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A lot goes into planning a trip, so we've pulled together a bunch of our top tips to get you across all things Vanuatu before you arrive on our shores.

 

Airport and Hotel Transfers

Visit our section on Airport and Hotel transfers.

Banking and Currency

See our page on Shopping in Vanuatu for more information. 

Climate

The cooler, drier season, and generally the best time to visit, is between May and October where the average daytime temperature is approximately 26°C. The wetter and hotter season is between November and April where the average daytime temperature is approximately 29°C.

For the most current weather information and a forecast summary throughout all island provinces and capital Port Vila, visit the Vanuatu Meteorological Services website. 

Clothing

Light-weight casual clothing during the day is usually sufficient, year round. During the cooler months, something warmer may be required during the evening. In the wetter months, bring a water-proof jacket. Modest attire should be worn outside of public bathing areas.

Communication

See this page for information on mobile and internet coverage

Customs Regulations and Quarantine

For information on customs and quarantine requirements, see this page

Electricity and Power

Three pin plugs (as found in Australia and New Zealand) are used predominately in hotels in Vanuatu, although French two point plugs can be found in small resorts/bungalows. 

Town power is provided in Port Vila, Luganville, Lenakel and Lakatoro. A number of rural guest houses have their own generators or use solar power. 

Entry

See this page for information on immigration and entry permits

Getting Around

Public Transport

See this article for information on travelling around and between islands

Rental Car

Find out more information, as well as who to hire from, in our Car Rental section.

Health & Travel Insurance

See this page for information on health and travel insurance in Vanuatu.

Language

There are over 120 distinct languages and many more dialects spoken in Vanuatu making it one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. The national language of Vanuatu is Bislama (pidgin English) however English and French are also official, and commonly spoken languages.

Post Office

For all postage, stamps, faxes and phone calls, Vanuatu Post is open Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 4:30pm, 7:30am to 11:30am on Saturday and from 7.30am to 3:00pm on public holidays and cruise ship days. There is no street delivery service in Vanuatu, so addresses are either a PO Box or a Private Mail Bag. For enquiries, phone (678) 22 000 or visit www.vanuatupost.vu.

Religion

The main denominations in Vanuatu are Presbyterian, Anglican and Catholic (Sunday) and Seventh Day Adventists (Saturday). Visitors are welcome to attend church services which normally run between 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Sundays are generally a day of rest, and visitors will find many activities, services and shops unavailable on this day.

Time

Vanuatu is one hour ahead of AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time) and 11 hours ahead of GST (Greenwich Standard Time or UT). There is no daylight saving in summer. 

Visitor Information

Port Vila Information Centre:  Vanuatu Tourism Office, First Floor, Tamarama Building, Lini Highway, Port Vila, VANUATU. Postal address:  Vanuatu Tourism Office, PO Box 209, Port Vila, VANUATU. Phone number: +678 22515.

Luganville Information Centre: next to the Apex Hotel. Open Monday to Friday: 7:30am to 4:30pm, and Saturday: 8:00am- 12:00pm. On weekend/public holiday cruise ship days: 8:00am to 2:00pm.

Vanuatu Public Holidays

Check this page for information on this year's public holidays