Air Vanuatu operates its own Boeing 737-800 on its international services to and from Australia, New Zealand and Vanuatu. ATR-72 is our domestic airline that operators between Noumea, Fiji and to our outer islands in Vanuatu.
Air Vanuatu has representatives worldwide. They will be happy to help you with your reservations, ticketing requirements and destination information.
No vaccinations are required but anti-malarial medication is recommended, especially for visits to the outer islands.
The Vatu (often written as VT) is the official currency but Australian, NZ and US dollars are often accepted. There is a bank at the airport to change currency both on your arrival and departure. There are also many currency exchanges in town along with banks so have a look around for a good rate. Most credit cards are accepted.
The ANZ and National Bank of Vanuatu have branches in Port Vila. They are open five days a week. Hours are 8 am to 3 pm. And we also have ATM’s which is 24 hours service and you can find them next to our super markets shopping centre’s in town.
Bislama (Pidgin English) is the national language of Vanuatu. English and French are also widely spoken.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday is 24 hours service and Saturday mornings from 6 am to 2 pm. Local vegetables, fruit, flowers, shells, and carvings are for sale.
The sales office is open from 7.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 11:30am, 1:30pm to 4:00pm on Saturday and 8am to 11am on Sunday. Air Vanuatu operates flights between Nadi and Noumea. ATR 72 the domestic airline has daily flights to the outer islands as Tanna, Espiritu Santo, Pentecoste and Port Vila.
In Tanna you can see the awesome and fiery Yasur Volcano, traditional Custom village, John Frum cargo cult, waterfalls and the rare dugong. Fly to Pentecost in April and May of each year to witness the spectacular land Dive where young men hurl themselves off 30 metres towers saved only by the jungle vines tied to their ankles. This world famous event is unique to Vanuatu.
Espiritu Santo goes back in time James A. Michener’s “Tales of the South Pacific” where you can dream the day away at the Champagne Beach see the amazing Blue Hole or join divers from around the world to explore the world’s most accessible wreck the President Coolidge.
The ideal tropical weather is from April to November. The southeast Trade Winds provide slightly cooler weather in the evenings and less humid conditions throughout. December through to March is hot and humid with rainy periods. Maximum temperatures though out the year range from 25’c in winter to 30’c in the summer, and humidity varies from 60% to 80%.
Most offices and shops open form 7.30 am to 11.30 am to 1.30pm to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Siesta time is from 11.30am to 1.30pm every day. During this all business and most shops will be closed. Restaurants and Supermarkets are open all day.
Customs allowances into Vanuatu, duty free: 1.5litres alcohol, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 250gm tobacco, 2 litres wine, 25cl Eau de Toilette, 10cl Perfume. Plus other items to a total value of 20,000vt vatu, approximately $240 Australian dollars.
For International the departure tax is included in your international airfares when you purchase for your tickets. If you want to transfer to a domestic flights to our outer islands there is a tax of 200Vt.
Visas are not required for a stay of less than 30 days by holders of American, Canadian, Japanese, Western European, Australian or New Zealand passports. A valid passport is required with minimum four months validity from date of entry.
Vanuatu has the widest range of goods and some of the best duty free shopping anywhere in the Pacific. The Duty Free Traders Association logo is your guarantee of genuine brands at the lowest prices.
According to Vanuatu custom, tipping is not encouraged. Your courtesy and sincere appreciations are all that is required. Ni-Vanuatu people love receiving postcards, so if you want to express gratitude give them pleasure by obtaining their name and address and send a card.
When driving in Vanuatu, do remember to keep on the right. Be alert and keep to the right at all times as it is easy to veer to the left when turning a corner into an empty road.
Whatever level of diving you’re after, or even if you’re coming to Vanuatu to learn, we have something for everyone.
info@scuba.local.vu
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