Travel Preparation Guide · Connectivity
Power & Connectivity (SIM)
Connectivity may vary by region and season.
Voltage & Plug Types
Electrical standards and outlet shapes
⚡220V / 50Hz
🔌Type C / E(Round 2-pin (French-style))
🔄Needed from Japan/US
💡Power bank essential for travel outside Antananarivo.
Buying a SIM Card
Where to buy, costs, and activation process
📱Orange, Airtel, Telma
🏪Airport kiosks, carrier shops in Antananarivo
📋Passport required
💰SIM from $3-10 for 7-30 days
💡Telma has the best 4G coverage in rural areas.
eSIM & Mobile Wi-Fi
eSIM availability and portable Wi-Fi rental
📶Limited — International eSIM providers only
🏢Airalo, Ubigi
💰$8-25 for 1-3GB / 7-15 days
💡Coverage limited outside major cities; physical SIM recommended as backup.
Wi-Fi Availability
Public Wi-Fi coverage and security
📡Limited — mainly in hotels in larger towns
🏨Available in mid-range and upscale hotels; often slow
☕Very limited outside Antananarivo
💡Expect slow speeds; mobile data via Telma is more reliable.
Internet Restrictions & VPN
Blocked services and VPN recommendations
🔒None — unrestricted internet
🚫None — all services accessible
🛡️Not needed
💡Internet speeds may be slow in rural areas but no content restrictions.
Useful Local Apps
Must-have apps for transport, translation, and maps
🚗Local taxis only (no ride-hailing)
🗺️Maps.me for offline, Google Maps in cities
💬WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger
💡Download Maps.me offline maps; Google Maps coverage is limited outside cities.
International Calls
How to make international calls and alternatives
📞+261 (Madagascar)
🆘117 (Police), 118 (Ambulance), 118 (Fire)
📲Dial 00 + country code + number for international calls
💡Network coverage limited in rural areas; buy credit in towns.