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Beware of dogs! Tana is loaded with stray dogs, some of whom will occasionally harass passers-by for scraps or bark, growl and chase humans off their territory. If accosted by a stray dog, look for a rock or bottle or something to throw at it, then let fly. If nothing is available start screaming and clapping your hands. If this doesn't work, run. These animals also leave their marks behind...many locals refer to Tana as "Antaybe" place of much poop.
Beggars can also be a nuisance, especially groups of children. A polite but firm "Non, merci" or "Tsy misy tsee meesh" add "Tompoko (toom-pook" when speaking to anyone older than you) should do the trick. If not, shout "Mandehana! man-day-han" Go Away!. Try to avoid handing out cash, candy or trinkets to children...it simply encourages more begging.
Don't be alarmed by taxis or vehicles with holes in the floor, springs poking out of the seats, missing mirrors or broken windows. Malagasy motor vehicles may not be much to look at and not much fun to ride in, but for the most part they run well and the engines are well-maintained.
The Malagasy currency was devalued recently. The former Malagasy Franc Franc Malgache is now obsolete. The new currency is called the Ariary Ar-ee-ar and is worth 5 Francs. For example, 10,000 Francs = 2000 Ariary. When negotiating a price, ALWAYS CONFIRM THE AMOUNT IN ARIARY. Many locals take advantage of tourists by simply stating the amount due without specifying the currency, so many tourists are duped into paying 5 times the actual amount due because of Franc/Ariary confusion.
It is generally not advisable for non French speaking tourists to wander around the city unaccompanied by a guide or local. There have been incidents in which gangs have robbed tourists when it was clear that they are not familiar with their surroundings. There have also been incidents of kidnappings of tourists for ransom money.
