Island in Diana, Madagascar
Nosy Be
Madagascar's main beach island for diving, whale shark trips and sunsets, with easy flights from the capital. Prices are higher than the mainland and nightlife is limited; sex-tourism hustle in some areas.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$864–1,480Comfortable, one person · Ar3.8M–6.5MDetails
- Value for money60/100Better value than 59% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jun, Sep–NovWarmest: Nov, 30°CDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water; many hotels provide refill stations.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: rareDetails
- Doctor's visit$9–23Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundTuk-tukWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCash ariary or euros for most things; cards work at some hotels and dive shops with fees.Details
Where to stay in Nosy Be
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Ambatoloaka | Backpackers and nightlife: bars, hostels and dive shops |
| Madirokely | Quieter beach hotels with restaurants nearby |
| Andilana | Resorts, sunsets and a long calm beach |
| Hell-Ville (Andoany) | Town center, markets and bank; not a beach base |
Apps that work in Nosy Be
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- MVola: Mobile money used by locals
- Taxis: No apps. Use tuk-tuks or hotel taxis and agree the fare first. Prices are higher at night.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Madagascar.
- Mostly cash Cash ariary or euros for most things; cards work at some hotels and dive shops with fees. ATMs in Hell-Ville can run out.
- Currency: Ariary (MGA). US$1 ≈ Ar4,399.69 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs dispense ariary with low limits and fees; many fail. Withdraw in Antananarivo before heading out, and carry euros as backup.
- Tipping: 5–10% for good restaurant service; tip guides and drivers 5,000–20,000 Ar per day.
- Paying by phone: MVola, Orange Money and Airtel Money are common locally; foreign visitors mostly use cash.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Apply for an e-visa before travel or buy a visa on arrival; tourist visas are 30 or 60 days, with longer stays extended in-country.
- Some nationalities get a short visa-free stay with a small fee on arrival; check the e-visa portal for your passport.
- Yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from risk countries; passport needs 6 months validity.
Emergency numbers
Police 117 · Ambulance 124 · Fire 118
Plugs
Type C, D, E, J, K · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Telma, Orange and Airtel SIMs are sold at airport kiosks and shops for a few thousand ariary; passport registration required. Coverage is poor away from towns.
More places in Madagascar
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.