Travel, Currency and Money saving tips for Vanuatu
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.
Travel money for Vanuatu
Save money and time by Ordering your Vanuatu Vatu online from Travelex, you get better rates and can pick
up the VUV cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.
Another popular option is to
use a Pre-paid Travel Card. Your Debit/Credit Card provider will charge you 2% from market mid-rate,
but your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash.
For card purchases if offered a choice of currencies always select to
Pay in Vanuatu Vatu otherwise you may get much worst exchange rates.
Sending money to Vanuatu
When searching around for information on how to get a good exchange rate when sending money to Vanuatu you need to start with finding out the latest
Vanuatu Vatu foreign-transfer exchange rate.
Then compare your bank's exchange rates to several licensed FX providers exchange rate and fees to see how much
you can save (we make that calculation easy here).
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 our Send to Vanuatu Vatu 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!