Antananarivo Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Antananarivo.
Antananarivo has both public hospitals and private clinics, with private facilities offering better standards for international visitors.
Clinique Saint-Paul in Andraharo and Centre Hospitalier de Soavinandriana accept international insurance and have 24-hour emergency departments.
Pharmacies are widely available; Pharmacie de la Gare and Pharmacie Centrale stock international medications. Bring prescription medications with original packaging and a doctor's letter.
Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended as serious cases may require evacuation to South Africa or France.
- ✓ Bring antimalarial medication as Antananarivo is in a low-risk zone but travel to coastal areas is common
- ✓ Pack a basic first aid kit as specific medications may not be available locally
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag-snatching occur in crowded areas, around markets and public transport
Motorbike riders target bags visible through car windows or snatch from pedestrians
Poor road conditions, aggressive driving, and inadequate street lighting increase accident risk
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals approach tourists near Rova palace or Ambohimanga offering unauthorized guiding services, then demand inflated fees
Street money changers offer favorable rates but give incorrect amounts or counterfeit bills
Sellers offer 'rare' Madagascar sapphires or rubies at below-market prices, which are synthetic or low-quality
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
- • Use taxi apps like Cotisse or Allo Taxi rather than hailing on street
- • Agree taxi fares before starting journey as meters are rarely used
- • Avoid public transport 'taxi-be' minivans which are overcrowded and targets for theft
- • Use hotel safes for passports and extra cash
- • Carry only daily cash needs in a money belt
- • Keep copies of important documents in separate location
- • Buy local SIM card (Telma or Orange) at airport for reliable connectivity
- • Save emergency contacts under Malagasy names to avoid phone theft targeting tourists
- • Download offline maps as internet can be unreliable during outages
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women travelers generally face no additional legal restrictions but may experience unwanted attention, when alone.
- → Sit in back seat of taxis, not front passenger seat
- → Avoid isolated areas of Antananarivo's upper town after dark
- → Consider joining daytime group tours for visits to markets
Same-sex relationships are legal, though same-sex marriage remains unrecognized
- → Avoid public displays of affection in traditional areas like Antananarivo's old town
- → Book accommodations in international hotels which tend to be more welcoming
Travel Insurance
Protect yourself before you travel.
Medical facilities in Antananarivo may not be equipped for serious emergencies, making evacuation coverage essential
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