MONEY EXCHANGE :
The exchange places in down-town Port Vila are Goodies Money Exchange, Club Vanuatu (RSL), and Global & Exchange at the Western Union..

POPULATION:
Melanesian people born in Vanuatu are known as
Ni-Vanuatu. The total population is 196,900. Many other nationalities are found in the urban areas of the country.

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION :
In the heart of Melanesia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands to the west, Fiji to the east and New Caledonia to the south.

 QUARANTINE :
If you are purchasing coral, shells, tree fern carvings in Vanuatu to take home, you may need an export permit. Check with the Department of Environment
(Tel: (678) 25 302). Customs in your own country may require a fumigation certificate on items such as mats, grass skirts and wooden carvings, otherwise they may confiscate these goods. Contact Quarantine at the Department of Agriculture for information
(Tel: (678) 23 130), E-mail: vqisvila@vanuatu.com.vu

SHOPPING :
Foreign cash, travellers cheques and major international credit cards (Amex, Diners, JCB, MasterCard and Visa) are widely accepted. BankCard is not normally accepted. Most shops close for ‘siesta’ from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Eating places, banks and supermarkets do not observe siesta. All shops are open on Saturday morning, including specialty shops. Supermarkets and suburban general stores open early and close late seven days a week. The colourful market in the town centre operates every day except Sundays, for flowers, fruit, vegetables and handicrafts. A great spot to meet the locals!

HANDICRAFT CENTRES :
Handikraft Blong Vanuatu, located in the downtown end of Port Vila, provides a wide selection of authentic handicrafts from many islands of Vanuatu, including Art Blong Yumi, Goodies, Centre Point Markets, Exotic Arts plus several other centres and little stalls in the islands.

SPORT AND RECREATION :
A great variety of watersports. Excellent reef and wreck diving in Efate and Santo : live-aboard dive-boats, Hideaway Marine Sanctuary, ocean kayaking are just some of the popular sports available. Four excellent golf courses in Port Vila, tennis courts, fitness centres, jazzercise and squash. Excellent big game and reef fishing. Hash House Harriers, horse riding schools, cycling and annual triathlon. The annual picnic horse race day is a must, regular amateur theatrical
productions are staged, and the international-class Palms
Casino is open and has poker machines. Club Vanuatu and Club 21 also have poker machines and entertainment. Watch the notice boards outside the supermarkets for up-coming events.
 

MEDICAL :
Hospital facilities exist in Port Vila and Luganville, Espiritu Santo. There are no dangerous animals or insects.

WATER :
The urban water is safe to drink from the tap. When travelling to the outer islands it is advisable to take drinking water along.