LOCATION

Vanuatu , a chain of 83 islands, is located in the Pacific Ocean one hour  and 45 minutes flying time west of Fiji , between Fiji and Australia .

AIRPORT INFORMATION

Vanuatu International Airport is located approximately 7 miles from Port Vila, on the island of Efate . Known as Bauerfield Airport it is both an International and Domestic Airport . There are domestic airports located on many of the other islands with flights restricted to daylight operations.

VISITOR VISAS

All visitors must present a valid Passport and possess an onward or return ticket. United States Citizens do not require a visitor visa and entry is granted automatically on arrival in Port Vila.

DUTY FREE ALLOWANCE

Each traveler over the age of 18 can bring the following into Vanuatu . These allowances are a guide only and are subject to change.

Item                               Limit

Cigarettes                      200
Tobacco                          ½ pound (approximately)
Cigars                            50
Liquor                            1.5 bottles  (Liters)
Wine                              2 bottles  (Liters)

CLIMATE

Vanuatu has warm, tropical weather through out the year. November through March, their summer season, tends to be hot and humid with occasional tropical showers. April through November is cooler and more comfortable.

As the sea temperature doesn’t drop below 80degrees, swimming, snorkeling and diving are excellent year round. 

POPULATION

The population of approximately 212,000  is made up of local Melanesian people known as Ni-Vanuatu as well as a significant number of expatriate Asians, Australians, Canadians, English, French & New Zealanders.

LANGUAGE

The official languages are English, French and Bislama (a Melanesian mixture of French and English).

There are however 115 different languages and cultures that make up Vanuatu . It is one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse countries in the world.

CURRENCY

The Vatu is the official currency and can be purchased upon arrival at the local banks. Banking hours are Monday to Friday from 8.30am – 3.00pm .

BUSINESS HOURS

Normal business hours for Vanuatu commercial interests are:

Monday to Friday:          7.30am to 11.30am & 1.30pm to 4.30pm

Saturday:                       mornings only

Restaurants, banks, supermarkets and the Post Office do not observe the noontime siesta. With the exception of the hotels and resorts and local airlines and travel related companies, most businesses are closed on Sundays.

SHOPPING

The colorful Port Vila markets in the town center are open daily except Sunday, selling fruit, vegetables, flowers and handicrafts.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS       2008

Date                               Holiday

January 1                 New Year's Day

February 21                  Father Lini Day

March 5                        Custom Chief's Day

March 21                      Good Friday

March 24                      Easter Monday

May 1                           Labour Day

July 24                         Children's Day

July 30                         Independence Day

August 15                     Assumption

October 5                      Constitution Day

November 29                 Unity Day

December 25                 Christmas Day

December26                  Family Day     

     

ELECTRICITYThe primary electrical power is 220-240 volts. (Australian & New Zealand plugs are used)DRIVINGMost visitors will have airport transfers included in their travel arrangements and with the limited road facilities driving in Vanuatu is not recommended. Port Vila is easy to explore by local bus or taxis.LOCAL TRANSPORTMini buses, though not on a timetable, are frequent as are taxies. The license plates on minivans show “B” for bus and “T” for taxi, in either case you flag them down and tell them where you want to go. The fare is very inexpensive.Inter Island travel is mainly by air.DRINKING WATERThe water in Vanuatu is safe to drink and bottled water is also easily available. We recommend drinking bottled water on the outer islands.HEALTHHospital facilities are available in Port Vila and at Luganville on Espiritu Santo . We do however recommend Malaria vaccinations if you plan to travel to the outer islands.NIGHTLIFEAll major hotels have regular Melanesian cultural shows as entertainment . There is also entertainment in Port Vila’s restaurants and bars.DINING OUT Vanuatu offers excellent dining at it’s International restaurants. A wonderful selection of fresh local fish, beef, fruit & vegetables as well as a Vanuatu specialty of Coconut Crab will entice your taste buds.  Coffee shops, bistros & French bakeries are also found in Port Vila.  TIPPINGTipping is not customary in Vanuatu and is not encouraged.

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