Currencies

Hi,
I feel a little out of my league here since I am not exactly an adventure traveler, but I am booked on a cruise that will make several stops in Vanuatu and New Caledonia this fall and I am wondering what to do about the currencies of the different places involved.
I've tried posting questions on other travel boards but there seems to be very little info there about these islands so, if anyone here can help I'd appreciate it.

I am only going to be in each place for a day, so don't need a lot of cash, but if I want to pick up something from a local market or grab something to eat locally, or even buy a cold beer for the beach, will I need local currency or can I get away with AUD or USD?

And if it is best to have at least a little local currency where can I get it?

Thanks for any help you can give.

We changed up US American Express travelers cheques at Goodies in Pt. Vila - can't remember the exact location but the town is small enough that it should be easy to locate in the main area. You will need vatu if you want to shop at the market, which I would recommend.
Again, in New Caledonia we changed up our travelers cheques into Pacific French Francs. But I would suggest doing so at the local American Express office as the bank charged a set fee that was quite high. We tried using our debit card at the ATM but had no success - this was in 2006 so things may have improved in that area.

Thanks for that, newfie. I laughed when I read your screen name. I grew up in Montreal and presently live just outside Toronto and even though I am heading off to the South Pacific I've never been to Newfoundland. It is on my list of places I need to see and I did look at a cruise that went to Cornerbrook but, believe it or not, that would have ended up costing me more than going all the way to Australia to take this cruise.

Unfortunately Pt. Vila is the last stop for us in Vanuatu...we visit Mystery Island, Luganville and Espititu Santo the days before we hit Pt Vila. Mystery Island from what I have read is really just a beach island so we are unlikely to find any banks there. I guess I will get in touch with my local Thomas Cook's and see if they can get me a few vatu before I leave.

Still got to figure out the difference between Pacific French Francs and regular French Francs.
It's nice to hear from someone who has actually been to these places though on a lot of the cruise/travel boards they seem to be terra incognito.

Interesting gardencat - we now live just outside Toronto as well - moved here after we retired so we could do our traveling, heck of a lot easier and cheaper than from NL! We were able to get Pacific French Francs from the currency exchange in the local mall(FP was first on our schedule) so you might want to look into that option. I'm not sure about vatu being available but you never know. Unfortunately you will have to pay more doing it through a local currency exchange but we thought it was worthwhile for the peace of mind knowing we didn't have to stress about it. Also, allow for a week or so in case they have to order the money for you.

You might also like to have a look at the SP boards at tripadvisor -reading some of the posts there may give you newer information. Sounds like a great cruise ahead - we really enjoyed our time in the SP. Have a great trip!

You might like to check your question with the cruise line.

Both Vanuatu and New Caledonia stores will accept credit cards. Both Vila and Noumea have plentiful ATMs , which I always use when visiting any foreign place.

I spent 10 days in Port Vila just a couple of weeks ago.

Australian dollars are widely accepted in Port Vila, especially in the tourist oriented duty free/craft type shops. As noted above, supermarkets and larger stores will accept credit cards and ATMs are plentiful.
Goodies currency exchange is located at the Northern end of the main street (Lini highway) next door to the Olympic Hotel and Gecko's restaurant.

Port Vila sees a cruise ship every 2 or 3 days and they're well geared up to cater for the influx of passengers.

If you're looking for a cold Tusker beer and some lunch I can recommend 'Nambawan Cafe' on the foreshore near the aforementioned Olympic Hotel - Behind the new BRED Bank building.

You will be able to purchase currency from the purser's office onboard the ship.

Hi gardencat
Re: Vanuatu - In Lugainville you exchange dollars for Vatu with the Chinese shop owners or use your card in a hole in the wall, there's a couple in town on the main street. Lugainville itself doesn't have much going for it, best thing to do is head north and you'll find a few places to visit. The Matevula Blue Hole and Champagne Beach are amazing and don't forget your swimwear and you could stop off at Oyster Island for a bite to eat or Moyyan Resort for a massage and a cold beer, it's very boutique and on a beautiful little beach. You'll need to book in advance before the cruise ship books every operator and taxi out if they haven't already. Use Paradise Tours - Luke - but don't tell him you're on the cruise or you'll pay more.
Vila is a great town, lots of bars, cafes and restaurants, souvineer and duty free shops. Best places for a beer and a bite - in order from the port, Waterfront Bar, Numbawan Cafe, Anchor Inn, last two have complimentary wifi internet. Things to do, Cascade Falls walk and swim, Eton Beach take a picnic and cold beers swim, The Havannah Hotel drink, eat and swim, Tamanu on the Beach drink, eat and swim best food in Vanuatu. Just take a taxi to any of these places but you'll need to have them wait to take you back to town.
Awesome country and people.

Great summary from nomosa.
Its been a few years now since I was last in Vanuatu, but that lot sounds great.

Thanks for all the info. It's been a few days since I checked here and I'm thrilled to see all the suggestions...a cold beer and complimentary internet sound great. Is it usually easy to get a taxi to wait for you? I've come close to missing a ship once and it wasn't a great feeling.

To clarify - the downtown area of Vila (where you will get a cold beer and internet) there will be plenty of taxis, although the closer you get to ship departure time the busier they will be but there are many taxis in Vila
- out of town e.g. Eton Beach you will stuggle to find a taxi and should agree a price for driver to wait and take you back or return to pick you up and pay at end
As a guide a fare for around town ride is roughly 500 vatu