Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Antananarivo
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $14-48 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Antananarivo
Accommodation
$8-25 per night
Dorm beds in hostels, basic guesthouses, budget hotels with shared facilities
Food & Dining
$3-8 per day
Street food stalls, local markets, rice and curry shops, self-catering from markets
Transportation
$1-5 per day
Public buses, shared taxi-brousse, walking, occasional motorcycle taxi
Activities
$2-10 per day
Free walking tours, public markets, parks, occasional museum entry, self-guided exploration
Currency: Ar Malagasy Ariary (though many tourist services quote in USD or EUR)
Money-Saving Tips
Eat at local markets and street food stalls instead of tourist restaurants (typically 60-80% cheaper)
Use public buses and shared taxi-brousse instead of private taxis (usually 70-85% savings on transport)
Stay in neighborhoods away from main tourist areas for accommodation (generally 30-50% lower rates)
Book domestic transport directly with local operators rather than through hotels (typically 20-40% markup avoided)
Visit free attractions like public markets, parks, and neighborhoods before paying for guided tours
Buy bottled water and snacks from local shops rather than hotels (usually 100-300% markup in hotels)
Travel during shoulder season months for accommodation discounts (typically 25-45% lower rates)
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Taking taxis everywhere instead of learning the public transport system (typically 4-6x more expensive daily)
Eating only in hotel restaurants and tourist zones (usually 100-200% markup compared to local spots)
Booking tours through hotels instead of directly with operators (typically 25-50% commission markup)
Not carrying small bills for local transport and markets (often results in overpaying or no change given)