Madagascar

[Amadeuss]

Always bring Euros to Mada instead of any other currency. For USD $ outside of the major obvious places you may get a merde rate, especially as sometimes you may have to find a shopkeeper to change.

Agree -- in Mada the Euro rules.

[Golfinho]

Mada WAS a French territory. And despite the Chinese influence the US dollar is still king. I would like to find out what is behind this denial of exchanging 100 dollar notes.

Always bring Euros to Mada instead of any other currency. For USD $ outside of the major obvious places you may get a merde rate, especially as sometimes you may have to find a shopkeeper to change.

[Joe Perez]

SouthEastern.

It's true, some banks don't take 100 usd and 500 euro bills, specially banks in provinces. Probably they are too afraid to get fake notes.

However, best money exchange is black market in Tana: they will contact you walking in the city center. To avoid problems, arrange a meeting in your hotel's room, they will come easily. Never had a problem in my experience. You can get easily 7-8% better than banks arrange rate (around 100 ariary more for 1 usd or 1 euro comparing with interbank exchange rate, 300 ariary better than banks). If you are not in Tana, check some Indian shops in medium cities; try to talk to the owner and sometimes you can get better rates than banks. However always avoid small provinces and countryside.

[SouthEaster]

Mada WAS a French territory. And despite the Chinese influence the US dollar is still king. I would like to find out what is behind this denial of exchanging 100 dollar notes. It just doesn't make any sense. Damn near every country in the world, especially third world ones loves US dollars. It is very strange. Perhaps some counterfeiting going on and they don't want to take a chance but then why take them at the airport in Tana?

On another note if anyone visits Diego in the future don't bother with a massage outfit called Caline. I called for a "massage complete" and was quoted 70000. After I hung up they texted right away asking if 40000 was OK so I agreed. Imagine my surprise when I got an actual massage! After that the clothes came off and she asked for 60000 more for extra service! Fuck that. Needless to say I won't be using them again! An hour later I was having a beer on Rue Colbert when I saw a girl from 2 years ago. Waved her over and away we went. 2 kids, no beauty queen but a good attitude and excellent head. Saved my day!

Southeaster.

[Amadeuss]

Now for some weird news. I just went to 2 banks in Diego and both refused to take new 100 dollar bills. No explanation given. BFV apparently will if you can get in the door, and offer a real shit rate. Hard to believe since most countries find these bills the most desirable. No idea about 100 Euro notes.
Southeaster.

Mada is French territory- not dealing with US. Luckily! Mada business with China is even much bigger. But it doesn't mean you can exchange Reminbi.

And Diego is a port of are&are for the French Marine. Therefore never any problem with the Euro-bills.

[RangeLove]

Just got here after a 2 day delay thanks to Air Mauritius. On the plane I met a fellow who works in Tamatave and there is now a Taxi Be there as well as a new club called of all things Pattaya! One of them has rooms on site available for 10000ST or 20000 all night. How handy!

Now for some weird news. I just went to 2 banks in Diego and both refused to take new 100 dollar bills. No explanation given. BFV apparently will if you can get in the door, and offer a real shit rate. Hard to believe since most countries find these bills the most desirable. No idea about 100 Euro notes. My hotel receptionist had no idea but did find me a guy who wanted them and gave me a great rate. They are currently switching notes here so I hope it is not some sort of scam. I will find out tonight when I try to pay for my beer!

Southeaster.

In June I changed 50,100 and 200 notes without problems.

Maybe 500 would be more difficult because of the high value.

That's the reason why I don't take 500 abroad anymore.

[SouthEaster]

I never knew of the place across from the Calypso. That is a shame but maybe they will open again elsewhere. By new I mean brand spanking new US dollars straight from a money changer in Canada. No fold no creases never been in circulation. They did take them at BOA at the airport but will not take them in Diego. As I said no idea why.

Southeaster.

[Golfinho]

a Taxi Be there as well as a new club called of all things Pattaya! One of them has rooms on site available for 10000ST or 20000 all night.

On our most recent visit to Tamative, the delightful place across the street from Calypso Hotel had been closed. A private house stocked with girls 24/7 it had been a great resource. Be nice to know if it reopen, or relocates.

[Golfinho]

Tamatave and there is now a Taxi Be there as well as a new club called of all things Pattaya!
I just went to 2 banks in Diego and both refused to take new 100 dollar bills.

Pattaya in Tamatave last December was open only on weekends.

Can you clarify 'new 100 dollar bills'? You mean US, series 2013?

[SouthEaster]

Just got here after a 2 day delay thanks to Air Mauritius. On the plane I met a fellow who works in Tamatave and there is now a Taxi Be there as well as a new club called of all things Pattaya! One of them has rooms on site available for 10000ST or 20000 all night. How handy!

Now for some weird news. I just went to 2 banks in Diego and both refused to take new 100 dollar bills. No explanation given. BFV apparently will if you can get in the door, and offer a real shit rate. Hard to believe since most countries find these bills the most desirable. No idea about 100 Euro notes. My hotel receptionist had no idea but did find me a guy who wanted them and gave me a great rate. They are currently switching notes here so I hope it is not some sort of scam. I will find out tonight when I try to pay for my beer!

Southeaster.

[LoveEastAsia]

I am sure the senior member will find easily where they were taken!

[LoveEastAsia]

Hello,

I will be in Mada from 24 August to 21 September 2017. No plan yet. Tana of course on arrival, I would like to try some street working girls at night. I done it one time, but every time I was in Tana I always walk a little in Tsaralalana. Many choice but can't speak with them as long as we can do at LE Glacier or Manson. That is a pity because there are some very nice. Then I thought I will go either at sainte marie for the whales if there are still there or the south Fort dauphin or Morondave.

I know already: Tamatave, tana, n7, manakara salary ifaty, Majunga, Diego, nosy be, cote of vanilla antahala sambava.

If someone is in Tana late in August I would pay him a THB and even if someone thinks of going to Fort dauphin or Morondave please message me.

Good trip to all.

Sorry pictures will come later as I have selected many but after it bugs when I want to add another one.

[Devil1687]

My second trip to Mada. This time only 4 days so sticking to tana. RTFF and will follow the advice of senior members.

Cheers. My flight leaves Dubai in 4 hrs to nairobi and then Kenya to Tana. Will be there by late afternoon. Will report.

Thanks to all the seniors.

[Muzungufotsy]

Taxibe will ruin the market like it did for other cities where it has been installed. The owner of this franchise just thinks of his business not of the customers.

I remember Diego when there was Nouvel hotel and Tropical only. At 10 pm you could pick up a girl out of the disco for the time you wanted now you are lucky if she wants to go with you at 1 am only once the show is over or when her friends finished singing or when the stupid gay Mister of the city election is over. The same will happen in Tamatave you will see.

[Golfinho]

Most of the time this place was empty on weekdays, on Saturday its was busy place with many girls. So on weekend its worth to visit. It was on end of may the last time I visited Tamatave. Queens club was the most busy place any day of the week.

Busy on weekends is the story everywhere. Some places don't even open during the week. Queens is nothing but the street girls who are walking around and around the block in front. If that's the kind of action you crave, its on every night.