Currency in Vanuatu: VUV Send & Spend FX Guide
Resources for Expats, Travelers, and Entrepreneurs Navigating Life and Trade in Vanuatu with the Vanuatu vatu.
What's in this Vanuatu currency guide?
What currency is used in Vanuatu?
The official currency of Vanuatu (country code: VU) is the Vanuatu vatu, with symbol VT and currency code VUV.
What is a good Vanuatu vatu exchange rate?
The BestExchangeRates.com currency comparison table below helps you see the total cost of your currency transaction by showing the exchange rates offered by different providers. It also makes it easy to spot potential savings from market-leading FX services compared to bank rates.
To see a full list of rates, enter your transaction type, currencies and amount then click ‘GET RATES’:
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Good things to know about the Vanuatu vatu
Here are some things you might want to know about the Vanuatu vatu:
- The Vanuatu vatu is the official currency of Vanuatu. It is represented by the symbol "Vt" and is abbreviated as VUV.
- The vatu was introduced in 1981, replacing the New Hebrides franc. It is divided into 100 centimes.
- The physical currency consists of coins and banknotes. The coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 vatu. The banknotes come in denominations of 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 5,000 vatu.
- The banknotes feature images of famous Vanuatuan historical figures, such as Father Walter Lini and Chief Roi Mata. The design of the currency is constantly being updated, so the physical appearance of the coins and banknotes may vary slightly over time.
- The value of the vatu is not widely traded on international currency markets, as Vanuatu has a small and open economy. The value of the vatu is largely determined by the demand for goods and services within the country.
For more VUV information check out our selection of Vanuatu vatu news and guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What currency should I use in Vanuatu?
The domestic currency in Vanuatu is the Vanuatu vatu.
What is the Vanuatu vatu currency code and symbol?
The three letter currency code for the Vanuatu vatu is VUV — symbol is VT.
Which countries use the Vanuatu vatu?
It is the domestic currency in Vanuatu.
Is the Vanuatu vatu a closed currency?
No, the Vanuatu vatu is freely available and convertible. See guide: What is a closed currency?
What are equivalent amounts of USD and VUV?
Here are some popular conversion amounts for USD to VUV (US dollar to Vanuatu vatu)*.
*Converted at the current USDVUV interbank exchange rate. Calculate actual payout amounts for Send Money and Travel Money exchange rates.
Travel money for Vanuatu
Using Wise for Vanuatu vatu travel money is a smart choice for savvy travelers. With its competitive exchange rates and low fees, Wise allows you to convert and manage multiple currencies effortlessly.
Be careful when using your own bank's Debit/Credit Card, as your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash on top of the standard Visa/Mastercard 2.5% from market mid-rate.
For card purchases, if you are offered a choice of currencies always select to Pay in Vanuatu vatu otherwise you will typically get much worst dynamic currency conversion (DCC) exchange rates.
If you really want Vanuatu vatu cash before departure, you can save money by ordering online. You generally get better rates and can pick up the VUV cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.
Vanuatu: Travel Guide
Traveling to Vanuatu requires careful financial planning to ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate currency considerations and manage your money effectively during your visit.
Vanuatu is not a country of mega-resorts or worldwide chains, but one of character-filled boutique hotels, often set in secluded locales. Deserted beaches, ancient culture, remote and rugged islands and world-class diving are just a small part of the magnetism of this scattered 80-plus island archipelago. And then there is Mt Yasur, an active volcano which you can drive to 150m of the creator and peer down at the fountain of lava. Some visitors find Yasur terrifying; others captivating. Photographers are beside themselves at the opportunity to capture nature at its most furious from such a vantage point. A sturdy tripod is essential for the best shots. The best times to visit Yasur are just before sunrise and for an hour or two after sunset. Absolute darkness is the ultimate thrill. The level of activity within Yasur fluctuates between dangerous and relatively calm, but when it’s hot, it’s hot.
Can I use credit cards in Vanuatu?
However, Port Vila and Luganville are not cheap, and you'll need to exchange your dollars and pounds for some Vanuatu vatu (the local currency). Many resorts in the area feature money exchanges and ATM access. However, for the average traveler through the islands, cash is a necessity. Maintaining a supply of money during your trip is not only desirable, it is vital. Without a few thousand vatu, you can't even get a cab, much less pay for dinner. Many of the restaurants and shops in Port Vila and Luganville do not accept credit cards and ATM cards; cash is the only option.
You will not find banks or ATMs in any of the villages around the islands. In fact, Port Vila and Luganville are the only places that you'll be able to do that. The ANZ bank and the supermarket in Port Vila offer ATMs for your convenience.
Do I need a visa for Vanuatu?
Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit Vanuatu. Visitors may stay 30 days with possible extensions up to 4 months. Visitors must have onward tickets to a place where they have authorised entry and sufficient funds to support themselves in Vanuatu.
Everyday Costs in in Vanuatu
How much does it really cost to live, work, or travel in Vanuatu? Here's what to expect for daily expenses and expat living.
Currency Guide for Vanuatu (ISO: VU)
When planning a one-week mid-range stay in Vanuatu, a traveler should budget approximately 1,100–1,500 AUD (around 800–1,100 USD) for a comfortable experience. This budget will cover accommodation, meals, local transportation, and leisure activities. Here’s a breakdown of typical daily expenses in the local currency (Vanuatu Vatu, VUV):
- 🍽️ Meal at a local restaurant: 1,500 VUV
- ☕ Coffee: 500 VUV
- 🚌 Public transport fare: 200 VUV
- 📱 Prepaid SIM card: 2,500 VUV
- 🏨 Budget hotel or Airbnb: 7,000 VUV
In general, Vanuatu is considered to be an average destination regarding expenses. When compared to the United States, typical costs in Vanuatu may be lower for meals and accommodation, while some imported goods (like electronics) can be pricier. Compared to the UK, expenses may align closely, but Vanuatu's laid-back lifestyle often offsets higher prices. Travelers may find they can stretch their budget further in Vanuatu compared to major urban centers in both the US and UK.
Expat Guide for Vanuatu
For expats planning to settle in Vanuatu, monthly living costs can range from around 150,000 to 250,000 VUV, depending on lifestyle choices. Here’s a rough estimate of typical expenses:
- Rent (1-bedroom apartment): 40,000 VUV
- Groceries: 30,000 VUV
- Utilities: 10,000 VUV
- Eating out and entertainment: 30,000 VUV
- Transport: 10,000 VUV
When it comes to banking, local ATMs are widely available, and international debit and credit cards are accepted, but cash is often preferred at local markets and smaller eateries. It’s wise to notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any transaction issues. For sending and receiving money, services like Wise or OFX often provide better exchange rates and lower fees compared to local banks. However, for day-to-day use, exchanging a small amount of cash locally for immediate expenses can be practical, while larger transfers are better managed with online services for their competitive rates.
USD/VUV Market Data
The below interactive chart displays the USD/VUV change and UP📈 DOWN📉 trends over the past 1 Year.
Send Money to Vanuatu - Best Rates
To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to Vanuatu you need to find and compare exchange rates for International Money Transfers (IMTs).
The available FX rates for sending money abroad can be very different to the mid-market (wholesale) rate which you see reported online and in the News.
You should especially compare your own bank's exchange rates to those available from Money Transfer specialists to see how much you can save - we make that calculation easy in the below table.
Get a better deal for foreign transfers to Vanuatu
When sending money to Vanuatu it’s important to compare your bank’s rates & fees with those we have negotiated with our partner money transfer providers. To get a better deal you should follow these 4 simple steps :
- Open an account with a BER reviewed FX provider (id docs may be required)
- You specify the local or Vanuatu vatu amount you want to transfer
- Make a local currency domestic transfer for the requested amount to the provider's bank account in your country
- Once your funds are received by the provider the converted VUV amount will be transfered to the recipient account you specify in Vanuatu.
Use the above calculator to compare the exchange rates of FX specialist providers rates versus your bank's standard rates you can hopefully save around 5% and maybe more - end result is more Vanuatu vatu deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!