We'll take care of you from start to finish, but you'll need some pocket money.
Mainly to pay for extra meals not included on break days.
Don't forget drinks, souvenirs, personal expenses, admissions and visits to monuments or museums not included in the program, and tips.
Depending on your shopping frenzy and your desire to share moments over an aperitif, count between 200 and 300 euros per person for a comfortable vacation.
The currency used in Madagascar is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA).
You'll find exchange offices at the airport, banks and hotels.
Your local guide can also point you in the direction of exchange offices outside the airport, if required.
ATMs mostly accept Visa cards. Some banks also accept Mastercard, but these are rarer. Most ATMs limit withdrawals to between 400,000 and 800,000 MGA per transaction. Check with your bank for foreign withdrawal fees, which may be additional to local charges.
Madagascar operates mainly on a cash basis, especially outside the major cities.
Small-denomination bills (500, 1,000 or 2,000 MGA) are very practical for small expenses (markets, tips, local purchases...). Large bills (10,000 or 20,000 MGA) can be difficult to use in small shops.
Don't change money on the street: informal money-changers may offer attractive rates, but they are not reliable.
Shopkeepers may also refuse torn, damaged or worn bills. So always check the condition of the bills you receive.
Before leaving Madagascar, remember to spend or exchange your remaining Ariary. Banks and exchange offices in your home country will probably not accept this currency.