Airport
The international port of entry is Bauerfield, only 10 mins from Port Vila. There is a currency exchange facility as well as bars/restaurants and duty free shops.
Banking
The introduction of the International Companies Act made Vanuatu one of the most attractive and competitive financial centres in the world. Trading banks are;
- ANZ Bank
- BRED Bank
- Westpac Bank
- National Bank of Vanuatu
Banking hours are 8:30am to 3:00pm Monday to Friday. The National Bank of Vanuatu's airport office is open for all flight arrivals.
Currency
Foreign currency is readily transacted and the local currency unit is the Vatu. Travellers cheques or cash are easily converted into the local currency during your visit and can be exchanged when leaving at the airport. The banks will accept most major credit and debit cards and Goodies usually has the best rate for cash and travellers cheques in town.
Business Hours
Offices are generally open from 7:30am to 11:30am and from 1:30pm to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. Shops from 8:00am to 11:30am and from 1:30pm to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday and 8:00 to Noon on Saturday. Banks from 8:00 to 3:00pm Monday to Friday and the Post Office from 7:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday.
Transport
Driving is on the right-hand side of the road, the same as the USA and Europe. Cars, 4WDs and jeeps are available for hire. Taxis are plentiful and are all metered although some may agree to a fixed rate. It is quite common for a driver to offer passengers a comparable rate to the bus. Mini buses fare is 150 Vatu offer a frequent though not timetabled service. Look for the letter 'B' next to the front licence plate and simply flag one down and tell the driver where you want to go.
Airport Tax
Departure tax at the International Airport is VUV 2,500 per person (except children under 12 years old), and VUV 400 for domestic Vanair Service tax. Both these passenger service charges are included in airfares.
Languages
Bislama, English and French. There are 115 'mother tongues' in common use.
Telecommunications
World wide satellite communications, 24 hours telephone, fax, email and web access. Phone, telex, fax at the post office and resorts and there's an Internet café in the main street.
Time Zone
Geography
In the heart of Melanesia, with Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands to the north, Fiji to the east and New Caledonia to the southeast.
Climate
Summer is from November to March, the average temperature is 28°C and it can be hot, wet and humid. Winter is from April to October with the temperature averaging 23°C. Sea temperature varies from 22 to 28 degrees making swimming enjoyable all year round.
Art & Craft
The style of art in Vanuatu varies from island to island, like the customs and traditions. Carving is a traditional art and there are many fine painters, weavers and potters. Handicraft Blong Vanuatu, located in the centre of Port Vila provides a wide selection of authentic handicrafts from many islands of Vanuatu. You will also find handicraft at Art Blong Yumi and Goodies.
Entertainment
All major hotels have regular entertainment and there are several night clubs open till late. There is gambling at Palms Casino (Le Meridien Resort), Club 21 (Melanesian Resort) and at Club Vanuatu. In the evenings men drink kava at local kava bars or Nakamals. Regular Melanesian cultural shows are available. Club Vanuatu and The Office Pub have cable sports channels on screen.
Kava
The kava in Vanuatu is reputedly stronger than its Fijian equivalent, and it is drunk without the Fijian 'clapping' ceremony. The cup should still be drunk in one motion however. Kava tours cost around VT400.
Religion
Predominantly Christian. Visitors are welcome to attend Sunday services and Sabbath Service(Saturday-Seventhday Adventist). Many of the shops and markets close on Sundays. Some Chinese-owned shops and supermarkets may be open and, at the resorts, it's business as usual.
Shopping
Foreign cash, travellers cheques and major international credit cards (Amex, Diners, JCB, Mastercard and Visa) are widely accepted. Most shops close for 'siesta' 11:30am to 1:30pm. Restaurants, cafes, banks, supermarkets and the Post Office do not observe siesta. Shops open on Saturday morning and some specialty shops and supermarkets open on Sunday morning. Suburban general stores open early and close late seven days a week. The colourful market in the town centre operates every day except Sundays for flowers, fruit, vegetables and handicrafts.
Water
The urban water supply is safe to drink and bottled water is also readily available.
Medical
There are no dangerous animals or insects in Vanuatu and no vaccinations are required although anti-malarial precautions are recommended for visits to outer islands.
Dress
Light and casual, but not too brief in public places. Tropical clothes for evening wear - no ties.
Electricity
220-230 volts AC, mainly three-point plugs in hotels.
Eating Out
Dining is a highlight in Vanuatu. Fresh local fish, beef, fruit and vegetables are in plentiful supply. Top class restaurants offer Melanesian, French, Polynesian, Indian, Chinese, Thai-Vietnamese, English and Japanese specialties.
Tipping
There is no tipping or bargaining, it goes against local tradition. A smile and a 'thank you' is tip enough. Mind you, the prices at the souvenir markets do rise on days when cruise ships are in dock, so it's best to put off the shopping for a day if you know one is in town.
Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended and very affordable. As they say, if you can't afford the insurance, you can't afford to travel. To find out more about travel insurance. |
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| The islands are an adventure enthusiast's paradise. The geologically active archipelago is a natural playground of colourful reefs, bubbling volcanoes and lush jungle. Visitors can drive up to the crater of Yasur, cited as the most accessible active volcano in the world, sea kayak round the islands' shorelines, explore underwater WWII relics, or hike and bike through coconut plantations and tropical rainforest. |
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Health Care
There are hospitals in Aoba, Epi, Espiritu Santo, Malekula, Port-Vila, and Tanna as well as smaller clinics and medical dispensaries on the smaller islands. Health insurance is advised. |
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| Tourism is centred on the islands of Efaté, Tanna and Espiritu Santo. International visitors arrive in Port-Vila, on Efaté, and from here can travel by boat or plane to explore the rest of the country. |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 28 July 2010 15:22 )
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