Antsirabe Shopping Guide
If you want to shop for something distinctly associated with Antsirabe, head for the handicraft and artefact shops. You can pick up zafimaniny marquetry to fix on your tabletop back home. Carry back ‘lamba', which are cloth squares embellished with designs and woven materials, mahafaly crosses made from silver, jewellery made from precious stones and shells, vangavanga bracelets, handicrafts woven from raffia, straw and reed, stationery decorated with dried flowers, boxes and chessboards. Anything bearing Malagasy flora and fauna must be backed by an export permit. Do check that the shopkeeper has it.
Antsirabe is also known for its precious and semi precious stones and jewellery. Choose your stone, customise it and watch the jeweller cut it and polish it to suit your specifications.
Shopping Hours
Monday - Friday: 8.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon; 2.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Banking Hours
Monday - Friday: 8.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.; 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m.
Currency
The Malagasy Franc (MGF) has been replaced by the Ariary, which was in operation in the pre-colonial era. Malagasy Francs can, however, be exchanged till 2011.
Coins are available in the following denominations: MGA 5, 10, 15, 20 and 50. Notes are available in the denominations of MGA 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10,000.
Currency Exchange
The Ariary is non-convertible. Since it cannot be reconverted, convert only as much you require. You can convert currency at Antsirabe banks and at the approved exchange bureaus at the Antananarivo airport and hotels. The exchange bureaus at the hotel do not have a very favourable rate of exchange.
ATMs are only found in Antananarivo.
Credit and Debit Cards
Credit cards have a limited acceptability in areas other than Antananarivo and other provincial capitals. Do take a list of establishments accepting credit cards in Madagascar from your credit card operator. Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express cards are accepted around the island.
Traveller's Cheques
Exchange your cheques at major hotels and banks. Do try and take the cheques in US Dollars or Euros as cheques drawn in other currencies attract an additional charge.
