LOCATION

New Caledonia lies just north of the Tropic of Capricorn, east of Australia and west of Fiji. The main island of Noumea is surrounded by the largest lagoon in the world. The smaller islands which make up the remainder of New Caledonia are Isle de Pines and the Loyalty Islands (Lifou, Ouvea & Mare).

AIRPORT INFORMATION

New Caledonia's International and Domestic Airport is known as Tontouta Airport and is located approximately 30 miles from Noumea city center.

VISITOR VISAS

A valid passport, with onward or return tickets, is required. (Passport must be valid for 6 months). Visas are not required for stays up to one month.

DUTY FREE ALLOWANCE

Apart from their own personal effects, each traveler over the age of 18 is allowed to bring the following into New Caledonia. These allowances are a guide only and are subject to change.

Item Limit
Cigarettes 200
Tobacco 250 grams
Cigars 50
Liquor 1 liter

CLIMATE

New Caledonia is blessed with a pleasant semitropical climate year round. The warm season (generally September to March) averages 80°F although temperatures rarely become oppressive. The cooler season (June to September) averages around 70°F with rainfall at its highest from December to March.

POPULATION

The population of New Caledonia is approximately 200,000 made up of the local Melanesian people, Europeans, Tahitians and Wallisians, Indonesians, Vietnamese and other origins.

LANGUAGE

French is the official language in New Caledonia but English is widely used and understood in most tourist facilities and shops. English is less prominent in the outer islands where the local Melanesians have their own dialects in their various villages.

CURRENCY

The Local currency is the Central Pacific Franc (XPF). The denominations of which are: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 & 100 Franc coins and 500, 1,000, 5,000 &10,000 Franc notes.

Banking hours are generally from 7.30a.m. to 3.30p.m. Monday to Friday.

Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit cards are accepted throughout New Caledonia. Bankcard is not accepted.

BUSINESS HOURS

Monday to Friday 7.30am to 11.30am & 1.30pm to 6.00pm
Saturday 8.00a to 11.00am

The majority of offices and shops close for lunch, however post offices and banks remain open but close at 3.30 p.m.

SHOPPING

From the latest in designer gear including clothes, perfume and shoes—the shopping choices are great in New Caledonia. The local market is a must for those wanting to catch the action and see the local people. Many French brands are available, and the supermarket stocks a wide variety of European wines and produce.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2008

Date Holiday
January 1                New Years Day

March 24                 Easter Monday

May 1                       Labour Day

May 8                       Victory Day

July 14                     Bastille Day

August 15                 Assumption

September 24           French Treaty Day

November 1               All Saints' Day

November 11             Armistice Day

December 25             Christmas Day

December 31             New Year's Eve

ELECTRICITY

The current is 220 volts and adaptors are required.

DRIVING

New Caledonia is one of the best places in the Pacific to take a driving holiday. Driving is on the right hand side and roads are paved. Although signs are in French, navigation is easy.

LOCAL TRANSPORT

There is regular bus service operating on the main island. Small boats and regular domestic air services can take you from the mainland to the outer islands. Car rentals & taxis are available, as well as tour operators who provide a variety of tour services.

DRINKING WATER

It is safe to drink the tap water on the main island but it is recommended that you drink bottled water when you get to the outlying areas.

HEALTH

No vaccinations are required as New Caledonia is free from Malaria and other major tropical diseases.

NIGHTLIFE

Casinos, Discos, Clubs and cafes are available in Noumea.

DINING OUT

Dining out is a popular pastime in New Caledonia. You can find over 130 restaurants with a variety of styles from French, Indonesian, Chinese, Italian, West Indian, Mexican, and North African, not to mention the sumptuous seafood dishes. From the sidewalk cafes to the well-packed picnics from the fresh food stalls—dining in New Caledonia is a wonderful experience.

TIPPING

There is no tipping in New Caledonia.

The above information has been derived from various sources and Travel Arrangements Ltd is not responsible for the accuracy of the content.