Lexi Webster
If you're travelling to Vanuatu, you'll need to exchange your Australian dollars for Vanuatu vatu (VUV). While some businesses in Vanuatu may accept Australian dollars, particularly in tourist areas, it's advisable to use the local currency to get better exchange rates. Currency exchange services are readily available in Vanuatu, especially in urban centres and tourist hotspots. You can also exchange your money in Australia before you travel, but be sure to compare rates among different providers to ensure you get the best value.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Currency in Vanuatu | Vanuatu Vatu (VUV) |
| Currency exchange in Vanuatu | Available at banks, financial institutions, and licensed money changers, particularly in urban centers and tourist areas |
| Australian dollars in Vanuatu | Some businesses may accept Australian dollars, but it's advisable to use the local currency for better exchange rates |
| Tipping in Vanuatu | Not common practice, but small tips are appreciated. Vast majority of patrons (approx. 97%) tip their waiter between 10%-15% of the total bill. |
| Currency restrictions in Vanuatu | Maximum amount of local or foreign currency that can be brought in or taken out of the country without declaration is 1,000,000 Vatu |
| Payment methods in Vanuatu | Cash is preferred, especially in rural areas. Credit and debit cards are becoming more widely accepted in urban centers and major resorts. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Where to exchange Australian dollars in Vanuatu
While the Australian Dollar (AUD) is sometimes accepted in Vanuatu, particularly in tourist areas and for larger transactions, the local currency is the Vanuatu Vatu (VUV). It is recommended that you carry Australian dollars with you and exchange them for Vatu upon arrival in Vanuatu.
At the airport
There are money changers at the international airport in Vanuatu, including a National Bank counter. However, it is recommended that you wait until you get into town, as exchange rates at airports tend to be poor.
In town
Money changers can be found in the major towns of Port Vila and Luganville. The Goodies Forex office in Port Vila is renowned for having one of the best exchange rates in Vanuatu, and the nearby 7/11 is also a good option.
Banks
Major banks like ANZ, Westpac, and the National Bank of Vanuatu (NBV) offer money-changing services. You can easily find their offices in Port Vila and Luganville, and the NBV also has branches on other main islands, including Lakatoro (Malekula), Lenakel (Tanna), and Pango (Pentecost). However, travellers often report these branches being closed or out of stock, so it is best not to rely on them.
Hotels
Some hotels in Vanuatu still cash traveller's cheques, but this method is becoming less common due to the rise of plastic payments.
ATMs
In Port Vila and Luganville, there are many ATMs available in town and at international airports. However, outside of these towns, finding an ATM can be difficult.
Other considerations
Cards
MasterCard and Visa are the most widely accepted cards in Vanuatu, with American Express and Diners Club proving more difficult to use. It is common to pay a surcharge of between 3% and 5% per transaction, which is on top of your standard credit card charges for overseas transactions.
Budgeting
When planning your trip, be sure to calculate your budget carefully to avoid having to make additional ATM withdrawals or convert leftover VUV back into AUD at the end of your trip.
Australia's Underground Water: A Natural Wonder Down Under
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Using debit cards in Vanuatu
While it is recommended to carry Australian dollars to Vanuatu and exchange them for Vanuatu vatu (VUV) upon arrival, debit cards can also be used for necessary ATM cash withdrawals and are accepted in some major businesses in Port Vila and Luganville, and in resorts (though you might have to pay a surcharge). However, EFTPOS facilities and ATMs are scarce among smaller businesses and on more remote islands, so it is not advisable to rely solely on your debit card for payments.
It is important to note that while you can use your debit card for purchases in Vanuatu, you may incur foreign transaction fees. To avoid this, consider using a travel debit card such as the Wise Multi-Currency Card, which allows you to convert, hold, and spend in multiple currencies, including VUV. With this type of card, you can add a balance in USD and switch to VUV to lock in the exchange rate and set your travel budget. Once you have VUV in your account, you won't have to worry about additional fees for making payments or foreign transaction charges.
Before travelling to Vanuatu, it is advisable to notify your bank about your travel plans to prevent your card from being frozen due to suspicious activity. Additionally, compare the fees and charges associated with your bank's debit card for overseas transactions, as these may vary. Some banks, like ANZ, offer Visa Debit Cards specifically for use in Vanuatu, which may provide more favourable terms.
When using your debit card in Vanuatu, be cautious about dynamic currency conversion. If you are asked whether you want to pay in USD or VUV, always choose VUV to avoid extra costs. Additionally, be mindful of your surroundings when using ATMs, as tourists are often targeted by opportunist thieves. It is recommended to withdraw cash from ATMs little and often to minimise the risk of carrying large sums of cash.
Herring Diet: What Do Australian Herrings Eat?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Tipping in Vanuatu
Tipping is not customary in Vanuatu, but small tips are always appreciated. It is normal to tip service providers such as waiters, delivery drivers, bartenders, taxi and rideshare drivers, hotel staff, doormen, and maids. The amount of the tip is usually determined by the level of service given.
In restaurants, most patrons (around 97%) tip their waiter between 10% and 15% of the total bill. If the service is exceptional, you may tip more than 10%, whereas if the service is poor, you may tip less than 15% or not at all. For taxi drivers, around 90% of people tip between 8% and 20% of the total fare. The tip amount is usually between AUD $2-5, but you may tip more if the driver goes above and beyond.
In hotels, 70% of people tip between 2.00 and 5.00 USD/EUR/GBP, with the bell boy usually receiving around 2.00 USD/EUR/GBP per luggage item.
While it is not necessary to tip in Vanuatu, it is always appreciated and a great way to show your appreciation for good service.
Bream's Australian Diet: What Do They Eat?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Currency exchange rates
The official currency in Vanuatu is the Vanuatu Vatu (VUV), which was introduced in 1981 following the country's independence. The Vatu is used for all transactions within the country, and understanding its value is essential for managing finances effectively.
Vanuatu operates a fixed exchange rate regime, historically pegged to the Australian Dollar (AUD). While some businesses and vendors, particularly in tourist-centric areas, may accept foreign currencies like the Australian Dollar, it is advisable to use the local currency to obtain better exchange rates.
Currency exchange services are readily available in Vanuatu, especially in urban centres and tourist hotspots. Major banks like ANZ, Westpac, and the National Bank of Vanuatu (NBV) offer money-changing services, with offices in Port Vila and Luganville. However, travellers often report these branches as being closed or out of stock, so it is not advisable to rely solely on them. Instead, consider using a money changer in town, as they often provide more competitive rates than those offered by banks.
When exchanging currency, it is important to compare rates among different providers to ensure you get the best value. Additionally, be mindful of potential foreign transaction fees that your bank may apply for international purchases.
It is worth noting that ATMs and EFTPOS facilities are scarce among smaller businesses and on more remote islands. Therefore, it is recommended to carry sufficient local currency for day-to-day expenses and transactions, especially when travelling to remote areas.
Tree Frogs and Bats: Unlikely Prey?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to pay in rural areas
Vanuatu's official currency is the vatu, which is issued and overseen by the Reserve Bank of Vanuatu. The currency code is VUV and the symbol is Vt. While some shops and restaurants in Vanuatu will accept Australian dollars, particularly in Port Vila, the exchange rate is likely to be poor. Therefore, it is recommended to exchange AUD into local currency upon arrival.
- It is recommended to carry a mix of payment methods in Vanuatu. Cards are widely accepted, but it is still worth having some local cash on hand at all times. Some merchants will prefer cash, especially in smaller businesses and more remote islands, as EFTPOS facilities and ATMs are few and far between.
- If you are using a card for payments, check for any extra fees that may apply when spending in foreign currencies. Foreign transaction and cash advance fees may increase your costs.
- Consider using a travel-friendly debit card or credit card that waives currency conversion fees. Cards such as Bankwest Platinum and 28 Degrees are designed for travellers and can help you save money.
- If you are in Port Vila or Luganville, take out enough cash to cover your journey if you are heading to more remote islands. There are plenty of ATMs in these towns and at the international airports, but outside of these areas, finding an ATM can be difficult.
- If you are a Westpac cardholder, you can withdraw cash from Westpac ATMs in Vanuatu without paying a fee. The same applies to ANZ cardholders using ANZ banks in Vanuatu.
- If you want to exchange money, it is recommended to do so in town, as money changers in the airport may offer poor exchange rates. The Goodies Forex office in Port Vila is renowned for having one of the best exchange rates in Vanuatu. The 7/11 nearby is also a good option.
- If you are using Australian dollars, it is better to exchange them into vatu in Vanuatu than in Australia, as travellers report better exchange rates in Vanuatu.
- Tipping is not common practice in Vanuatu, but small tips for special services are appreciated. It is customary to tip between 10% to 15% in restaurants and between 8% to 20% for taxi drivers.
- Mobile money services such as M-PAiSA and Isi-money are also available in Vanuatu. These services allow users to send, receive, and save money using their mobile phones, even in the absence of traditional banking infrastructure.
Unique Australian Delights: What Makes Australia So Special?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The official currency in Vanuatu is the Vatu (VUV), so you'll need to exchange your Australian dollars before you go or when you arrive. While some businesses may accept Australian dollars, it's better to use the local currency for a more favourable exchange rate.
You can exchange your currency at banks, financial institutions, and licensed money changers, particularly in urban centres and tourist areas. You can also exchange money at Vanuatu's international airport, but you'll get a better rate in the city centre.
Cash is the preferred method of payment in Vanuatu, especially in rural areas and smaller establishments. Credit and debit cards are becoming more widely accepted in urban centres and major resorts, but it's a good idea to carry enough local currency for day-to-day expenses.
