Pros and Cons of Living in Madagascar
Last updated on Jun 07, 2023
Summary: The pros of living in Madagascar include its diverse and unique wildlife, its stunning landscapes, and its friendly people. Additionally, the cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. On the other hand, Madagascar has a high poverty rate and limited access to basic services such as healthcare and education. Additionally, the infrastructure is not well developed, making it difficult to access certain areas of the country.
What are the pros and cons of living in Madagascar?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Madagascar responded:
"Expats and digital nomads living in Madagascar often appreciate the country's stunning natural beauty, with its lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and unique wildlife. They also enjoy the friendly and welcoming local culture, with its vibrant music and art scene. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the infrastructure in Madagascar to be lacking, with unreliable internet access and limited public transportation. Additionally, the cost of living in Madagascar can be quite high, making it difficult for some expats and digital nomads to make ends meet," said one expat in Madagascar.
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What do expats in Madagascar appreciate most about the local culture?
"Expats in Madagascar appreciate the warm hospitality of the local people, the vibrant culture and the unique cuisine. They also enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the country, with its lush rainforests, stunning beaches and diverse wildlife. The relaxed pace of life and the laid-back atmosphere are also appreciated by expats, who find it a great place to relax and unwind. Additionally, the country's rich history and culture, with its unique blend of African, French and Indian influences, is a source of fascination for many expats," remarked one in Madagascar.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
What do expats find most challenging?
"Expatriates in Madagascar often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. Language barriers can be a challenge, as French and Malagasy are the two official languages, and English is not widely spoken. Additionally, the local customs and traditions can be difficult to understand and navigate. Expats may also find the lack of infrastructure and resources to be a challenge, as well as the slower pace of life," remarked one in Madagascar.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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