Means of Payment

Hello

What is the most common credit card use in Vanuatu ? Mastercard, Visa or what ?
Are travellers Cheques also acceptable ?
For a three weeks holiday , should I carry money on body ? What are the places with ATM machines ? I guess these are only few.

Thanks
Eli

There are a couple of ATM's in Port Vila and there is one in the airport, although it was empty when I was there. So yes, carry plenty cash for emergencies. I didn't bring travellers cheques, so can't comment on that.

Credit cards (MC and Visa) are accepted in most hotels in Vila. I was on Tanna for a week and it was cash only in the locally owned accommodations, for meals and transport, but a couple of the more posh hotels there accept credit cards. The Air Vanuatu office in Vila takes credit cards as well; they can book flights and accommodation.

Hope this helps!

There is only one ATM at Vila airport and it runs out of money most days because the people on the morning flights clean it out. They fill it once per day in the mornings but never bother coming back later to check it. If you are being met at the airport by one of the big tourist hotel buses the driver will not stop at an ATM but the fare is probably part of your package so who cares.

Fear not ! Here is the solution. Cab drivers will stop. There is an ATM in a grocery shop half way into town from the airport on the right. There is also one on the left a bit further along at Man Ples. Look for the BP gas station. In the main street there would be about 15 ATMs so you could always stop there but to get to some hotels you don't go anywhere near near the main street. There is always the possibility of getting some cash in the main street the next morning. Go in by bus which is heaps cheaper than a cab. Local buses do not pick up at the airport.

There is no distinction between brands of credit card. All hotels and tourist shops take them and mostly native shops will want cash. The tourist shops are only in the main street of Vila. Skip the main street on days when a cruise ship is in town. Very crowded.

The only ATM I know of outside Vila is at Santo airport.

#2
Thanks for your reply. What about the outer islands. Should I always take cash with me ?

Basically, yes - and in local currency!
From what I can recall, Santo may be the only outer island with ATMs.

Should I bring Euros or Dollars?
Is Visa card acceptable at ATM machines ?

Neither, other than maybe a small amount for emergencies.
Just bring your visa and use the ATMs.

Take cash to every island except Efate and Santo - Vatu only, lots of 100 coins and 1000 notes. Even on Santo, I have never heard of an ATM outside Luganville so take cash to the north shore.

Something to consider is that a lot of places charge 3 - 5% more if you use a credit card - restaurants, hotels, tour companies ...