Money and duty free for Vanuatu

Currency and Money

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 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.

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

Overview

The following items may be imported into Vanuatu by passengers aged 18 and over without incurring customs duty:

• 250 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 25 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
• 2.25L of spirits or 2.25L of wine or 9L of beer.
• 250ml of eau de toilette or 100ml of perfume.
• Other articles up to a value of VUV50,000.

Banned Imports

Prohibited and restricted goods include firearms, ammunition, indecent publications, illicit drugs and endangered species.