Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# Noumea, Lifou, Vila - Currency? Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea
koalasrule 11:07 UTC 30 May 2010 | I'm going to Noumea, Lifou and Vila as part of a cruise itinerary. What currency would be accepted at these three places? Australian dollars are accepted on board the ship; I will have a debit card, but I'm wondering what currency I would need for when I'm ashore. I suppose it would be expecting too much to be able to use the same currency in all three places? |
Laszlo 15:09 UTC 30 May 2010 | When abroad, you should be prepared to use the local currency. In this case, the Pacific Franc (CFP) in New Caledonia and the Vatu (VUV) in Vanuatu. Some tourist-wise sellers will probably accept your dollars but others won't. I recall giggling at the Aussie cruise-ships passengers who walked into the place where I stayed in Vanuatu asking if the receptionist would change their dollars into "local money". She would not - that's what moneychangers and banks are for. | 1
koalasrule 22:46 UTC 30 May 2010 | Thanks for letting me know. I'll make sure I have the local currency for when I step ashore. | 2
Laszlo 04:18 UTC 31 May 2010 | Note sure if you really need to get them before stepping ashore as you can certainly find places to change money in both Vila and Nuomea (except maybe on weekends) but of course it wouldn't hurt. | 3
ozziegiraffe 09:30 UTC 31 May 2010 | Both will also have ATMs close to where the ship docks. You will be able to withdraw money at one at a better rate than changing money, in the local currency, as long as your debit card is mastercard or Visa. | 4
mattt 02:07 UTC 01 Jun 2010 | Are you going to Nomea before Lifou? There are ATMs at We on Lefou, but I think the ships often dock at Easo, which is pretty remote and probably doesn't have an ATM, or anything much except attractive views. So, if you're going to Noumea first, stock up on enough Pacific Francs to cover your visit to Lifou as well. | 5
koalasrule 09:09 UTC 01 Jun 2010 | Yes, I'm going to Noumea then to Lifou. Thanks for the tip. | 6
mandja 12:26 UTC 01 Jun 2010 | "Easo, which is pretty remote and probably doesn't have an ATM," I recall on our last visit to Isles Des Pines (New Caledonia), that in the only village (at Vao), I went looking for the islands only ATM, which I found INSIDE the Bank, which was closed.Noumea has many banks and ATMs | 7