Useful Information

AIRPORT:

The port of entry is Bauerfield, 15 minutes from the capital, Port Vila.

BANKING & FINANCE:

Trading banks are in downtown. The local currency unit is the Vatu. ANZ, Westpac, Bred and NBV has a cash dispenser (ATM) in down-town Port Vila, at the international airport and in front of many supermarkets.

BUSINESS HOURS:

Government offices open Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 11:30 am, and 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Most businesses operate during the same hours, but will generally stay open until 5:00 pm.

CAMPING:

Is not encouraged publicly in Vanuatu, however, some guesthouses offer camping at their grounds.

CLIMATE:

Wet season: From November to April, average temperature is 28°C. Dry season: May to October, average temperature 23°C.

CUSTOMS:

Passengers over 15 years:

250 cigarettes or 250 g of tobacco or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos.
1.5 litre alcohol.
9 litres beer and.
2.25 litres wine.
And 25 cl eau de toilette.
And 10 cl perfume.
Plus a total of 50,000 vatu (approx. A$600) in unused goods. Visitor personal effects are entered duty-free.

ELECTRICAL VOLTAGE:

220-280 volts 50 Hz, AC: mainly three point plugs in hotels. Most electrical goods shops in Vila and Luganville sell adaptors that are usually compatible with foreign designs.

EMERGENCY SERVICES:

Efate: Fire phone (678) 22 333, Police phone (678) 22 222, Promedical Services phone (678) 25 556 Or Hospital Ambulance phone (678) 112.
Santo: Fire phone (678) 36 333, Police phone (678) 36 222, Ambulance phone (678) 37 112.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

For stays not exceeding 30 days, visitors who are nationals of Commonwealth countries, EU countries, Fiji, Japan, Norway, Philippines, South Korea, Switzerland, USA are automatically issued with a visa for one month on arrival. For other nationalities and stays in excess of 30 days, visas are only obtainable from the Immigration Department, PMB 0092, Port-Vila, Vanuatu - Tel: (678) 22 354, Fax: (678) 25 492 - E-mail: immigration@vanuatu.gov.vu
Opening Hours: 7:30 am to 11:30 am and 1:30 pm to 4:40 pm from Monday to Friday, except Tuesday afternoon.

ENTRY PORTS:

The port of Lenakel on the island of Tanna, the port of Port Vila on the island of Efate, the port of Luganville on the island of Espiritu Santo and the port of Sola on the island of Vanua Lava are the only legal ports of entry in the Republic of Vanuatu.

HEALTH:

No vaccinations are required but antimalarial precautions are recommended for visits to outer islands. Hospital facilities exist in Port Vila and Luganville, Espiritu Santo. There are no dangerous animals or insects. The urban water is safe to drink from the tap. When travelling to the outer islands it is advisable to take drinking water along.

LANGUAGES:

Bislama, English and French. The 115 "mother-tongues" are still in common use.

MONEY EXCHANGE:

The exchange places in down-town Port Vila are: Goodies Money Exchange, Global & Exchange at the Western Union, and Seven Eleven opposite French Ambassy.

QUARANTINE:

If you are purchasing coral, shells, tree fern carvings in Vanuatu to take home, you may need an export permit. Check with the Department of Environment (Tel: (678) 25 302). Customs in your own country may require a fumigation certificate on items such as mats, grass skirts and wooden carvings; otherwise they may confiscate these goods.
Contact quarantine at the Department of Agriculture for information Tel: (678) 23 130)
E-mail: vqisvila@vanuatu.com.vu

RELIGION:

Christian.

SHOPPING:

Foreign cash, traveller's cheques and major international credit cards (Amex, Diners, JCB, MasterCard and Visa) are widelyaccepted. BankCard is not normally accepted. All shops are open on Saturday morning, including specialty shops. Supermarkets and suburban general stores open early and close late seven days a week. The colourful market in the town centre operates every day except Sundays.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS:

World-wide satellite communications, 24 hour telephone, telex, fax, plus e-mail and internet services. Internet Cafe in Port Vila and Luganville.

TIME:

Vanuatu time is GMT/UMT plus 11 hours, which is one hour ahead of Australian Eastern Standard time.

TRANSPORTATION:

Driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Cars and vans are available for hire. Taxis are plentiful and are all metered. Mini-buses offer a frequent though not time-tabled service - merely flag one down and tell the driver where you want to go.

The fare is negligible and fixed for everywhere in town, however, if your destination is well out of the urban area, then the fare rises but only marginally..
Interisland travel is mainly by air - interisland boats taking deck passengers are irregular. Cruiseships regularly call in at Port Vila.