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Money & duty free for Vanuatu

Currency information: 

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.

Credit cards: 

MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted, American Express and Diners Club less so. Fees may apply for using credit cards for payments (3% to 5%).

ATM: 

There are ATMs at the airport, outside the Westpac and ANZ Banks and outside supermarkets. Money can be exchanged at the National Bank counter at the airport, at the ANZ or Westpac banks, at Goodies souvenir shop or 7/11 in Port Vila. Resorts also exchange money but the rate will be lower than banks/money exchange outlets.

Travellers cheques: 

These are accepted but most visitors use cash or credit/debit cards.

Banking hours: 

ANZ: Mon-Fri 0800-1500; Westpac Bank: Mon-Fri 0830-1600; Bred Bank: Mon-Fri 0830-1530.

Currency restriction: 

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.

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.

Vanuatu duty free

The following items may be imported into Vanuatu by passengers aged 15 and over without incurring customs duty:

• Personal effects and clothes, used or worn and for own use.
• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
• 1.5L of spirits and 2L of wine.
• 250mL of eau de toilette and 100mL of perfume.
• Other articles up to a value of VUV20,000.

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