Currency

As the US dollar continues to disappear before our eyes there have been a number of people ask about currency and cost of living in Vanuatu, so I have tried to put a few things into perspective to help people make some decisions.

The native currency in Vanuatu is the VATU.  The most common exchange is AUS - VATU or US - VATU.  There are some places that will take Australian dollars but it can be a bit hit and miss.  ATM are readily available but the exchange rate will depend on each individual bank.  There is a Westpac Branch.  Like opening doors where you walk in and speak to someone behind a counter.  According to trip advisor the Money Exchange has the best exchange rate but you really have to be careful to make sure you don't get ripped with additional charges and locals just 'taking advantage'.  Either change your cash before you leave or use ATM is probably the safest way to go.    For rich people like Toley I don't think they take Diners or American Express!  For the rest of us 'normal' people most stores/tour providers will take Visa/Mastercard.

The other rumours flying around is the general cost of items being super high so I have researched the cost of some of the more common items that most of us can relate to as they stand in March 2015.

Today the exchange rate from AUS to VATU is $1.00 AUS = $84.39 VATU

A Cappuccino is $311 VATU which is the equivalent of $3.68 Australian

A medium Big Mac Meal is $561.28 which is $6.65 Australian.  In Australia the same meal is $7.95 (Well it was when I went through the drive through at 3am last weekend) unless you are in uniform.  I don't know if they will acknowledge Australian uniforms in Vanuatu but in case they do I have a few spares.  Unfortunately I don't think Ill have one to fit Stormy Senior so he might be left paying full price.

Domestic Beers (Tusker which for whatever it is worth Brett claims is actually pretty good) is
$400 VATU for 500ml which is equivalent to $4.74

Important Beers (including Australian imports mostly) are around $588 for 330ml which is around $6.61 Australian

A 330ml bottle of coke (staple diet of Mick Hardiman and Mick Kist) are around $183 VATU which is $2.17 Australian

A mid range three course dinner for two people in a local restaurant you can expect to pay $7000 VATU which is around $82.93

Essentially the cost of living is somewhat similar to the prices we pay at home.  Not as cheap as what many have come to find in Bali and Thailand but certainly not over the top.  I wonder if some have been confused with New Caledonia which is French and super expensive.  Trip Advisor actually suggests that for main meals its cheaper to eat at Iririki than to go onto the main land.  Generally the costs seem pretty compareable and no where near as expensive as purported generally.

How you wish to go about it is up to you.  You can rely on card, exchange before you leave or exchange when you get there.  Cash exchange is available at the resort.  Whilst this is a safer option rates can be a little higher.