Is it okay to use ATMs late in the evening in Madagascar or should I stick to daytime withdrawals only? I am a single woman travelling so want to be safe.
During a monthlong stay in Madagascar, I made all my ATM runs in the mornings. Machines from BFV or BOA were the most reliable. One evening I saw someone struggling to get their card back from a malfunctioning ATM. At night, service isn’t guaranteed - not dangerous, just unreliable. Plan cash runs early.
In Antsirabe, ATM access was limited, and I never tried at night. Most towns close up early, and street lighting is poor. Even locals told me machines often stop working after 7 PM. Bring cash ahead of time if you’re heading inland or to smaller towns. Don't expect working ATMs after dark outside Tana.
While traveling through Nosy Be, I found only two ATMs on the island that worked with my card. One was next to a supermarket and felt okay at night, but still quiet. Madagascar isn’t high-crime, but there’s a risk of petty theft. I always withdrew cash early in the day and avoided showing large notes.
ATM safety at night in Madagascar is tricky. I stayed in Antananarivo and once used a BNI ATM around 9 PM - it worked, but I felt nervous. The street was dark and mostly empty. Locals warned me not to carry visible valuables. Best to withdraw money in daylight at malls or banks with security.