Vanuatu - expat communities

Are there any Vanuatu ex-pats (as opposed to travelers) on here?

My wife and I are applying for a 1-3 year residency in Vanuatu. Our work is largely internet based and we can (in principle) live anywhere with internet access. We love Vanuatu and whilst Vila is hardly the nicest part of the island chain, it's a nice place to establish a base. (We are escaping Melbourne weather!)

We've been before and know the tourist scene. We're interested in meeting and talking to locals who have done any of:
a) bought land;
b) rented an apartment;
c) applied for residency;
d) shipped goods from Oz;
e) set up home in Vila;
f) made friends or established a life there; or
g) etc etc etc.

We are of course interested in meeting locals and making new friends, ni-Vanuatu and expats alike.

I have found a couple of expat oriented websites but nothing like a social group or way to meet people.

Thanks for any pointers.

cheers
Simon

Hi Simon,

It looks like I could be heading to vanuatu early-to mid next year, for a min 12 months, so sorry to threadjack but I'd be keen on any info you've found so far. Could you post those links you mentioned?

I've actually never been to Vanuatu at all before, so big experience for me!

hi - just noticed your reply. Haven't logged in here for a year and didn't get an email. Life here has been good. Would still love to meet other expats. I find that people make friends through work and through kid's schools, stuff like that. But working for ourselves from home, no kids, we don't meet that many people. Still love it here.

best wishes
Simon

Hi

There are several ex-pats on the TripAdvisor site as well as knowledgeable locals. Have been using the site a lot in preparation for our upcoming trip. Suggest you join and start asking questions!

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g294143-i3827-Vanuatu.html