Major city · Madagascar
Toamasina
Spend 2 days in Toamasina to see the port, beach front and take a Canal des Pangalanes day trip; longer only for an overnight canal cruise.
Toamasina is Madagascar's main east‑coast port and the country's second‑largest city. The waterfront, city hall area and nearby Canal des Pangalanes can be explored in two days. Longer stays are only needed for extended canal trips or beach relaxation.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- MGA
- Best months
- Apr–Nov
- avoid Jan–Mar (rainy season)
- Airport
- TMM
- Nights
- 2
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 8Nine African countries on this site have no trip line bec…
- Africa ↗When a route touches a yellow-fever country — even a transit of 12 hours or more — keep the original yellow card (ICVP) in your hand luggage; health desks and airlines can refuse boarding or entry without it.
- Africa ↗Nine African countries on this site have no trip line because governments advise against travel; several others have no-go regions. Read your government's advice for every country on the route before paying deposits.
- African islands ↗Sleep on the island you fly home from the night before your long-haul departure; inter-island flights and ferries in this region are cancelled or rescheduled often enough to break a same-day connection.
- African islands ↗In the Indian Ocean islands book flexible rates for December to March: a cyclone warning can shut airports, ferries and roads for two or three days.
- Madagascar ↗Check visa and e-visa rules for your passport on Madagascar's official e-visa portal before booking.
- Madagascar ↗Book a travel-clinic visit several weeks ahead; ask about malaria prevention and whether a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for your route.
- Madagascar ↗Hire a car with a driver for road trips; self-drive is rarely practical and driving after dark is unsafe.
- Madagascar ↗Do not buy or export wildlife, tortoise shell, precious stones without a certificate, or protected plants; enforcement at the airport is strict.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Toamasina117 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Toamasina, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Malagasy ariary (MGA).Madagascar-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelma, Orange and Airtel (Yas) sell SIMs at Ivato and in towns with passport registration; data bundles are cheap.Madagascar-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap.Madagascar-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Round up or 5–10%.Madagascar-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/E. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Madagascar-wide
- SafetyToamasina is generally safe for day visitors; keep valuables secure and avoid isolated streets after dark.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels; long-drop or squat toilets at many park gates and roadside stops.Madagascar-wide
- Emergency numbers117 police · 118 fire · 124 Medical (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysShops shut Sunday afternoons in towns; national parks open daily; banks close at weekends.Madagascar-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckTMM Toamasina Airport (Domestic flights; check schedules.).
- Getting aroundTaxis are the main mode; negotiate price or use meter.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a café1 000–2 000 Ar
- Street or quick mealStreet food (koba, samosa)500–1 500 Ar
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi (city ride, 5 km (3.1 mi))Taxi (city ride, 3.1 mi (5 km))15 000–20 000 Ar
- Budget bedBudget hotel/hostel bed, a night, per personMGA 20,000
- Mid-range bedMid‑range double room, a night, per roomMGA 150,000
- High-end bedMid‑range double room, a night, per roomMGA 200,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget MGA 25,000 · Mid MGA 40,000 · High MGA 70,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- TMM Toamasina Airport (Domestic flights; check schedules.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Feb
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Mar
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Apr
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
May
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jun
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jul
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Oct
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Nov
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Dec
not flagged
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Best: Apr–Nov. Avoid: Jan–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)), coolest Jul (17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C) low), wettest Mar (18 rain days), driest Sep (9). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Toamasina: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
16 rd
Feb
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
15 rd
Mar
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
18 rd
Apr
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
14 rd
May
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12 rd
Jun
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
11 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
12 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
11 rd
Sep
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9 rd
Oct
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10 rd
Nov
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11 rd
Dec
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
15 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Taxis are the main mode; negotiate price or use meter. City buses run limited routes. Walking is easy around the waterfront and city centre.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Canal des Pangalanes
cautionDoor to door: Half‑day for day cruise; overnight trips available.
Ask at Hotel Joffre or local agents; boat runs when demand exists.
Service irregular; confirm schedule.
Foulpointe
goDoor to door: ≈1 h each way
Taxi or shared minibus about 45 km (28 mi) north, 1 h drive.Taxi or shared minibus about 28 mi (45 km) north, 1 h drive.
Popular beach with calmer waters.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Hotel Plage
5‑min walk to beach; double room 40,000 Ar.
Hotel Joffre
Mid‑range; double 122,500 Ar, twin 137,500 Ar.
JRJ Hotel
Air‑con double 45,000–55,000 Ar; free Wi‑Fi.
Hotel Mahatoky
Double 20,000–25,000 Ar; nets in rooms.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- 25 000–40 000 Ar excl. bed
- Mid
- 40 000–70 000 Ar excl. bed
- High
- 70 000 Ar+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid‑range double room1 × 2 nights × MGA 150,000 | MGA 300,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × MGA 40,000 | MGA 160,000 |
| Taxi from airport to city centre2 × MGA 30,000 · check | MGA 60,000 |
| Canal des Pangalanes day boat2 × MGA 50,000 · check | MGA 100,000 |
| eSIM data (10 GB, 30 days)2 × MGA 75,000 · check | MGA 150,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | MGA 77,000 |
| Trip total≈ MGA 211,800 per person per day, bed included | MGA 847,000 |
2026 estimate in MGA; flights and international transfers excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a café | 1 000–2 000 Ar |
| Street food (koba, samosa) | 500–1 500 Ar |
| Taxi (city ride, 5 km) | 15 000–20 000 Ar |
| Bottle of water (1 L) | 500–800 Ar |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Medical response can be slow; keep emergency number 124 handy (check).
- ATMs may accept only Visa or Mastercard; bring cash.
- Nighttime beach areas can be poorly lit; stay in groups.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 117
- Fire
- 118
- Medical
- 124
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
ToamasinaToamasina
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Azafady, ity adiresy ityTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police117
- Fire118
- Medical124
Embassy
US consulate in Antananarivo; check for local representation.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport → city centre taxi: ≈15 000 Ar, 20 min (check)
- City taxi per km: ≈3 000 Ar per km (check)
Say or show
- Salama — Hello (sah‑lah‑mah)
- Ohatrinona? — How much? (oo‑hah‑tree‑no‑nah)
- Misaotra — Thank you (mee‑sah‑oo‑trah)
- Aiza ny tora-pasika? — Where is the beach? (eye‑zah nee toe‑rah‑pah‑see‑kah)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Toamasina. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Nov · avoid Jan–Mar (rainy season) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a night for an overnight canal cruise.
- Combine with a visit to nearby Foulpointe for a beach day.
Sources
Ask about Toamasina
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