Madagascar: General Information for travellers
LOCAL TIME
Madagascar is 3 hours ahead of GMT
VISAS & IMMIGRATION
All visitors must have visas, except citizens of some African countries. Proof of return ticket is required. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from departure date. If you are arriving from the African continent you must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
MONEY
Official Currency: Malagasy franc
Travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks and most the large hotels. Credit cards are accepted at the major hotels. It is advisable to take with you foreign currency in US Dollar as generally air travel and 1st class train travel will be required to be paid for in foreign currency. Foreign currency must be declared on arrival.
BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS
Banking: Monday – Friday: 0800-1600
Shops: Monday to Saturday: 0800-1200 and 1400-1800
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
1st JanuaryNew Years Day
29th MarchCommemoration Day
1st May Labour Day
26th June Independence Day
25th DecemberChristmas Day
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WARNING
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Air: There are no regular domestic flights within the country.
Bus: Bus services operate in and around Bujumbura and main towns. Shared taxis and minibuses operate with the towns
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TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND
Air: International Flights
Air France : Flies into Ouagadougou
Domestic Flights
From Borgo, the domestic airport located 10 miles from Bobo Dioulasso, Air Volta operates a service between Bouake, Tambboa and Bamako.
Train: Between Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso there is a daily services with two classes. This can overcrowded at time.
Bus: Fairly regular bus services operates between all the major towns but this is often suspended during the raining season.
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