Currency
Vatu (Vt) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of Vt5000, 1000, 500 and 200. Coins are in denominations of Vt100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Australian Dollars are also accepted in some shops and restaurants.
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. There are ATMs at the ANZ Bank and supermarket.
Credit & debit cards
MasterCard and Visa are quite widely accepted, American Express and Diners Club less so. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Travellers cheques
These are widely accepted.
Currency restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import or export of either local or foreign currency.
Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Vatu against Sterling and the US Dollar:
| Date | May '04 | Aug '04 | Nov '04 | Feb '05 | | £1.00= | 203.67 | 209.60 | 201.39 | 199.23 | | $1.00= | 115.60 | 113.77 | 106.35 | 105.50 |
Banking hours
Generally Mon-Fri 0800-1500, except Westpac Bank: Mon-Fri 0830-1600. Bureaux de change open Mon-Fri 0800-1730/1800, Sat-Sun 0830-1600.
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