Attention, currency is changing.
The old Malagasy franc (Fmg) is gradually replaced by the ariary (Ar). Know that a ariary, which means word "five" is worth five times less than the Fmg (i.e. 1Ar = 5Fmg).
The old banknotes of 25,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,500, 1,000 and 500Fmg are replaced by new of 10,000, 5,000 and 2.000Ar. There is also a range of coins. Most were already minted by ariary seal and therefore remain.

10,000Ar = approximately 7.7 euros.

Some useful information

It is forbidden to leave the territory with more than 40.000Ar (308 euros).


The banking network is completely private and has the same banks in all major cities. They open from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays and festive eve), usually from 8h to 11h and 14h (or 15 h) to 16h or 16.30h, except Tananarive, which are open from 8 am to 15h.

The exchange rate varies according periods from 1,200 to 1.400Ar approximately 1 euro.

In addition to the cash, we can wear traveller’s checks in euros.

The cards can also be very useful for withdraw cash, but commissions are rather high.
We find cash dispensers in major cities.

Budget

The country is pretty cheap for those with a tight budget. The budget increases relatively quickly if you want a certain level of comfort and benefit local tourism.

Hosting

Very cheap: up 8.000Ar (about 6.2 euros).
Budget: from 8,000 to 16.000Ar (6.2 - 12.3 euros).
Average prices: from 16,000 to 34.000Ar (12.3 - 26.2 euros).
More chic: from 34,000 to 60.000Ar (26.2-46.2 euros).
Chic: over 60.000Ar (over 46.2 euros).

Menus without drink

Very cheap: up 3.000Ar (2.3 euros).
Budget: from 3,000 to 6.000Ar (2.3-4.6 euros).
Average prices: from 6,000 to 1.000Ar (4.6 - 10.8 euros).
More chic: over 14.000Ar (over 10.8 euros).