What's the best time of year to move to Madagascar?

April to June is ideal — the dry season is beginning, temperatures are pleasant (18–25°C in Tana), and you'll have several months of good weather to settle in. Avoid November to March (rainy season) if possible, as flooding, cyclone risk, and difficult travel conditions make the transition harder.

Should I ship my belongings or buy locally?

Most expats recommend bringing 2–4 suitcases and buying the rest locally. Shipping a container takes 6–10 weeks, costs $2,000–$5,000, and customs duties add 20–40%. Furniture and household items are affordable in Antananarivo's markets. Only ship if you're committing for 3+ years.

How do I find housing before I arrive?

Start by joining Facebook groups ('Expats in Madagascar,' 'Location Tana') and posting your requirements 2–4 weeks before arrival. Some agents can arrange viewings via video call. However, most expats recommend arriving first, staying in a hotel for 1–2 weeks, and viewing properties in person.

What vaccinations do I need before moving?

Recommended: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Rabies (pre-exposure), Tetanus/Diphtheria booster, and Polio booster. Yellow Fever is required if transiting through a yellow fever risk country. Malaria prophylaxis (Malarone, doxycycline) is strongly recommended, especially for coastal areas.

Can I bring my pet to Madagascar?

Yes, but it requires planning. You'll need a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination, and an import permit from Madagascar's Ministry of Agriculture. Some airlines restrict pet transport to Madagascar — check with your carrier well in advance.

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🇲🇬 Madagascar

Moving Guide

Moving to Madagascar requires more planning than most destinations — limited shipping infrastructure, unique visa requirements, and a very different lifestyle await. Most expats arrive with suitcases rather than shipping containers, buy furniture locally, and take 2–4 weeks to settle into housing and routines..

6–10 weeks

Shipping Time

Sea freight from US/Europe

2–4 weeks

Setup Time

Housing, SIM, banking

April–June

Best Arrival Month

Dry season begins

Variable

Customs Duty

20–40% on imported goods

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏙️Antananarivo 🏝️Nosy Be

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Overview

Key Takeaways

Vaccinations: schedule 4–6 weeks before departure — Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Rabies, Yellow Fever (if transiting risk countries)
Suitcase approach: most expats bring 2–4 large suitcases and buy the rest locally
Accommodation: book a hotel or Airbnb for 1–2 weeks while apartment hunting — Ivandry and Ambatobe are safe choices

Before You Leave

Preparing for a move to Madagascar requires more advance planning than moves to more established expat destinations. Medical preparation, document authentication, and realistic expectations about infrastructure are key. Most expats recommend a 2–3 week scouting trip before committing to a full move.

Vaccinations: schedule 4–6 weeks before departure — Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Rabies, Yellow Fever (if transiting risk countries)
Malaria prophylaxis: get a prescription from a travel medicine doctor — Malarone is most common
Documents: apostille or authenticate diplomas, marriage certificates, and birth certificates
International driving permit: obtain before departure — valid in Madagascar alongside your home license
Health insurance: arrange international coverage with medical evacuation before departure
Cash: bring $500–$1,000 in USD or Euros — exchange on arrival at the airport or banks
French: start basic lessons if you don't speak French — even A1 level helps enormously

Shipping & What to Bring

Most expats moving to Madagascar opt against shipping a full container — the cost, customs hassles, and 6–10 week transit time make it impractical for all but the longest commitments. Instead, most arrive with suitcases and buy furniture and household items locally. Bring personal items, electronics, and medications you can't easily find in Madagascar.

Suitcase approach: most expats bring 2–4 large suitcases and buy the rest locally
Ship: only for multi-year commitments — sea freight from Europe costs $2,000–$5,000 for a 20ft container
Customs duties: 20–40% on imported goods — factor this into shipping costs
Bring from home: laptop, quality headphones, specific medications, favorite toiletries, power strips
Buy locally: furniture, kitchen items, linens, basic clothing — available and cheap in Tana markets
Electronics: bring a good unlocked smartphone and laptop — local options are limited and expensive
Power adapters: Type C and E plugs (European style) — 220V

Your First Weeks in Madagascar

The first 2–4 weeks in Madagascar are about establishing your basic infrastructure — housing, communications, banking, and social connections. Stay in a hotel or guesthouse initially (budget $20–$50/night) while you search for permanent housing and get your bearings.

Accommodation: book a hotel or Airbnb for 1–2 weeks while apartment hunting — Ivandry and Ambatobe are safe choices
SIM card: buy a Telma, Orange, or Airtel SIM at the airport — $2–$5 with data included
Banking: open a BNI or BFV-SG account within the first week — bring your passport and visa
Transport: arrange a reliable driver or download the EVTC app for safe taxi service
Join expat groups: 'Expats in Madagascar' and 'Madagascar Expats' on Facebook — immediate community
Register with your embassy: the US, French, and UK embassies in Tana offer consular registration
Explore markets: Analakely and Andravoahangy markets for food; Digue market for household goods

FAQs