Madagascar's Lemurs

specialists. The following is a local agent in Madagascar who may be able to suggest and arrange
additional travel options for those who are interested:
• Za Tours (Madame Andrianandrasana Vero)
Antananarivo
Email: tsiry.zatour@iris.org
Tel: +261 20 22 630 49
Other Advice / Information
• Local currency: Ariary
• Language: Malagasy, although many people also speak some French (English will be spoken
on the project)
• Telephone country code: 261
• Electricity: 220 volts, 50 hertz, Type C (two round prongs) plug (the Centre
ValBio also has 110–volt outlets with Type J plugs, but Type C adaptors will be
needed to use any of the power strips)
• Time zone: GMT+3
Type C plug
• Personal funds: US dollars, Euros, and British pounds sterling are all exchanged in Madagascar.
The Sociomad kiosk in the Ivato airport in Antananarivo usually offers the best exchange rate
in the country and gives the least problems in making exchanges. Therefore, it is suggested
that you change your money upon your arrival at the airport. There is a better exchange rate
for larger denomination bills. Traveler’s checks are currently not accepted in Madagascar
without a certified letter from your bank documenting your identity and the number of
traveler’s checks you have purchased. Even then, volunteers have found it a hassle to use
them. There are very few cash machines/ATMs in Madagascar and cash advances on credit
cards can take up to eight hours to process. You will need Ariary to pay for snacks, beer, the
town pool, souvenirs, etc. Conservative spenders and those on a budget should plan to bring
the equivalent of about US$150 for the two-week stay in Ranomafana. For those who like to
shop, US$200-300 should suffice. Remember, hotel and meal costs in the capital are additional
and depend on the length of your stay! Credit and ATM cards will be of little use in
Madagascar outside of the large hotels. In many places only VISA cards are accepted.
• Gratuities/Tipping: Tipping is expected within all tourist class establishments; a minimum of
10 percent should be left with more given for good service. Note that some restaurants will
automatically add the tip to your bill, so check for a service fee first. Individual tips are
discouraged at the ValBio, but you are welcome to leave any equipment such as boots or a
flashlight with your favorite Malagasy research assistant. If you wish, you can contribute a
team donation to help defray the costs of staff uniforms, Christmas presents for the children
of staff, or other things of that nature.
• Customs: Be aware that going through Customs at the airport in Antananarivo can take a long
time. There is no baggage storage at the airport.
• Antananarivo: Be cautious when visiting the colorful markets in Antananarivo, as pickpockets
can spot a tourist from quite a distance. The National Zoo and Botanical Garden (Parc
Tsimbazaza), the newly reopened Queen’s Palace (the Rova) and The Museum of Art and
Archaeology are worth visiting in the capital.
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