Vanuatu

Travel tips for Vanuatu: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Carry some cash. While major hotels and supermarkets in Port Vila accept cards, travelers strongly advise carrying cash to avoid 3-5% surcharges and to pay for taxis, markets, and trips to outer islands like Tanna.

Try the food

  • Laplap: A dense, savory pudding made from grated root vegetables and coconut milk, often topped with meat and baked in an earth oven.
  • Tuluk: A steamed or baked parcel of tapioca dough filled with savory minced pork, wrapped in banana leaves.
  • Poulet Fish: A local deep-water snapper prized for its firm, meaty texture that remarkably resembles chicken.

Say it in Bislama

  • Hello: Halo
  • Thank you very much: Tangkyu tumas
  • Please: Plis
  • Excuse me: Skiusmi
  • How much is this?: Hamas long hemia?
  • Yes / No: Yes / No
  • Goodbye: Tata

Essentials

Voltage
230V, 50Hz
Driving
Right side
SIM tip
Pick up a Digicel or Vodafone prepaid SIM card at the arrivals hall in Port Vila airport for the most reliable coverage across the islands.

Etiquette

Tipping is not customary or expected in Vanuatu, and bargaining at markets is considered impolite.

Airports in Vanuatu