Vanuatu

What is Vanuatu’s currency and where can I get a good exchange rate?
The national unit of currency in Vanuatu is the Vatu. Some places do accept Australian dollars. You can compare the exchange rates offered by the three main banks in Vanuatu - ANZ, Westpac and the National Bank of Vanuatu – and also check out the competitive rates offered by the privately owned foreign-exchange centre “Goodies”, located in the heart of Port Vila.

What are the business hours?
Normal working hours:
Monday – Friday 7.30am – 11.30am, 1.30pm –5pm.

What is the climate like on the Vanuatu Islands?
Winter is between May and October, with temperatures averaging 25°C, and about 60% humidity. Summer is from November to April, with an average temperature of 32°C and humidity at 80%.

What kind of clothing should I carry?
Mangoes Resort recommends light, cool and comfortable clothing. However, if you’re thinking of visiting the Vanuatu Islands between May and September, it might be a good idea to carry a jersey.

What are the Customs regulations in Vanuatu?
Standard duty-free allowances per person include:
1.5 litres of alcohol
200 litres of wine
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco

What is the standard departure tax?
The departure tax is included in your airfare.

What do I dial in case of an emergency?
Dial 22222 for the Police.
Dial 22100 for an Ambulance.

Are there any special health and safety measures that I need to take?
No vaccines are required. However, it is advisable to take anti-malaria tablets before visits to the outer islands. You can safely drink out of the taps in Port Vila, but it may be a good idea to take your own bottled water if you’re travelling out of Vila.

If you require urgent medical attention, you can always rely on the services of the local expatriate doctors and chemists who are trained in Australia and New Zealand.

What are the different languages spoken in Vanuatu?
There are over 110 distinct languages and dialects in Vanuatu. Bislama is the national language. Other official languages include English and French.

What’s the shopping scene in Vanuatu?
Shops are open from Monday to Friday and on Saturday mornings. The Port Vila market is shut on Sundays. Foreign currency, traveller’s cheques and all major credit cards are widely accepted.

What means of transport are available?
Mini-buses will take you all around the town centre for just 100 vatu, and there are plenty of taxis, too. If you’d like to tour the islands on your own, you could check out the wide range of rental car deals that Avis and Budget offer. Remember to drive on the right-hand side of the road!

How much should I tip?
You are not expected to tip in Vanuatu. But if you would like to tip, leave your tip with the management and they will distribute it amongst the staff equally.

Other Helpful Websites
Vanuatu Tourism Office website: www.vanuatutourism.com
Lonely Planet: www.lonelyplanet.com