The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid for nationals of EU and EFTA countries. The treatment takes place upon presentation of the EHIC. This regulates care and reimbursement of costs in the event of illness for EU and EFTA citizens. The EHIC does not include repatriation after a serious illness or an accident abroad. Statutory health insurance companies are not allowed to offer this service. Only private travel insurance companies pay for return transport. You should ask your health insurance company about the benefits and whether additional travel health insurance is recommended. Nouméa has a public hospital, three private clinics and numerous pharmacies. The hotels can recommend doctors and dentists.
Notes vaccinations
[1] A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required for all travelers who want to enter within 6 days of staying in the infected areas designated by the WHO and who are over one year old. Excluded are travelers who have not left the transit area in the infected areas and transit travelers who do not leave the airport in New Caledonia. [2] Typhoid occurs, poliomyelitis does not. Typhoid vaccination is recommended for backpacking and long-term stays. [3] Tap water is usually chlorinated and relatively clean, but mild stomach upset may occur. Bottled water, which is available everywhere, is therefore recommended for the first few weeks of your stay. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Water outside the larger cities should generally be sterilized. Milk is pasteurized and, like local dairy products, meat, poultry, fruit and vegetables, is safe to consume. Eating fish and seafood may result in poisoning. as well as local dairy products, meat, poultry, fruit and vegetables can be consumed without hesitation. Eating fish and seafood may result in poisoning. as well as local dairy products, meat, poultry, fruit and vegetables can be consumed without hesitation. Eating fish and seafood may result in poisoning.
Other risks
Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, occurs. An effective insect repellent is recommended. There is a nationwide risk of filariasis, which is also transmitted by mosquitoes. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. UV radiation is very high and can damage the skin. Sun protection through skin-covering clothing and sunscreen (SPF > 20) is therefore absolutely necessary.
Money
Currency
Since January 1, 1999, the euro has been the official currency for the French overseas territories (Départements d’Outre-Mer) of French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion and for the local authorities (collectivités territoriales) of Mayotte and St. Pierre and Miquelon. More information on the use of the euro in the France chapter. In the French Overseas Country (Pays d’outre mer/POM) French Polynesia and in the French Overseas Territory (Territoires d’Outre-Mer/TOM) New Caledonia, the official currency is the CFP Franc, which is pegged to the Euro. 1 CFP franc = 100 centimes. Currency code: CFP Fr, XPF (ISO code). Banknotes are in denominations of 10,000, 5000, 1000 and 500 CFP Fr;
Credit cards
Major credit cards such as Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club are accepted in shops, major hotels and car rental companies. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card.
ATMs
Bank cards With a credit card and pin number (but not with an American Express card) you can withdraw money from ATMs in the city of Nouméa. The Girocard (formerly ec card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used at ATMs with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Travelers cheques
Travelers checks are not accepted in New Caledonia.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Fri 7.30am-3.30pm.
Foreign exchange regulations
see France.
Currency Exchange
Money can be exchanged at the airport and in banks. In banks, you should ask about the fees in advance, as they can be very high under certain circumstances.
