Madagascar
Money in Madagascar: currency, ATMs, cards and tipping
Use the Malagasy ariary (MGA) for all cash purchases; bring euros as backup and exchange at banks or licensed bureaux. Cards work only in major hotels and city ATMs. Tip about 5‑10 % in restaurants and a few euros for guides.
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GuideMadagascar
Key facts
- Currency
- Malagasy ariary (MGA)
- Cash necessity
- High outside major hotels; ATMs in towns only
- Card acceptance
- Limited to large hotels, some city shops and ATMs
- Typical tipcheck
- 5‑10 % in restaurants; €2‑5 for guides
Quick answer
Madagascar uses the ariary (MGA). Carry cash for daily needs; ATMs are in Antananarivo, Toamasina and a few other towns. Visa‑free cards work in upscale hotels and some city shops. Tip 5‑10 % in restaurants and a few euros for guides.
Money summary
| Item | Typical amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | MGA | 1 € ≈ 4,500 MGA (2026 estimate) |
| ATM availability | Antananarivo, Toamasina, Antsiranana | Check before long trips (check) |
| Card use | Major hotels, city shops | Limited in rural areas (check) |
| Restaurant tip | 5‑10 % of bill | Round up to nearest € or MGA |
| Guide tip | €2‑5 per day | Depends on service |
Cash is essential outside main towns; keep euros for exchange.
How to handle money
1. Exchange euros to ariary at banks or licensed bureaux in Antananarivo or Toamasina. Keep small bills for markets and transport.
2. Use ATMs in major towns for additional cash; withdraw limited amounts and verify the dispensed notes.
3. In hotels and upscale restaurants, you can pay by Visa/Mastercard; confirm the card is accepted before ordering.
4. For park entry and compulsory local guides, pay cash on site; have exact change when possible.
5. When tipping, round up the bill or give a few euros to guides; no formal service charge is added.
Additional notes
• Keep a backup of euros in a separate pocket; they are widely accepted for exchange but not for direct payment.
• Some remote lodges only accept cash; plan ahead for the last leg of a road trip.
• Beware of counterfeit notes; use a light source to check security features.
• Mobile payment apps are not common; rely on cash and cards.
FAQ
- What currency is used in Madagascar? – The official currency is the Malagasy ariary (MGA).
- Should I use cash or a card in Madagascar? – Cash is needed for most purchases; cards work only in major hotels and city ATMs.
- How much should I tip in Madagascar? – About 5‑10 % in restaurants and €2‑5 per day for guides.
Questions people ask
What currency is used in Madagascar?
The Malagasy ariary (MGA) is the official currency; euros are accepted for exchange only.
Should I use cash or a card in Madagascar?
Cash is essential outside major hotels; use cards only in large hotels, some city shops and ATMs in Antananarivo and Toamasina.
How much should I tip in Madagascar?
Tip roughly 5‑10 % of restaurant bills and give €2‑5 per day to guides; no mandatory service charge.
Can I find ATMs in remote areas?
ATMs are limited to major towns; in remote parks and road stretches you must rely on cash carried beforehand.
Is it safe to exchange euros at street kiosks?
Use banks or licensed bureaux; street kiosks may give poor rates or counterfeit notes.
Check live
Prices, schedules, rules and availability change. Open these to confirm today's details before you book.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialMadagascar Tourism Board
Ask about Madagascar
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