Medical care cannot be compared with Europe and is often highly problematic in terms of technology, equipment and hygiene. Significant gaps in medical care exist primarily in the hinterland. In many cases there is also a lack of European-trained doctors who speak English or French. Sufficient health insurance coverage valid there and reliable travel insurance are strongly recommended. An individual first-aid kit should be taken with you and protected according to the temperatures on the way. Check ebizdir for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required for all travelers who want to enter within 6 days of staying in an infected area designated by the WHO. Excluded are travelers who have not left the transit area in the infected areas and transit travelers in Madagascar. Children under the age of one are also exempt. [2] A vaccination certificate against cholera is not an entry requirement. The risk of infection for tourists can be classified as very low. Travelers should ensure strict compliance with hygiene measures. Since the effectiveness of the vaccination is disputed, it is advisable to seek medical advice in good time before you travel. [3] High risk of malaria from the predominant more dangerous form Plasmodium falciparum (malaria tropica) exists year-round in all parts of the country, including urban and coastal areas. Chloroquine resistance has been reported. Mosquito repellent and medicinal prophylaxis are recommended. [4] Nationwide there is an increased risk of infection for various infectious diseases (e.g. hepatitis A, typhus, bacterial dysentery, amoebic dysentery, lambliasis, worm diseases). Water should generally either be boiled or otherwise sterilized before it is used for drinking, brushing teeth and making ice cubes, or it should be bought packaged. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Milk is unpasteurized and should be boiled. Only mix dry and canned milk with sterile water. It is best to avoid dairy products made from unboiled milk. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Pork, raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled. Caution should be exercised before consuming reef fish and seafood that is offered as a deli in dining restaurants because of possible algae poisoning. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Pork, raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled. Caution should be exercised before consuming reef fish and seafood that is offered as a deli in dining restaurants because of possible algae poisoning. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Pork, raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled. Caution should be exercised before consuming reef fish and seafood that is offered as a deli in dining restaurants because of possible algae poisoning.
Other risks
Schistosomiasis pathogens are found in some ponds and rivers, so swimming and wading in inland waterways should be avoided. Well maintained swimming pools with chlorinated water are safe. With the onset of the rainy season in November, there is a risk of Chikungunya fever. This viral disease is transmitted by mosquitoes. Mosquito repellent should be used day and night. Filariasis caused by insects occurs in the coastal regions. Travelers reduce the risk of transmission if they use an effective insect repellent. Hepatitis A is common, hepatitis B is nationwide. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. HIV/AIDS is a problem in the country and a danger for everyone who takes the risk of infection: sexual contact, unclean syringes or cannulas and blood transfusions can pose a life-threatening risk. The plague occurs sporadically in the provinces of Antananarivo, Antsiranana, Fianarantsoa, Majunga (Mahajanga) and Toamasina. Most plague outbreaks occur during the rainy season between November and April. Protection against rats and fleas through safe sleeping places and more frequent linen changes as well as keeping away those who are already sick reduce the risk of infection. If you work in areas affected by the plague, it is advisable to take antibiotics prophylactically. rabies occurs. Since August 2014, plague diseases have increased. Carriers include dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Money
Currency
1 Ariary = 5 Iraimbilanya. Currency code: Ar, MGA (ISO code). Banknotes come in denominations of 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200 and 100 ares. Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 ares.
Credit cards
Major credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa are accepted in the larger hotels, restaurants, shops, travel agencies and supermarkets. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card.
ATMs
Bank cards With the credit card and pin number, a small sum of money can be withdrawn from ATMs. The Girocard (formerly ec card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used at ATMs with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbols in major cities. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Traveller’s checks are no longer available in Germany and Switzerland and are hardly available in Austria. Traveller’s checks can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change in major cities. Proof of purchase must be presented upon redemption. Redeeming is sometimes very time-consuming.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Fri 08.00-15.00.
Foreign exchange regulations
The import and export of local currency is limited to 400,000 Ariary. The import of foreign currencies is unlimited, declaration obligation from an import amount equivalent to 10,000,000 MGA (approx. 7,500 euros). Export of foreign currencies up to the amount declared upon entry, minus the exchange amounts (proof will be checked).
Currency Exchange
Ariary are only available in banks, official exchange offices in hotels and at the airport in Antananarivo. There are a few ATMs available in Antananarivo. It is strongly discouraged to exchange money on the black market. The Ariary cannot be converted back into foreign currency; it is therefore advisable to exchange them as required. Some hotels require Euros or US$ to settle foreigners’ bills. It is therefore advisable to have a cash reserve in euros.
