Getting Vatu Currency Before going to Vanuatu

Hello all

I was wondering if anyone has had any luck getting Vatu currency before entering the country. A friend of mine went there and told me that the line for the currency exchange at Port Vila airport was quite long. I will be going there in September for only 9 days (it was the longest I could get) so I want to minimize wasted time.

I live in Japan, BTW.

Thank you

Don't bother - if you can't get it at the airport, do it once in town (Vila).
Very easy!

Yes, change it in town. No queues when I changed money. Just don't try it on a day when a cruise ship is in the harbour,

Regards
Cuppa

http://cuppa500.com

Definately change it in town. Goodies or 7/11 usually give the best rates. Get your taxi to wait for you out front of either while you change some cash to pay them. They are ok with that.

Thanks for the replies everyone!

It turns out my flight will be arriving around midnight in Port Vila. Would the currency exchange there be open 24h?

I'm probably being overly cautious but I don't have a credit card and I can't imagine many hotels would accept yen

The airport currency exchange tends to be a bit hit and miss late at night, as does the customs and immigration people who often just don't turn up for late night arrivals. Reasons unknown!
If you are staying at one of the bigger hotels, they will have a pickup bus at the airport and you can change a small amount at the hotel the next morning then go into town to get a better rate. Don't stress about it, it is no concern.

There is an ANZ International ATM at Bauerfield Airport. Just past Immigration on the left before the Currency Exchange.

Cheers

Agree with Number 3, Goodies gives the best rates of exchange. Be careful though they close in the late afternoon. Best to get some vatu to see you through overnight; then exchange at Goodies in the morning.