Madagascar, the world’s fourth-largest island, is a biodiversity hotspot of lemurs, baobab trees, and untouched coastlines. Whether you’re exploring the Avenue of the Baobabs, trekking in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, or relaxing on Nosy Be, accessing cash is essential. Card acceptance is limited outside major hotels and urban centers, and cash remains the primary payment method across most of the country. This guide provides vital details on cash and ATMs in Madagascar, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card usage, helping you stay prepared for your island adventure.
Where to find ATMs in Madagascar?
Antananarivo (Tana), the capital, has the most ATMs – especially around Independence Avenue, Ivandry, and Ankorondrano. Other major cities like Toamasina, Fianarantsoa, and Antsirabe also have reliable ATM access near shopping areas, bus stations, and bank branches. Local banks such as Bank of Africa Madagascar (BOA), BNI Madagascar, and AccèsBanque operate most machines. ATMs dispense Malagasy ariary (MGA) and may have lower withdrawal limits than in Western countries.
Tourist Spots:
Tourist zones like Nosy Be, Morondava (Baobab Alley), and Île Sainte-Marie typically have at least one or two ATMs in town centers or near airports and resorts. However, machines may be offline due to network or power issues, and international card compatibility isn’t guaranteed everywhere. It’s highly advisable to carry backup cash in euros or USD, which are widely exchanged.
Rural Areas:
Outside of cities and resort hubs, ATM access is extremely limited. In remote national parks like Andasibe or Ranomafana, or when traveling on overland routes, there may be no ATM access for hours or days. Always withdraw sufficient cash before heading into rural or wilderness areas.
Best ATMs to use in Madagascar for foreigners
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Madagascar are those owned by popular banks such as:
- MCB,
- AccesBanque,
- Societe Generale, and
- BMOI.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Madagascar, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in MGA).
– If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
– If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in MGA’.
If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Madagascar?
ATMs in Madagascar commonly accept Visa and Mastercard. However, some ATMs accept only Visa and some only Mastercard so have a backup of one each at least. Others such as Plus, Cirrus, CUP, JCB, Maestro, American Express, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards are generally not accepted.
What are the ATM opening hours?
ATMs in Madagascar are generally available 24/7 in major cities like Antananarivo, but may not always be reliable. In smaller towns, machines often operate only during banking hours (Mon-Fri) and may be affected by power outages.
What are ATMs called in Madagascar?
They are referred to as “ATM” or “Distributeur automatique”, especially in French-language signage.
Language options at ATMs
ATMs typically offer French and Malagasy, with English available on machines too.
If you don’t know the language, try using Google Translate’s camera tool, but double-check, as it may not always be a 100% accurate translation.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Madagascar?
ATMs in Madagascar issue only Malagasy ariary (MGA), the nation’s official currency. Foreign currencies such as euros or USD are not available from ATMs.
ATM withdrawal limits in Madagascar?
ATMs in Madagascar have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of MGA 400,000 to MGA 800,000 with most common being MGA 400,000 per transaction. ONe ATM offers withdrawal up to MGA 1,200,000 per transaction depending on availability of cash at the ATM. However, majority of the banks have a daily withdrawa limit of up to 40 notes.
ATM Fees in Madagascar
There is only one fee-free ATM in Madagascar. Majority of the bank ATMs in Madagascar charge MGA 9,000 to NGA 10,200per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders. So you can use the one with lower ATM fees.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Madagascar. These are:
1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Madagascar
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.
For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Madagascar?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Madagascar. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Madagascar. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Safety at ATMs
Madagascar presents a mixed safety profile. While ATMs are available in cities like Antananarivo and Toamasina, petty crime – including theft and card skimming – has been reported. Avoid using ATMs on the street or in remote areas; instead, opt for those inside reputable bank branches, hotels, or secure shopping centers. Try to withdraw during daylight hours, shield your PIN, and be discreet with your cash. Due to occasional ATM shortages or technical issues, it’s advisable to carry a small reserve of local currency and a backup card.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM in Madagascar takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in Madagascar?
Yes, its possible. There is only one fee-free ATM in Madagascar. Majority of the bank ATMs in Madagascar charge MGA 9,000 to NGA 10,200per transaction ATM Access Fee for foreign card holders. So you can use the one with lower ATM fees.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs in Madagascar?
Yes. ATMs in major cities in Madagascar and international hotel chains accept many types of international cards.
Bitcoin ATMs?
There are no confirmed Bitcoin ATMs currently operating in Madagascar. Cryptocurrency trade is handled through online exchanges or peer-to-peer platforms rather than physical kiosks.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Madagascar
- Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
- Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate in Madagascar.
- Barclays: No, Barclays has no ATM presence here.
- HSBC: No, HSBC does not provide consumer ATM services.
- Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not operate here.
