SECURITY AND CRIME

Poverty in Madagascar:
Despite the beauty that this country has to offer, one should not ignore the fact that Madagascar, as the 5th poorest country in the world, also has major problems with the poverty of its population. In some areas there is hardly any water and therefore not enough food due to drought caused by the clearing of the rainforest.

There is no state support as we know it from our region.
Of course, hunger also forces some people to commit unauthorized attacks on other people's property. As in any poor country, here you simply have to be vigilant and, for example, not attend crowds.
You don't have to flaunt your wealth publicly. By the way, this also applies to all other countries. There are also repeated clashes at political rallies. You should avoid these if possible. Anyone visiting the city center of Antananarivo is advised to exercise particular caution. Especially when it gets dark. But there are always police checks.

However, if an attack happens despite all caution, please do not resist!

General behavior tips and rules:

If possible, you should not take handbags or backpacks with you to markets and generally be wary of pickpockets there.The safest way to store valuables, money and papers is in the hotel safe, but extreme caution is still required here.After dark, walking in urban areas, whether alone or in groups, is not recommended for safety reasons. It is also not advisable to drive alone on country roads. There are always attacks on individual tourists. At places where a lot of people arrive at the same time, such as airports, boat docks, bus stations, it can happen that you are suddenly "surrounded" by a lot of people.
Everyone wants to be your taxi driver, bellman or guide. Even if it's not easy, try to stay calm.
Mora, mora (slowly, slowly) as the Malagasy says.
Outside the larger cities you should respect the local taboos (fadys).Military or police facilities are not allowed to be photographed, and you should also avoid taking photos at large airports.
Further information about the security situation and regulations in Madagascar can be found, for example, on the homepage of the Federal Ministry in your home country. For Austria, here is the link.

Travelinformation/Land/Madagascar 

Security on the island of Nosy Be:
The situation on the holiday island of Nosy Be is somewhat different than on the main island of Madagascar. Of course there is poverty here too, which you can see when exploring the island, but there are far fewer incidents here. Many of the islanders here make a living from tourism and some of them are employed and integrated into good working conditions. Often an entire family is employed by a company or hotel.
Nosy Be is the so-called metropolitan center of the "Vazaha" as we white people are called. Many Europeans have also settled here and are enjoying their retirement or have built something here. Cafes, bars, hotels, restaurants, surf schools and much more. Most people here have the money to afford security guards, their own drivers or other staff. Well-off Malagasy people also live in their villas here. These people make their fortunes from vanilla, ylang ylang, tourism and the like. Overall, you can say that people live well together here on Nosy Be.
You can also explore the island on your own without any major problems. Borrow cars or better yet mopeds, quads or motorcycles. In the evening, when it gets dark, you should be back at the hotel and end the day in peace.

Tips for safety-conscious travel:
Based on our years of travel experience in many countries around the world, including Madagascar several times, we want to write at least a few basic things about behavior here.
That's right, you never know what's going to happen, but to be honest, it could just as easily happen at home, here with us.
Therefore: No matter where the trip goes and no matter where you are, a positive attitude is a good way to return from your vacation healthy and refreshed.
Friendliness and politeness always help you. Even if things are going too slowly for you, control yourself and stay calm. Don't create a rush, you are on vacation and not in the office. Treat people with the respect they deserve. Try to learn a few words in the local language. You will be amazed...

Don't forget: Different countries, different customs...

Your taxi may suddenly stop and pick up other people. Every cent counts. 

You paid a lot for your trip and now you're stuck with tips? Please don't. Tip the staff accordingly. Your suitcase is heavy and it's 30 degrees. FYI 4500 Ariary is 1€. 

At buffets in a restaurant or hotel. Please only put what you can eat on your plate. You can catch up as often as you want. Please remember that the people who prepare the buffet for you often cannot even afford what is left on your plate. If you are taking a tour and you would like to photograph people, please ask them first. Most will allow them. You are welcome to hand over a little something afterwards. 

When you leave the hotel prepare yourself, remove jewelry, expensive watches, earrings. You don't have to prove anything to anyone. It's best to leave valuables in the safe at your home. Only take small amounts of cash with you. Plus a card. 

Distribute the money on your body.

Tip: Prepare a wallet just in case, put a few coins in it, small banknotes and put them in the right trouser pocket. The pickpockets and robbers also count on it there. In an emergency, simply hand over the wallet. But you still have the actual money in your front pocket. The risk of being robbed of your iPhone 15+ while on vacation is significantly higher than with a run-of-the-mill Android. This also applies to cameras and laptops. Try to take always an official taxi, especially in big cities. As a precaution, always take a map from the hotel with you. So that you can find your way home safely again.

If you do need help, here are a few helpful contact points including telephone numbers. These can also be found on the Federal Ministry website.

General Emergency Number: (+261)3212 11010

Police: (+261)117 

Fire Departement: (+261) 118 

Ambulance: (+261) 3211 05075 od. 3111 04 27 

Civil Defence: (+261)2022 22302

Es gibt in Antananarivo auch ein Österreichische Vertretung, 

Source: BMEIA Österreich

Honorary Consulate: LOT III E 132 Fort - Voyron, 869 c/o GIZ 101 Antananarivo

Mobil: (+216) 32 05 215 22E-

Mail: consulat.austria(at)pm.me

Leitung: KNODT Richard, Dipl.Ing. | Honorarkonsul