Money and duty free for New Caledonia
Currency and Money
Currency information
French Pacific Franc (CPF). Notes are in denominations of XPF10,000, 5,000, 1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of XPF100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1.
New Caledonia is part of the French Monetary Area. Australian and New Zealand dollars are widely accepted in shops, hotels and restaurants. The French Pacific Franc is tied to the Euro. For further details on the Euro, see France section.
Credit cards
American Express and Visa are widely accepted; Diners Club and MasterCard have more limited use. ATMs are available in Nouméa, but sometimes have a maximum weekly withdrawal limit.
ATM
ATMs are available in Nouméa, but sometimes have a maximum weekly withdrawal limit.
Travellers cheques
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Euros. There is, however, a charge for each transaction.
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0730-1545.
Currency restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency if arriving from or travelling to a country in the European Union. Import and export of local or foreign currency is limited to the equivalent of €10,000 if arriving or travelling from a non-European Union country and must be declared above this amount.
Currency exchange
Exchange facilities are available at the airport and at main branches of banks, but may charge a steep commission. However, Euro exchange is in theory free from commission.
New Caledonia duty free
Overview
The following goods may be imported into New Caledonia by travellers without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco (per traveller aged 17 years or older).
• 2L of table wine and 1L of spirits over 22% volume, or 2L of fortified wine less than 22% volume (per traveller aged 17 years or older).
• 50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette.
• 500g of coffee or 200g coffee extract.
• 100g of tea or 50g tea extract.
• Other goods to the value of XPF30,000 (reduced to XPF15,000 for children under 15).
Banned Imports
Prohibited items include narcotics, counterfeit goods, plants, animals (and their products), endangered species, arms and ammunition, and medicines.
Banned Exports
Narcotics and counterfeit goods.
