As I'm planning a trip to Vanuatu, I figured I'd post an accumulation of info here, to help jump-start any other future travelers.
I live in Los Angeles, so I have a good jumping off point, when it comes to the flights. If you live in North America, or possibly Europe, there's a good chance that heading to Los Angeles 1st might be your best or cheapest option as well. But check your local international airports first. (written in 2015)
General Info:
Flying there:
I live in Los Angeles, so I have a good jumping off point, when it comes to the flights. If you live in North America, or possibly Europe, there's a good chance that heading to Los Angeles 1st might be your best or cheapest option as well. But check your local international airports first. (written in 2015)
General Info:
Flying there:
- There are currently No direct flights to Vanuatu. Flights to Vanuatu stop in Fiji and then fly to Vanuatu.
- Fiji Airways & Air NZ are your best bet for flights. Prices can vary greatly depending on when you fly etc. Do your research. (Air NZ cancelled Vanuatu flights since I wrote this, not sure if they're doing flights to Port Vila again)
- I often find Fiji Airways flights for $1,200-$1,600 round trip.
- Different days of the week can be significantly cheaper.
- LA to Fiji is 11 Hours. Your layover in Fiji can be 8 hours. Fiji to Vanuatu is 2.5 Hours.
- You cross an international dateline, so if you leave LA on Monday to arrive in Fiji/Vanuatu on Wednesday.
- You can also fly into Luganville on Santo Island (rather than Port Vila, Efate) but I think it's more expensive.
- http://www.airvanuatu.com/ looks to be the best, safest choice for island hopping
- there are a couple other small flight companies with mixed reviews if you look around.
- remember ya can be at the mercy of weather and "island time"...schedules might not go as planned.
- Prices might be listed in AUD, keep that in mind and do the conversion to USD.
- Fluctuating often range from roughly $250-$300 round trip.
- http://vanuatu.travel/index.php/en/travel-services/car-rentals
- There are a few to choose from, prices for a compact 4x4 $70 for 2 days, $75 for 1 day. (add +$20 for luxury 4x4)
- Cheap busses can be caught arround town, no solid schedule. Taxis cost more money. Island tours can be arranged.
- Buses have a "B" on their license plate, Taxis have a "T".
- In the Port Vila area, there's a huge array of different price ranges and quality of places to stay.
- You can stay in hostel dorms for $30-$50 per night, simple basic hotel/motels for $70-$100 or resorts for several hundred.
- http://www.positiveearth.org/bungalows/useratings2.asp
- If you really wanna see Vanuatu, get out of Port Vila and stay in some village bungalows.
- There are several on the main island (Efate) and on it's offshore islands, Pele & Nguna island.
- Very basic but affordable accommodations, real village life, beautiful scenery, local food provided.
- Prices are often as low as $35 USD per night. Most places will pick you up from PV and boat you over to their place.
- Conversion Rates
- Vanuatu money is called "Vatu" shortened to VT or VUV.
- VUV USD
------------
100 $0.95
200 $1.90
500 $4.76
1000 $9.52
2000 $19.03
5000 $47.58
10,000 $95.15
- Some places might also accept Australia dollars.
- No tipping in Vanuatu. It's not normal, it doesn't make sense to them. I've read some taxi and bus guys are starting to get used to it.
- Drop your first world expectations. Account for island time, things will be slower and loosely scheduled. Be respectful, participate and drink strong fresh kava. $1 per shell.
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