• Mozzie

Vanuatu

Emergency

Dial 112 for emergencies, or 000 for medical assistance, 111 for police, and 112 for firefighters for immediate help, available 24/7.

Greeting

In Vanuatu, "Malo" means welcome, and visitors are warmly greeted with a handshake or sometimes a hug, especially in close communities.

Next holiday

The next public holiday in Vanuatu is New Year's Day on January 1, 2025, celebrated with family gatherings, church services, and traditional festivities.

Tap Water

Tap water is not always safe to drink here, especially outside of major urban areas. It is recommended to drink bottled or boiled water.

Local Stay

Vrbo offers vacation rentals, including homes and villas, in popular Vanuatu destinations, providing a comfortable stay for travelers, families, and groups.

Toilet

Toilet paper is commonly used in Vanuatu, but in some areas, it's advised to dispose of it in a bin rather than flushing, due to plumbing limitations.

Safety

It is a safe destination for tourists, with a low crime rate and friendly locals. Visitors should stay alert in crowds, respect customs, and be cautious of hazards like strong currents and storms.

Cuisine

Vanuatu's cuisine blends traditional Melanesian dishes and French influences, with seafood, root vegetables like yam and taro, and tropical fruits like mango and papaya.

Humor

Tourist: "What’s the best way to see the sights?"
Local: "Climb a tree, take a deep breath, and let the island show you around. Nature's tour guide!"

Port Vila

In Port Vila, public transport is mainly provided by buses and taxis. However, contactless payment is not widely accepted, and most people use cash for fare payments, especially for short trips.

Port Vila Transport

Bus

In Vanuatu, public transport includes minibuses, shared taxis, and ferries, with cash payments to the driver. Credit cards are rarely accepted, so carry local currency (Vanuatu vatu).

Vanuatu Transport

Volunteering

VESA (Volunteer Eco Students Abroad) offers opportunities in marine conservation and community development, helping protect coral reefs and assist local communities​.

VESA

Land Diving

The Naghol Land Diving tradition from Pentecost Island is recognized by UNESCO as part of Vanuatu's cultural heritage.

Archipelago

An archipelago of 83 islands scattered across the South Pacific, known for stunning landscapes, including volcanoes, beaches, and tropical forests.

Motto

The country's national motto is "Long God yumi stanap," which means "In God We Stand," reflecting the country’s strong Christian values.

Eco-Tourism

It is becoming a hub for eco-tourism, with many tours focusing on preserving the environment and supporting sustainable practices.

Happiness

Vanuatu is ranked as one of the happiest places on Earth according to the Happy Planet Index, thanks to its community, culture, and sustainability.

Diving

Home to some of the world’s best diving spots, including the SS President Coolidge wreck dive, considered one of the top wreck dive sites globally.