Antananarivo - Post Report Question and Answers
Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Yes. - Jul 2020
We use credit cards at the grocery stores. Local ATMs are safe to use, but the maximum you can withdraw in any single transaction is 400.000 MGA (about $120), so be sure your bank won't charge you exorbitant transaction fees. - Mar 2017
Minimal use, thoough bigger hotels and grocery stores will take them. For usual places, cash is it. ATM's are around and safe to use (at least as safe as anywhere else) - Jun 2016
Most ATMs accept Visa cards only. This is still very much a cash-based society. Some upscale restaurants/salons accept cards, but it's always a good idea to bring enough cash. - Oct 2015
Most banks have ATMs in major cities around the island. It's a good idea to have an ATM card with a chip in it rather than just an American-style strip as it will work in more machines. Smaller towns may not have an ATM. In my experience, most stores and restaurants don't accept cards unless they're in major hotels, with a few notable exceptions (like many of the high end stores in the upscale Zoom shopping center in Tana). Carry cash. - Mar 2015
You can use credit cards without too much worry. Most places take Visa but nothing else. ATMs are relatively safe, but most official Americans use the embassy cashier. - Apr 2013
Only one bank accepts Mastercard at their ATM. The rest accept only Visa. I've used credit cards at the grocery store and some higher-end tourist shops. It's a cash economy, though. The highest note is equal to $5, so you'll be carrying around a lot of cash. - Apr 2010
There are ATMs. They are not always operational. In the 2 years of having a card, the 6 times I tried to withdraw, I was successful twice. Credit cards are accepted, mainly VISA .Cash is king. - Dec 2008
