Vanuatu Healthcare and Money

By | May 9, 2022

Health care

Vaccinations

Vaccination needed receipt required
Eat Drink 3
malaria 2
Typhoid & Polio 1
cholera no
yellow fever no

Overview

Basic medical care is guaranteed. Basic hospitals exist in Port Vila on Efate Island and in Luganville on Espiritu Santo. For more difficult medical treatments, we recommend leaving for Australia or New Zealand. In any case, travelers should ensure that they have sufficient insurance cover for medical and other emergencies and that they have taken out travel repatriation insurance. Check findjobdescriptions for more information.

Notes vaccinations

[1] Typhoid occurs, poliomyelitis does not. Typhoid vaccination is recommended for backpacking and long-term stays. [2] There is generally a risk of malaria all year round in all parts of the country. However, since the number of diseases has decreased, it can be assumed that the risk only exists on certain islands. The predominant more dangerous form Plasmodium falciparum is said to be highly resistant to chloroquine and sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine. The also occurring, less dangerous form Plasmodium vivax is resistant to chloroquine. [3] Drinking water supply and drinking water quality are mostly poor. A generally high risk of infection can be assumed, especially outside of the tourist areas and the cities. Bottled water is therefore recommended, which is readily available. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Milk is pasteurized and safe to consume. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Pork, lettuce and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled.

Other risks

Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, occurs nationwide. An effective insect repellent is recommended. Filariasis caused by insects also occurs nationwide. Travelers reduce the risk of transmission if they use an effective insect repellent. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur nationwide. 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.

Money

Currency

1 vatu. Currency code: VT, VUV (ISO code). Banknotes come in denominations of 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500, 200 and 100 VT; Coins are in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 VT. Australian dollars are accepted in many shops, restaurants and hotels in Vila and Luganville (Santo). However, Australian dollars cannot be used as a means of payment outside the city and on the other islands.

Credit cards

Major credit cards (mainly Visa and Mastercard, but to a limited extent also Diners Club and American Express) are accepted by most major hotels, car rental companies and some restaurants and shops in Port Vila. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card.

ATMs

Bank cards With a credit card and pin number, money can be withdrawn from ATMs in Luganville (Espiritu Santo), Port Vila (Efate), Lenakel (Tanna) and in Lakatoro (Malekula). 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

Traveller’s checks are no longer available in Germany and Switzerland and are hardly available in Austria. Traveller’s checks can be cashed at the No1 Currency exchange office in Port Vila on Vanuatu.

Bank opening hours

Mon-Fri 08.00-15.00/16.00. Some banks are closed at noon.

Foreign exchange regulations

No restrictions (import and export of local currency only recommended in reasonable amounts).

Currency Exchange

Money can be exchanged at the airport and in commercial banks.

Currencies

Code Symbol Exchange rates (no guarantee)
VUV 1 EUR = 114.74
1 CHF = 136.58
1 USD = 110.35

Vanuatu Money