Vanuatu — Shopping
Shopping
Special purchases include grass skirts from Futuna and Tanna, baskets and mats from Futuna and Pentecost, carved forms and masks from Ambrym and Malekula, woodwork from Tongoa and Santo, and pig tusks and necklaces made of shells or colorful seeds from villages near Port-Vila. Duty-free shops sell a selection of luxury items.
Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0700-2000. Shops open Saturday mornings. Chinese stores also open Sunday mornings from 0800 and in the evenings. Most shops close from 1130-1330 (except restaurants, banks, supermarkets and the post office). The market in the town center is open every day (except Sunday) for flowers, fruit, vegetables and handicrafts.
Currency
Vatu (VUV) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of VUV5,000, 1,000, 500 and 200. Coins are in denominations of VUV100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Australian Dollars are also accepted in some shops and restaurants.
Currency Exchange
Exchange facilities are available at the airport and trade banks. It is advisable to exchange foreign currency after arriving in Vanuatu. Australian Dollars are accepted by many shops, restaurants and hotels in Port-Vila, but rarely outside major towns.
Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs
MasterCard and Visa are quite widely accepted, American Express and Diners Club less so. There are ATMs at the ANZ Bank and supermarket.
Travelers Checks
These are widely accepted.
Currency Restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency, but amounts over VUV1,000,000 or equivalent must be declared upon arrival.
Banking Hours
Generally Mon-Fri 0800-1500, except Westpac Bank: Mon-Fri 0830-1600. Bureaux de change open Mon-Fri 0800-1730/1800, Sat-Sun 0830-1600.
Exchange Rate
| 1.00 GBP = 146.13 VUV |
| 1.00 USD = 91.67 VUV |
| 1.00 EUR = 127.44 VUV |
| Currency conversion rates as of 19 July 2011 |
