Leslie Massey
As the capital of New Caledonia, a popular cruise ship destination, Noumea has many facilities to cater to money exchanges. While some businesses, especially those near the cruise ship terminal, will accept Australian dollars, it is recommended to have francs on hand. The franc is the local currency in New Caledonia and cannot be divided into any smaller subunit. Franc coin denominations come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 francs, while banknotes are available in 500, 1000, 5000, and 10,000 francs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Places that accept AUD | Some businesses near the cruise ship terminal, local tour vendors, and shops in tourist areas |
| Using debit cards | Outside Greater Noumea, very few businesses will accept debit cards |
| Using credit cards | Credit cards can be used in many businesses in Noumea, but they often come with a surcharge |
| Exchanging currency | Currency exchange offices at Australian airports are known for poor rates and commissions, so it is recommended to use a bureau de change or order francs online |
| ATMs | Noumea has ATMs that accept most credit and debit cards |
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What You'll Learn
- AUD is accepted in some places, but XPF is the local currency
- It's recommended to exchange currency in Noumea before venturing further
- ATMs in Noumea accept most credit and debit cards
- Some Noumea currency exchange services allow for online ordering and home delivery
- Businesses near the cruise terminal are more likely to accept AUD
AUD is accepted in some places, but XPF is the local currency
If you're travelling to Noumea, it's important to know that the local currency is the South Pacific Franc (XPF). While some businesses, especially those near the cruise ship terminal, may accept Australian dollars (AUD), it's always a good idea to have the local currency on hand. This is because businesses that accept AUD may factor conversion costs into their prices, resulting in less favourable exchange rates for you.
When exchanging currency, it's recommended to avoid airport exchange offices due to their typically poor rates and commissions. Instead, consider using a reputable and licensed provider, such as a major bank or a well-reviewed currency exchange service. You can find currency exchange services in Noumea, but be sure to bring your proof of identification and shop around for the best rates and fees. Some in-person currency exchanges in Noumea buy and sell major currencies, like Australian dollars.
ATMs in Noumea accept most credit and debit cards, but be aware of foreign ATM withdrawal fees and currency conversion charges. To avoid these fees, consider using travel-friendly bank cards that waive certain charges, such as those offered by ING, Citibank, or the Revolut travel card. Additionally, you may want to order a travel money card that can be topped up and used for spending and withdrawals while you're in Noumea.
Noumea is known for being an expensive city, with living costs about 60% higher than in Australia. To save money, it's advisable to bring a combination of local cash and at least one card for backup, ensuring you have the flexibility and security needed for a stress-free trip.
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It's recommended to exchange currency in Noumea before venturing further
New Caledonia uses the South Pacific Franc (XPF or CFP) as its currency, and while some businesses in Noumea may accept Australian dollars, it is recommended that you exchange your money beforehand to get the best rate.
Noumea is an expensive destination, with living costs around 60% higher than in Australia. As a result, you'll want to get the best value for your money when exchanging your currency. While some businesses, particularly those near the cruise ship terminal, will accept AUD, they are likely to factor conversion costs into their prices, which means you could end up paying a lot more in Aussie dollars than if you had just used the local currency.
There are several ways to exchange your currency in Noumea. You can visit a currency exchange store in person or order your travel money online and have it delivered to your home or collected at a branch or the airport. Some providers also offer travel money cards that can be ordered, topped up, and used for spending and withdrawals. It is recommended to shop around and compare the available options, considering the costs, safety, and customer reviews.
If you want to exchange your money before arriving in Noumea, you can do so at a bureau de change or order your francs online. Inner-city bureaus tend to have more competitive rates due to higher competition. Ordering francs online can also be a convenient and cost-effective option, with some providers offering the same rates as listed on Google and XE.com.
While Noumea has ATMs that accept most credit and debit cards, it is important to note that outside of Noumea, very few businesses will accept card payments. Therefore, it is recommended to have cash on hand, especially if you plan to venture beyond the city.
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ATMs in Noumea accept most credit and debit cards
If you're planning a trip to Nouméa, it's a good idea to be prepared when it comes to accessing your money. While some businesses in Nouméa, particularly those near the cruise ship terminal, will accept Australian dollars, it's better to have francs on hand.
It's important to note that some fees and charges may apply when using your card at an ATM in Noumea. Foreign ATM withdrawal fees and currency conversion fees can add up, so it's worth checking with your bank before you travel. Some banks, such as ING, Citibank, and Revolut, offer travel-friendly cards that waive certain charges.
Additionally, dynamic currency conversion (DCC) is a common practice where you are charged a different exchange rate than the mid-market rate. To get a better deal, always choose to pay in the local currency, which is the Pacific Franc in New Caledonia.
Finally, remember to notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any unexpected blocks or limits on your card due to unusual spending patterns.
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Some Noumea currency exchange services allow for online ordering and home delivery
New Caledonia is a popular cruise destination, and many businesses, especially those near the cruise ship terminal, will accept Australian dollars. However, it is always better to have francs, the local currency, on hand. Some Noumea currency exchange services allow for online ordering and home delivery.
When exchanging money in Noumea, it is important to be informed to avoid excessive charges and get the best deals. Services claiming to have "zero fees" often offer poor exchange rates, so it is always good to check the exchange rate beforehand. It is also recommended to avoid exchanging money at airports or hotels, as they usually offer poor rates and high transaction fees.
There are many banks with foreign exchange counters in Noumea, and some of them have 24-hour currency exchange ATMs. The BCI money changer near the cruise ship terminal is particularly popular for cruise passengers. Banks are usually open from 7:30 am to 3:45 pm, Monday to Friday. It is recommended to carry a combination of local cash and at least one card for backup.
If you want to avoid the hassle of visiting a currency exchange store in person, you can order your travel money online. Some providers will let you order online and either have the cash delivered to your home or made available for pickup at a branch or the airport. You can also order a travel money card, which you can order online, top up, and then use for spending and withdrawals while travelling. This can be especially convenient as it is often possible to complete the entire process without leaving home.
Before deciding how to exchange money, it is recommended to shop around and compare the available options, looking at the costs involved, how safe they are, and what customers say about them. It is also important to double-check the safety of the provider by picking a reputable and licensed provider.
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Businesses near the cruise terminal are more likely to accept AUD
New Caledonia is a popular cruise destination, with a high number of single-day visitors from Australia. As a result, some businesses near the cruise terminal in Noumea, the country's capital, will accept Australian dollars. However, the local currency is the South Pacific Franc (XPF), and it is recommended that you carry this instead.
While AUD may be accepted in some places, you will likely end up paying a less favourable rate than if you used the local currency. This is because businesses that accept AUD will factor conversion costs into their prices. Therefore, it is better to have francs on hand, and you can easily exchange your AUD for XPF at currency exchange services in Noumea.
Currency exchange offices at Australian airports are known for their poor rates and commissions, so it is recommended to avoid exchanging money there. Instead, you can exchange your money at a bureau de change before your trip or in Noumea upon arrival. Inner-city bureaus tend to have better rates due to more competition. If you prefer to have cash on hand before you arrive, you can also order francs online and have them delivered or made available for pick-up.
In Noumea, you will find currency exchange services and ATMs that accept most credit and debit cards. Some banks in Noumea also have 24-hour currency exchange ATMs. However, outside of Noumea, very few businesses will accept debit cards, and you will likely need to use cash.
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Frequently asked questions
AUD is accepted in some places, especially near the cruise ship terminal, but CFP (also called XPF or XFP) is the local currency and is generally required. It's recommended to have francs on hand, as businesses are likely to factor conversion costs into their prices, which could result in a less favourable exchange rate.
Currency exchange offices and banks are available in Noumea. Some recommended exchange services include:
- 35 Av. du Maréchal Foch, Nouméa 98800, New Caledonia
- The BNP at 111 Promenade Roger Laroque in Anse Vata
- The BCI at 55 Promenade Roger Laroque in Baie des Citrons
- The BCI at 20 Rue Anatole France in central Noumea
- The BNC in front of Casino Johnston supermarket at the Quai Jules Ferry
Yes, there are ATMs in Noumea that accept most credit and debit cards. In French, ATMs are called DABs.
Yes, here are a few additional tips:
- It's common for services to state there's no commission when the costs have been added to the exchange rate.
- Double-check safety by picking a reputable and licensed provider. Major banks are always licensed.
- Ordering francs online can be a convenient option, as you can choose to have them delivered or pick them up.
- Using your debit card in Noumea may result in high fees and charges.
