or series because getting internet can be a lengthy process, even in your temporary housing. Uploading or streaming movies/series can also be lengthy if you do not have a fast connection.
      • If you have kids, think of bringing toys and books for the next 2 months (maybe more depending on where you are moving from)
      • A back up mobile phone. You may find you need to keep your international phone number as well as your new Madagascan phone number during the first few weeks/months (or long-term). It is therefore a good idea to bring a spare phone, or a phone that takes two SIM cards, with you. High quality, new mobile phones are extremely expensive in Madagascar.
    2. 1.2 Family Network in the location
      • The WBG expat community is quite small in Tana (about 7-8 staff as of Feb. 2018). Amy and Cecile, both spouses of WBG expat staff members make up WBFN for now and are happy to help newcomers settle in and discover the city. The country office is also quick to help out and can be reached for a variety of questions.
    3. 1.3 Settling in the first 2 months
      • Arranging to have a driver with his/her car from the beginning is quite important. Although there are plenty of taxis in the cities, the sanitary conditions are not up to western standards, the cars are very old (30-50 years old) and therefore road security can be an issue. Check with your country office or other staff/WBFN members before moving to receive a list of recommended drivers.
  2. 2. Short term housing
    • For your internet needs, and until you get a “fibre” subscription in your permanent house, you can buy a 4G mobile internet “box” from one of the 4 telephone operators here with a prepaid card. It is a bit pricey compared to a regular subscription, but it will save your life and your sanity! You will have to provide an identity document (e.g. passport) when buying the box and prepaid card, and will most likely have to pay in cash.
    • A modern apartment building with amazing views of the city in one of the nicest parts of the city (Haute Ville) has spacious apartments with modern amenities. The apartments are fully furnished and well equipped with everything you need for the first few days and weeks. The owner is very friendly and helpful. The location is central and close to the Bank office (around 15-20 minutes driving, depending on traffic). Many of the WBG staff (including WBFN members!) have elected it as their temporary housing and some have decided to make it their permanent home. 

     

    Contact: 

    Caroline Gillet Rasamoely (owner) caroline.gillet1@gmail.com
    +261 33 37 003 73

     

    AirBnB has a very limited offer in Tana and there are many parts of the city that are not really “appropriate” for an expat to live in. Relying on tips from your relocation agency and other WBG staff in the country office is the best way to go.

  3. 3. Housing & understanding your lease

    Include a diplomatic clause in your housing rental agreement and negotiate on the price. Make sure you know what is included and what is not in your rent contract. For ex., a generator for a house is quite pricey so you may want to negotiate with the landlord on having him/her include it in the rent. Same thing for kitchen appliances if they are not included. The relocation agency (and WBFN members) can provide a sample rental agreement.

    Rent contracts can be in the local currency or in Euros. For expat housing, contracts tend to be in Euros because of the high depreciation of the Ariary. 

    It is advisable to be present when your container is opened at the depot in Antananarivo. You can specifically request this to your Madagascar-based moving company. This is to ensure that the container is not opened at the port (which it does not have to be).

    When your container arrives, you must have the house secured with a guard, especially if you are still transitioning from your temporary to your permanent house. The WBG office can recommend the 2 or 3 security companies most often used by expats. Please contact them once your container arrives at port so that you/they have time to get organized and you are able to sign the contract before the container is delivered to your home.

  4. 4. Schools and daycares

    Public Malagasy schools are not recommended because of their low levels of performance. Expats usually put their kids in private schools and there are several to choose from depending on the language of instruction. For French, most people will put their kids in the Lycée Francais de Tana, which includes 4 elementary campuses spread out around town, and one main campus for middle and high school (located in Ambatobe). For English, I have heard good things about the American School located in Ivandry.

    Jacques Prevert Daycare, located next to the French Ecole B Elementary campus, is a choice many French-speakers make, especially when they have daycare and elementary kids (as both schools are adjacent to each other).

    Nannies, are fairly easy to find either by word of mouth, on expat madagascar’s facebook page or using a placement service like Home Services (very professional and can help finding you a house, gardener, cook, nanny, etc…)

    Home Services http://home-services.mg info@home-services.mg
    +261 34 02 659 03

    The current champions are not aware of a special needs school.

  5. 5. Security
    • Some areas in the city are to be avoided when possible. Your real estate agent will only show you houses in acceptable neighborhoods.
    • In general, it is recommended to drive with windows closed and doors locked, to always have a guard at the door of your house or apartment/apartment building, and not to exhibit expensive jewelry/phones/electronics.
    • One should also avoid walking at night, alone or in a group. 
    • There are many security guards outside businesses, hotels and restaurants in the heart of the city center. If you find it is necessary to walk at night (short distances, e.g. between a restaurant and your hotel), you can usually ask a guard to accompany you for a small price. 
  6. 6. Healthcare providers & emergencies

    Basic medicines are fairly easy to find in Antananarivo (e.g. blood pressure medicine). Most are available without a prescription and are extremely cheap. Anything more out of the ordinary may be difficult to find and you should bring a supply with you. It is sometimes possible to order unavailable medicines from the Pharmacie Principale (Route des Hydracarbures), which take around two weeks to arrive.

    If living near the Ecole Elementaire B, a good generalist for kids and adults is:

    Dr. Tania 
    034 11 243 93
    032 51 408 60
    Located across from the Ecole B, next to the soccer field.

    Other doctors such as gynecologists, pediatricians, dentists and ophthalmologists can be found in Tana, for instance at Espace Medicale. There are not that many, but enough to get your routine check ups done. Again, word of mouth and social media are good resources to use. 

    For highly specialized doctors that are not that common, you will need to consult in La Reunion, South Africa or wait until you return home!

    There is no general 911 number you can dial in Tana. For emergencies, the following numbers are provided by the World Bank. These numbers are the same as those on the MERC cards you will receive.

     

    Ambulances
    033 12 227 69 (Estrel)
    032 55 920 87

    Fire
    020 22 225 66

    Police
    020 22 357 09
    020 22 227 35

    UN security
    033 11 433 69
    032 23 108 94

    There are no international standard type hospitals. If an operation needs to be performed (either planned or suddenly), expats will usually fly to La Reunion to have it done. 

    It is not recommended to deliver your children in Madagascar. Expats usually fly home to give birth. 

  7. 7. Shopping
    1. 7.1 Supermarkets

      Supermarkets

      Leader Price and Jumbo Score have the most variety and you can find mostly everything there. It is pretty common to see an article one day and then not see it again for some time, so if you are hooked on certain items, you should stock up when you can.

      Shoprite is a South-African chain of supermarkets and they can be found throughout the city. They are usually smaller and have less variety than the above two but you can find certain products here that you won’t find in the others (SA wines, certain spices or sauces…)

      Organic products are difficult to find in Tana. 

      There are small farmers markets organized in Ambatobe (lycee francais area). Days and time vary but once you are settled in you can get on their mailing list. In these markets you can find delicious breads, dried and cured meat products, organic honey, cashmere and veggies that are close to being organic as well as prepared Indian and Asian meals. You can also order escargots and foie gras. The quality of the products is quite good and many french speaking expats ladies meet there to have a coffee after dropping the kids at school. 

    2. 7.2 Household appliances

      Household appliances are expensive in Madagascar if looking for international brands, so it is advisable to bring what you have rather than purchasing things once there, if possible. The main appliances stores are:

      Cosmos (multiple stores around the city)

      Conforama

      Candy (near Galaxy)

      You can buy a few “transformers” in your home country that will convert 110V to 220V and use most of your appliances / electronics from home (for ex., Espresso machine, TV, toaster, blenders, etc…)

    3. 7.3 Furniture

      Good quality, modern and reasonably priced furniture is hard to find in Madagascar so it is advisable to bring what you already have. It is possible to have custom wooden furniture made in the country but quality will depend on what you are willing to pay.

      • Mad’Attitude makes high-end custom made furniture
      • Suzy’s Corner is a great shop for decoration, gifts and also has some furniture
      • S Prix Meubles, next to Leader Price, has some nice wood furniture but is quite pricey
      • Habitat, a French mid to high end furniture shop
      • Ebene Meubles for outdoor furniture (also custom-made)
    4. 7.4 Fabric and soft furnishings
      Eden Textiles 
      Next to La City in Ankorondrano 
      Quite expensive but good quality fabric. They can make custom curtains. 
       
      SOMACOU 
      In Ilafy. They have many fabrics and can make custom-made curtains, bed covers and pillow cases. Prices are reasonable. 
       
      Eureka 
      Above Leader Price in Ankorondrano 
      Large range of fabrics and other soft furnishings.  
    5. 7.5 Hair & Beauty Salon
      • Lionel Doilleau in Ivandry (for hair, nails, waxing, etc) 
      • Amazones (Ivandry in La City shopping mall) 
      • Tara’s Beauty (Ivandry) (for nails) 
      • Ecarlate Beaute (for facials) 
      • Le Colbert Spa (for massages and body scrubs…) 
    6. 7.6 Bakeries
      • The market in Ambatobe
      • l’Art Blanc (Ivandry)
      • l’Express Bleu (Ivandry)
      • Bread Mafana (Isoraka, city center, next to Sakamanga Hotel)
      • La Patisserie (Colbert Hotel, city center)
  8. 8. Recreational activities
    1. 8.1 Restaurants
      • Citizen (Isoraka. Lovely garden and good food in a pretty villa).
      • Kudeta (Isoraka. An institution serving classic French fare and others. Also has live concerts)
      • Le Be (Isoraka. Mid to upscale restaurant) 
      • Urban Hotel (Haute Ville. Food is so so but great views and wonderful sangrias)
      • La Varangue (a high-end but reasonably priced hotel restaurant with wonderful antique decoration)
      • L’arrivage (stylish yet unpretentious fish restaurant close to Palissandre Hotel)
    2. 8.2 Nightlife

       

      Institut Francais de Madagascar​ (IFM) - one of the main cultural hubs in Tana http://www.institutfrancais-madagascar.com/

      Kudeta ​(restaurant and club) 

      https://www.facebook.com/kudetamadagascar/

      IsArt Galerie​ (art gallery, concerts, bar, cultural happenings)
      http://www.isart-galerie.mg/en/

      No Comment Bar - informal bar with live music at least once a week http://www.nocomment.mg/entreprise/no-comment-bar/ 

      There are also a number of nightclubs in the city center that are perfectly safe for expats.

       

    3. 8.3 Sports Clubs/Country Clubs

      There are relatively few sports clubs with weights/cardio machines and group classes as we know them in the US. If you practice several sports or like to do a combination of things, you will have trouble finding everything in one space. Here are a few addresses popular with expats:

       

      • Le Rova ​(mainly for golf. they also have a pool and a restaurant. about 1 hour drive from tana)
      • Club Olympique de Tana (COT)​, located in Ilafy, 30mn from the city center. Riding center with many horses, 25 meter pool, 8 tennis courts, restaurant. Kids and adults can take tennis, swimming, riding and pony lessons. They organize brunch on Sundays. It is a big French expat hangout.
      • Le Country Club​, also in Ilafy, for tennis fans. Very pretty scenery, pool, restaurant, many tennis courts and the best for tennis lessons.
      • ACSA, a membership-only tennis club located close to the WB office.
      • Yoga Soa​, upstairs from the Leader Price in Ankonrondrano. Offers group yoga classes or in-home private sessions. They also organize regular yoga retreats.
      • The Carlton Hotel​, located next to the WBG office offers a very nice 25 meter pool and 2 tennis courts. You can pay a subscription or pay as you go.
      • Residence Ambatobe has a small gym with some group classes, a few cardio machines and aqua zumba as well as swimming lessons for kids. The gym is open to residents and non-residents and you can pay as you go or pay a membership.
      • ​Quintana​, a very small but friendly gym in Isoraka with a few machines, weights, groups classes.
    4. 8.4 Rugby/Soccer/Badminton

      Group sports are also available and can be practiced with locals and expats alike. The best is to inquire around at the WBG office or with colleagues from other NGOs.

    5. 8.5 Parks

      There are no parks in Tana and hardly any green spaces in the city center. Nevertheless, the city is very green as trees, plants and flowers grow easily here. Rice fields are also abundant in the city. Tana is home to numerous varieties of plants (jacarandas, palm trees of various species, bougainvilliers, laurel trees, acacias, banana trees, litchi trees, papaya trees, and the list goes on and on) both local and foreign. Expats either have a garden where kids can play or live in a gated community that has a park, kids’ playground and/or pool. 

    6. 8.6 Walking/Hiking

      Tana is surrounded by hills and valleys. Getting out of the city can be quite fast and easy (especially on a Sunday) meaning that you can be in the countryside in 20 minutes, with nothing but you, rice fields, hills and the occasional villager. There are many hikes from easy to strenuous that one can do for a few hours, to a full day. Different hiking groups and a Hash House Harrier group exist. Look on Facebook or contact Tana Accueil for more information. 

    7. 8.7 Biking/ Mountain Biking

      Biking is also a popular sport here outside of the city boundaries, in the hills. There are several groups that organize weekend outings for experienced and beginners, including family outings with smaller kids.

      Bikes can be rented for a half day, full day or over a multi-day outing. www.mbike.mg

      Facebook Gropus:  https://www.facebook.com/Madagascar.Bike/

    8. 8.8 Weekend getaways

      There are several possibilities for spending a day or a weekend out of the city. However, it is difficult to get to the beach for the weekend, unless taking a slightly longer weekend, given that it is necessary to fly. Nosy Be is the beach destination with the most frequent flights, making shorter trips easier.

      Lemurs Park
      For a day out, the Lemurs Park is quite nice. You can see many different types of lemurs in a quiet and peaceful park overlooking a small river. You can also have lunch there. 

      Ambohimanga
      A UNESCO World Heritage Site around an hour outside the city. Official tours are available in multiple languages. There is also a small restaurant and sometimes traditional concerts and dancing.

      Others
      There are lakeside towns and artisan villages around Tana that make for a good break from the city. Consult your travel guide for details.

  9. 9. Communities

    Social media groups

    Expat Madagascar​ - ​https://www.facebook.com/groups/expatmada/?ref=br_rs For tips, advice, buying and selling household items, etc. Very active.

    Antananarivo Buy, Sell & Trade​ - ​https://www.facebook.com/groups/668043769906588/ For buying and selling mainly household items.

    Mad About Madagascar​ - ​https://www.facebook.com/groups/309316222834060/ Tips and advice for traveling in Madagascar.

    Coin AutoMoto Mada​ - ​https://www.facebook.com/groups/CoinAutoMoto/ For buying and selling used cars, scooters, motorbikes.

    Expat Communities

    Tana Accueil ​(social group for French speakers. Very active in Tana and organizes an array of activities and outings)

  10. 10. Other recommendations

    Clothing:

    For kids (especially little girls) there are many high-end French brands that have their collections made in Tana. You can find some of their pieces for next to nothing in the Thursday city market and in other “factory shops”.
    Cashmere is also readily available here and you will be able to find beautiful sweaters, scarfs etc..for half the price or less than in the US. 

    Shoes

    For kids and adults, shoes are hard to find or there is little variety. Think of getting bigger sizes for your kids once they outgrow the ones they come with.

    Sports apparel/clothing:

    Same as above. If you are looking for something in particular you either won’t find it, will have to wait months for a container to come or it will be 5 times the price of the US. For example, if your child plays soccer, think of bringing an extra pair of cleats, one size bigger, if you do not plan to go back to your country in the next 6 months. 

    Beauty products:

    The big supermarkets carry the usual L’Oreal, Nivea etc. products but if you are used to something else or more high-end, stock up and bring it with you. 

    Pets / Vets 

    If you are planning to bring a pet with you, start checking the import requirements for Madagascar as far in advance of your move as possible (i.e. at least three or four months before). Consider also the pet export requirements of the country you are leaving (for instance the USDA has a very complicated and time-bound process you have to follow) and the requirements of any countries that you might be passing through on your way to Madagascar. Obtaining all the necessary documents in the very specific time windows can be very complex, so planning is key!!

    For the documents required for Madagascar, contact Vet Clinic in Antananarivo. You will submit various documents to Vet Clinic and pay a fee, and they will obtain an import permit on your behalf. For an additional fee, a representative of Vet Clinic can also meet you at the airport when you arrive with your pet to assist you if there are any issues with customs (although this is unlikely).

    Remember that rabies is a big problem in Madagascar and the process of getting your pet back out of the country may be more complicated than getting him/her in.

    Vet Clinic: 

    https://www.facebook.com/vetclinic.antananarivo/?hc_ref=ARQGX1_YOmoTP8DxnZxC3Q_8LpPQtAQei 4fI4h5hua-BP5ydLEXfYK3RWMSUYIEmlis&fref=nf

    Vet Clinic is also a good option for veterinary care and pet supplies and food. The veterinary care is reasonably priced (especially compared to the US) but food and supplies are on the expensive side. The main supermarkets (Leader Price, Jumbo Score) also sell pet food but not really well known brands.

    Driving / Cars

    Driving in Tana can be difficult, tiresome and nerve racking. If you are used to driving in Europe or the US driving in Tana will take some getting used to. Roads are in dire condition, there are no sidewalks (so people, shops, and animals invade the roadside), there are hills everywhere (so either you know how to drive stick or you should get an automatic!) and no street signs or traffic lights. That said, Google Maps and Waze work pretty well! Drivers are also fairly easy to come by and don’t cost an arm and a leg. 

    You will probably want a driver and a 4x4. A 4x4 is useful if you plan on doing any out of the city driving and even in the city, roads can be quite challenging, necessitating a 4x4. Also, during the rainy season, being in a sturdy vehicle that is higher up than a sedan is quite useful. 

     A driver is useful to keep yourself sane (you can spend hours a day in traffic), catch up on some useful reading or phone calls, and do the driving you would rather not do (like those 500 meters to school that can take 30 minutes but are still impossible to do by foot, or night driving in the rain).

    Getting a car, whether used or new, can take months so it is important to have a temporary solution for the first few months. Good quality used cars are hard to come by so it’s important to move quickly if you see something interesting advertised. Social media groups are the most useful source, but there are also notice boards at most of the large supermarkets where people post cars for sale.  

    It’s also possible to import a new car through a dealership, and the administrative staff at the office will help in preparing the necessary documentation.