Warning for Dutch Travellers using Postbank-cards

This isn't just a problem for Dutch travellers. It doesn't matter where your bank is based, Madagascar ATMs are simply not linked into the Maestro and Cirrus networks.

The cheapest and most reliable way to get cash is a Visa debit card / ATM card. Credit card charges are very much higher.

You'll specifically need Mastercard to get cash advances in towns without ATMs where the Bank of Africa is the only bank available (e.g. Maroantsetra).

Although more ATMs are now accepting Mastercard, Visa is still the best bet in most places.

I'd favor Visa. Mastercard is not as widely useable unless you find a Barclays ATM.

While repeating that Visa, especially the non-credit card variant, should be the card of choice, the BNI-CL bank, which has branches in as good as every town where ATMs are available has started accepting Mastercard in its ATMs, so there is now a useable alternative for those travellers who don't have a Visa card. This is a very new development.

BNI-CL is, incidentally, the bank which permits the highest withdrawal in a single transaction (385000 ariary in September this year) which is useful for keeping down transaction charges with your home bank.

Don't know about Barclays Bank - I've never seen a branch in Mada.

Mastercard is, as mentioned, absolutely essential for over-the-counter transactions at the Bank of Africa in towns without ATMs and with no other bank available.