Banking and Currency

Banks found in Vanuatu are Westpac, ANZ, National Bank of Vanuatu and Bred Bank

Banking hours are as follows:

WESTPAC 8.30am - 4pm Monday to Friday. An ATM is available in Port Vila and Luganville
ANZ 9am - 3.30pm Monday to Friday. An ATM is available in Port Vila

There are currently more than 250 EFTPOS outlets in Port Vila and Luganville which accept Visa, Mastercard, CIRRUS. Major credit cards are accepted at most major resort/hotels and some restaurants and shops in Port Vila. Travellers cheques are widely accepted at major banks and most of the larger resorts.

The Vanuatu Currency is VATU.

TIP: Good exchange rates are available at several locations in Port Vila such as Goodies & Vanuatu Post

Climate

The best time of year is April/May to October when temperatures range from 18 - 28 degrees Celcius. Light weight casual clothing plus a sweater is usually sufficient. January to March is hot (26-34 degrees celcius) and often wet, but being low season is a good time to take advantage of travel specials.

Communication

Telecom Vanuatu and Digicel are the two telecommunication companies in Port Vila. Vodafone, Optus and Telstra all have international roaming capabilities however you will need to check with your service provider to see if your phone and plan are compatible. For phones that are not locked to a particular service provider, you can purchase a local Vanuatu Sim and mobile phone number.

There are several internet cafes in Port Vila as well as internet facilities available at selected accommodation and Post offices.

Electricity

240V, 50HzHz. 3-in plugs (as found in Australia and NZ) are used predominately in hotels although French 2-plug points can be found in some smaller resorts/bungalows. Adapters can be found in local hardware or Chinese stores in Port Vila

Language

There are over 120 distinct languages and many more dialects spoken in Vanuatu. The National language of Vanuatu is Bislama (pidgin English) however English and French are also official, and commonly spoken languages

Public Transport

Privately owned mini-buses are the most common form of transport in Port Vila and run unspecified routes through municipal areas. Public mini buses have a red "B" on their number plate. As they do not have a fixed route you are just required to flag the bus down and let the driver know where you would like to go. Be warned that if the bus is full you may be the last passenger to be dropped off! Bus fares within Port Vila are 150VT within the town limits. Correct change is required.

Taxis are marked with a red "T" on their number plate. Taxis are plentiful within Port Vila however are more expensive than a bus, costing around 100VT per kilometer. Be sure to always negotiate a price with your driver before starting your journey.

Rental car companies are also located at Port Vila’s International Airport and downtown Vila and Luganville. Cars are available for hire if you are over 23 years of age and have held a licence for over 1 year. Scooters are also available for hire to those over 17 years of age with an open car licence.

Tipping

In accordance with Vanuatu Custom tipping and bargaining are not practised in Vanuatu.

Local Time

Vanuatu is one hour ahead of Australian Standard Time. There is no daylight savings

Duty Free Allowances

When returning to Australia you are allowed to bring up to 2.25 litres of alcohol and 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of cigars or tobacco product. As well as this, passengers over 18years of age may bring up to A$900 worth of general duty free goods into Australia (A$450 if under 18 years)

TIP: Tobacco and Alcohol are very reasonably priced in downtown Vila so save your Duty Free shopping for when you are in Vanuatu.

Click here to download pdf - Vanuatu Fast Facts