Madagascar

[QUOTE=DzikaBomba;2718785]Sorry but these are fake news!

2 weeks ago they charged my MasterCard (issued by an European bank) with 1 mio MGA for my flight TANA. TOLIARA and back in October.

Zero problems.[/QUOTE][blue][Deleted by Admin][/blue]I wrote American Bank. I'm in Madagascar today, and yesterday, and the weeks before. They did not accept a Mastercard at the Air Mada office in Tana or at Tsaradia in Tulear. Try limiting your commentary to your specific experience.

You would think that after the shitkicking the tourist industry underwent the last 2 years they would be making things easier to pay for, not harder. I wonder why the embargo on US issued cards?

I always paid cash, at one hotel I stayed in there was a note at the reception: Carte de credit + 20 % . LOL.

I'm going to Toliara this October after a two days in Tana.

Could you please tell me how the situation with ATMs and Money Changers is in Tana and Toliara?

I want to use a mix of ATM and Changing (I have €uro).

Some recommendations where to change cash? And where to withdraw money in this two places?

Will stay in Sole in Tana and LE Recife in Toliara.

[QUOTE=SouthEaster;2719767]You would think that after the shitkicking the tourist industry underwent the last 2 years they would be making things easier to pay for, not harder. I wonder why the embargo on US issued cards?[/QUOTE]Yep. A card issued by USA Bank not accepted on line, at call center in Paris, or in person. As for the travel agents advertizing on Skyscanner: they could not complete the transaction. The only one that worked back in March was travel2be, but they're located, I believe, in Ukraine so you might not want to take your chances with them at the moment.

[QUOTE=DzikaBomba;2720173]I'm going to Toliara this October after a two days in Tana.

Could you please tell me how the situation with ATMs and Money Changers is in Tana and Toliara?

I want to use a mix of ATM and Changing (I have uro).

Some recommendations where to change cash? And where to withdraw money in this two places?

Will stay in Sole in Tana and LE Recife in Toliara.[/QUOTE]Speaking tana theres no shortage on atms and money changers. Mcb having no fees and accepting mastercard so can recommend. Near swiss embassy. Money changers from worst to best. Street changers, western union in boa, small offices in tsaralalana near pompier and next to central hotel.

[QUOTE=DzikaBomba;2720173]Could you please tell me how the situation with ATMs and Money Changers is in Tana and Toliara?
Some recommendations where to change cash? And where to withdraw money in this two places?

Will stay in Sole in Tana and LE Recife in Toliara.[/QUOTE]In Tana, change at SocioMad.

In Tulear, change at Baobob Bank.

These places can easily be found, so you don't have to ask here again.

As to why you would travel all the way to Mada to stay at a dump like Sole Hotel, well, smh.

For hotels in Tulear: if you're a truly cheap person, there's the Albatros Hotel at $15 usd. The Palm Hotel is $20: recommended.

The Sapphire around the corner is an option.

You're welcome.

In Toliara (TuléAR), walk towards Serena Hotel, after the hotel on the same side, you will find Oasis Café and just after that, you will find Mohamedi Hardware Store. You can change your Euros at this hardware shop.

[QUOTE=DzikaBomba;2720173] I'm going to Toliara this October after a two days in Tana. Could you please tell me how the situation with ATMs and Money Changers is in Tana and Toliara? I want to use a mix of ATM and Changing (I have Euro). [/QUOTE]

Looks like things are looking up. More air routes as of July 14 which is nice. Now if they would just drop the bloody PCR test requirement it would make things a lot easier. I am currently looking at Vancouver. Amsterdam - CDG. Tana for end of September. The only place I need a PCR test for is TANA! I could have a long layover in Amsterdam. Anybody know if there is rapid PCR testing there and approximate cost?

Hopefully by then they will drop the PCR requirement. And clear up the chaos in European airports! Pearson in Toronto is currently one of the worst on the planet.

Is there anyone who had recently extended his visa in Antananarivo?

Try searching for posts from member 740. He did it in Tamatave about 7? Months ago and apparently pretty simple. I have looked in vain on the net for the office where you do this but cannot find it. He gave what appeared to be GPS coordinates but they did not make any sense. Good luck. Let us know what info you turn up.

[QUOTE=SouthEaster;2720906]Looks like things are looking up. More air routes as of July 14 which is nice. Now if they would just drop the bloody PCR test requirement it would make things a lot easier. I am currently looking at Vancouver. Amsterdam - CDG. Tana for end of September. The only place I need a PCR test for is TANA! I could have a long layover in Amsterdam. Anybody know if there is rapid PCR testing there and approximate cost?

Hopefully by then they will drop the PCR requirement. And clear up the chaos in European airports! Pearson in Toronto is currently one of the worst on the planet.[/QUOTE]You could fly with Ethiopian Airlines to Tana directly from Toronto through Addis Abbeba, but this for sure will not be cheap.

A Friend went to Weeks ago with Ethiopian to Tana from Frankfurt. Nobody in Frankfurt neither in Tana asked for the PCR. But I would not risk going without.

Now we have Summer Holidays here in Europe and many People are going on Vacation. In September this is over and at least it should be much better or over with the mess at the airports.

[QUOTE=Manfield04;2720689]In Toliara (TulAR), walk towards Serena Hotel, after the hotel on the same side, you will find Oasis Caf and just after that, you will find Mohamedi Hardware Store. You can change your Euros at this hardware shop.[/QUOTE]Thanks! That's really a good tip. I was looking for something like that. Will go there for sure.

[QUOTE=SouthEaster;2720925]Try searching for posts from member 740. He did it in Tamatave about 7? Months ago and apparently pretty simple. I have looked in vain on the net for the office where you do this but cannot find it. He gave what appeared to be GPS coordinates but they did not make any sense. Good luck. Let us know what info you turn up.[/QUOTE]In Tamatave visa extension is at building at Avenue De l'Independance just opposite Telma office on other side of the street. Its around 100-150 metres away from la terasse restaurant at same side where is BVF bank near la terasse restaurant. I get my extension here also.

[QUOTE=Manfield04;2720689]In Toliara (TulAR), walk towards Serena Hotel, after the hotel on the same side, you will find Oasis Caf and just after that, you will find Mohamedi Hardware Store. You can change your Euros at this hardware shop.[/QUOTE]Like this place, some Muslim jewelry shops will change -- if they need to, or if they feel like it. Hit and miss same as at Chinese casino.

Baobob Bank gives the best rates so why bother posting information about anywhere else.

BTW, in Tana, best rate is SociMad. No need to run around elsewhere.

Pokeris. Thanks for the info mate. Not sure if I will be able to stay longer than 2 months this time as a death in the family has put a wrench in the works but good info all the same.