The Essentials

Currency

Vatu. NZ$1 = approx. 77 vatu. There are not many ATMs, but credit and debit cards are widely accepted. We took a few hundred dollars’ worth of vatu (great for markets and local stores) but were easily able to use our Credit Cards most of the time.

Getting There

Air Vanuatu offers the quickest most direct flights from Auckland to Port Vila return. Currently there are two flights per week on offer. Visit airvanuatu.com

GETTING AROUND By bus

We quickly learned that what the locals call buses are mini vans that can seat about 10 people. Took us a while longer to figure out that their licence plate started with a B. Buses are used by locals and tourists alike, and are friendly, cheap, and easy to use.

By taxi

Taxis can be told apart from the busses as their licence plate starts with a T.

Languages Spoken

There are three official languages of Vanuatu: English, French and Bislama (a creole language based on English).

Best Time To Visit

Thanks to Vanuatu's beautiful tropical climate, the weather is generally good all year round, however conditions are at their best from April to October when temperatures are a comfortable 1828°C. We visited early December, and found the heat and humidity to be a little uncomfortable at times.

DON’T FORGET

Enough sun cream (most places in Vanuatu do not sell sun creams as locals do not need it), mosquito repellent, appropriate footwear for walking on beaches and wading in water where there is coral and other bits and pieces to contend with, and a basic first aid kit.