Jurisdiction Guide

May to September is best thanks to cooler, drier weather and lower cyclone risk. Humidity and rain increase from November to April.

Cash is king outside Port Vila, and ATMs are rare on smaller islands. Tipping isn't expected. Buses are shared minivans with no set stops, just flag one down. Always ask before taking photos of locals. Visitors should get a local SIM card from Digicel or Vodafone at the airport for reliable coverage.

People greet with a handshake and a smile. Dress modestly in villages, knees and shoulders covered. Remove shoes before entering someone's home. Sundays are quiet, with many shops closed due to church. Avoid public displays of affection, especially in rural areas.

Petty theft can occur in towns, so keep valuables secure. Cyclones and earthquakes are real risks between November and April. Roads are often unpaved, and night driving is dangerous due to potholes and stray animals. Mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and malaria occur in some areas.

Go to Epi Island to swim with dugongs in natural lagoons. Visit the hot springs and remote waterfalls on Maewo. Try kava at a nakamal outside Port Vila for a low-key, local evening.

Citizens from the EU, UK, USA, Australia, and New Zealand get free tourist entry for up to 30 days. Extensions are possible in Port Vila. Long-term options include residence permits for retirees or investors, but there is no digital nomad visa. Rules change often, so check with the Vanuatu Immigration website before arrival.

Domestic flights connect main islands, as there are no trains or ferries between all islands. In towns, shared minibuses are cheap and common, but taxis cost more. Rental cars are available in Port Vila, though many outer roads need a 4WD and are poorly maintained.

Try laplap, a root vegetable pudding wrapped in banana leaves and baked with coconut cream. Fresh seafood is common, and taro, yam, and coconut are staples. Kava is a traditional drink you'll find at nakamals. Dining is relaxed and casual, with little vegetarian food in rural areas, but more options in Port Vila. Tap water is ok in main towns but stick to bottled water elsewhere.

Vanuatu is mid-priced compared to other Pacific nations. Backpackers can get by on around 6,000 Vatu (50 USD) a day, while hotels and Western meals bump it higher. Port Vila is most expensive for food, taxis, and lodging, but staying in guesthouses or eating at local stalls cuts costs. A local beer costs about 400 Vatu, while dinner at a decent restaurant starts around 2,500 Vatu.