Money in Madagascar
Madagascar uses the Malagasy ariary. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- MGAMalagasy ariary
- Symbol
- Ar
- Tipping
- Appreciated
Paying in Madagascar
Cash is essential outside the capital, and notes carry large numbers.
- Cards
- Limited
- Cash
- Cash is essential outside the main cities, and almost everything is paid in notes. Carry small notes in rural areas, since some markets cannot change a 10,000 ariary note.
- ATMs
- ATMs are in Antananarivo and other major towns, and many accept only Visa. Far and Wild reports a limit of around EUR 150 per transaction, and Madamagazine reports about 400,000 ariary.
- Foreign currency
- Euros are widely accepted and US dollars are sometimes accepted in Antananarivo and tourist areas, according to Far and Wild.
- Exchanging money
- Exchange at city banks or at the counter in Ivato Airport arrivals, which Far and Wild says offers rates as good as the banks. Madamagazine says hotels usually give a worse rate.
- Watch out for
- Madamagazine says airport cash is handed over in a paper bag, so move it into your luggage right away, and that ariary can be converted back only at Ivato Airport and some banks in the capital. World Travel Guide (2019) says local currency import and export is limited to 400,000 ariary.
Tipping in Madagascar
Leave a small amount for restaurant staff, around 5,000 Ariary per group, or round up. Tip guides, drivers and park rangers, in ariary or euros.
Appreciated: Tipping isn't required, but a tip or rounding up is welcome.
Sources checked: Far and Wild, Madamagazine, World Travel Guide, Go2Africa, Responsible Travel.
Convert to and from MGA
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4,513 MGA | 5,056 MGA | 6,056 MGA |
| 10 | 45,132 MGA | 50,561 MGA | 60,561 MGA |
| 50 | 225,659 MGA | 252,804 MGA | 302,805 MGA |
| 100 | 451,318 MGA | 505,608 MGA | 605,610 MGA |
| 500 | 2,256,590 MGA | 2,528,041 MGA | 3,028,049 MGA |
What each amount is worth in MGA. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Madagascar use?
Madagascar uses the Malagasy ariary (MGA).
Do you need to tip in Madagascar?
Appreciated. Leave a small amount for restaurant staff, around 5,000 Ariary per group, or round up. Tip guides, drivers and park rangers, in ariary or euros.
Can you pay by card in Madagascar?
Limited. Cash is essential outside the main cities, and almost everything is paid in notes. Carry small notes in rural areas, since some markets cannot change a 10,000 ariary note.
Are there ATMs in Madagascar?
ATMs are in Antananarivo and other major towns, and many accept only Visa. Far and Wild reports a limit of around EUR 150 per transaction, and Madamagazine reports about 400,000 ariary.