New Caledonia Travel Guide

New Caledonia — Travel Tips

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Language

French is the official language of New Caledonia and is almost universally understood. Just over one-third of the population understands at least one of the 30 odd Kanak languages spoken on the island. While people working in the tourist industry in Nouméa often speak a little English or Japanese, tourists visiting New Caledonia will find it useful to carry a French phrasebook and learn at least some basic French words and phrases to help with navigating menus, hotel bookings and transport.

Currency

The official currency of New Caledonia is the Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs, or CFP franc. US dollars, euro, and Australian and New Zealand dollars may be accepted but the exchange rate is usually less favorable that can be gained by changing to local currency on arrival. Money can be changed at banks or bureau de change offices. MasterCard, Visa and to a lesser extent American Express credit cards are accepted by larger hotels, stores, and restaurants in large towns and tourist areas. Other credit cards a commonly not accepted. Cash is much more commonly used in smaller towns, where many businesses will not accept credit card payments. Other types of credit card are much less commonly accepted. ATMs are available at banks and some post offices in the larger settlements whereas some small towns do not have a bank or ATM at all. A better exchange rate is generally available via ATMs than currency exchange offices. Travelers checks can be cashed at some banks but usually incur a fairly high flat fee.

Time

New Caledonia is in the New Caledonia Time (NCT) Zone which is 11 hours ahead of GMT (GMT +11).

Electricity

New Caledonia uses electricity at 220V/50Hz with plug type C, E and F. Visitors bringing appliances that require a different voltage will need a transformer and appliances with different plugs will need to be used with a plug adapter. Devices from France, Belgium and some other parts of Europe will often work in New Caledonia without the need for an adaptor.

Communications

The international dialing code for New Caledonia is +687. The New Caledonia Post and Telecommunications Office (OPT) has about 50 branches and provides postal service, mobile, landline and internet telecommunications service, including payphone. Internet cafes exist in larger towns and hotels often provide an internet connection. Both options can be expensive, but hotel connections usually more so.

Duty-free

Visitors to New Caledonia who are over 17 years are subject to the following duty free allowances: one liter of spirits, two liters of wine, 50ml perfume, 500gm coffee, 100gm tea, 200 cigarettes or 250gm of tobacco.

Tourist Office

Tourism New Caledonia: 20 Rue Anatole France, Nouméa-Centre, Place des Cocotiers, Nouméa, New Caledonia Ph: +687-242-080 http://en.visitnewcaledonia.com/