Vanuatu is still largely a cash-based country and uses the Vanuatu Vatu (VUV).
While cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and tour operators in Luganville, cash is still the main form of payment across the island. Whenever possible break down larger notes as many smaller vendors, mamas markets, taxis and buses will likely not have change.
Card payments are accepted in some businesses in Luganville, but usually with a surcharge of around 4%.
You can find ATMs at several key locations around Luganville town:
BSP bank (green ATMs) is the better choice as they only charge 450 Vatu per withdrawal. Whereas BRED Bank (blue ATMs) charge 700 Vatu per withdrawal.
ATMs in Espiritu Santo are generally reliable, but can occasionally run out of cash or go offline. It’s recommended to withdraw money whenever you have the opportunity rather than waiting until you need it urgently.
Santo-Pekoa International Airport is small and does not offer currency exchange services. However, a BSP ATM is located just outside the terminal where you can withdraw cash on arrival.
For additional banking services, visit BRED Bank, BSP Bank, or Western Union in Luganville.
Exchange rates locally can be high, so it may be better to exchange money before arriving or withdraw cash directly from ATMs using your card.
If you are travelling via Port Vila, currency exchange is available at the airport, along with ATMs in the baggage claim area and outside the terminal.
Some local vendors on Espiritu Santo may accept Australian Dollars, but this is not guaranteed and exchange rates are usually not favourable. In most cases, vendors will also not be able to provide change in AUD.
Yes, buying a local SIM card is the most reliable and cost-effective way to stay connected in Espiritu Santo. Data packages are affordable compared to international roaming.
International roaming works with some providers, but it is often expensive and less reliable than using a local SIM card.
There are two main mobile providers in Vanuatu: Vodafone and Digicel. Both offer SIM cards, prepaid credit, and data bundles for visitors.
Coverage varies depending on location. In some areas of Espiritu Santo, Vodafone may have stronger reception, while Digicel may perform better elsewhere. It’s best to check with your accommodation or locals before choosing a SIM, as the strongest network can differ by area.
SIM cards are available at Santo-Pekoa International Airport or from the Digicel and Vodafone stores in Luganville (located next to each other).
At the time of writing, SIM cards cost around 200 Vatu. You will need to present a valid form of ID to register your SIM card.
You can top up your phone by buying a prepaid credit voucher, available at most shops, fuel stations, and small roadside stalls. Simply scratch the voucher to reveal the code and enter it into your phone.
You can also visit a Digicel or Vodafone store in Luganville, where staff can top up your phone directly in exchange for cash.
If you are staying long-term and have a local bank account, you may also be able to top up directly through your bank.
Once you’ve topped up your SIM card, you can use your credit for calls, texts, and data, or purchase bundles that are usually more cost-effective.
To check your balance and buy plans, use the following USSD codes:
These menus allow you to check your credit, buy data packages, and activate call or text bundles directly from your phone.
Internet in Espiritu Santo can be inconsistent, as Vanuatu is a remote island nation.
In Luganville and main tourist areas, it is usually good enough for messaging and browsing, but speeds can vary.
Many resorts and dive operators now use Starlink satellite internet, which provides fast and reliable connections. Where Starlink is available, internet quality is generally very good.
Vanuatu uses plug type I, which is the same as in Australia and New Zealand. The standard voltage is 220–240V with a frequency of 50Hz.
If your devices use a different plug or voltage, you’ll need a suitable adapter or converter. You can buy plug adapters in stores in Luganville, Espiritu Santo.
Yes. ProMedical is an Australian volunteer ambulance service operating on Espiritu Santo. In an emergency, you can call 115.
If you are staying on the island for an extended period, you can also sign up for their annual subscription, which is available at their office in Luganville.
Yes, there is healthcare on Espiritu Santo, but it is basic compared to larger countries.
Most medical services are based in Luganville, where you’ll find:
These facilities can handle common illnesses and minor emergencies. However, for more serious medical conditions or specialist treatment, patients are often transferred to Port Vila or overseas (such as Australia).
At present, there are no permanent opticians or dental clinics on Espiritu Santo, so specialist eye or dental care is limited.
Uncle Bill’s Pharmacy in Luganville is the only official pharmacy on Espiritu Santo where you can buy basic medications, including pain relief, antibiotics, and first aid supplies.
For more general medical and first aid items, you can also check the toiletries section at LCM Supermarket. The ProMedical ambulance office also sells commercial and comprehensive first aid kits.
For anything more serious or prescription-only medication, you may be referred to Medical Santo Clinic for assessment and treatment.
No. There is currently no hyperbaric chamber on Espiritu Santo.
Divers requiring treatment for decompression sickness would need to be evacuated to Port Vila or overseas (such as Australia or New Caledonia), depending on the severity of the case.
For this reason, dive operators strongly recommend comprehensive dive and travel insurance that includes emergency evacuation cover.
Yes — travel insurance is strongly recommended for Espiritu Santo, especially one that includes medical evacuation cover.
Healthcare on the island is basic, and serious cases often require evacuation to Port Vila or overseas. This is particularly important for divers, as there is no hyperbaric chamber on the island.
For this reason, dive operators strongly recommend comprehensive dive and travel insurance that includes emergency evacuation cover.
No vaccinations are required for entry into Vanuatu, including Espiritu Santo, unless you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever, where proof of vaccination may be needed.
However, several vaccines are recommended before travel:
There is a risk of malaria across Vanuatu, so malaria prophylaxis is recommended. Mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue and Zika are also present, so bite prevention (repellent, long clothing, nets) is important.
It’s best to consult a travel doctor before your trip for personalised medical advice.
Yes. The main supermarkets are located in Luganville. The largest is LCM Supermarket, which has the widest range of groceries, imported goods, and household items. Daming Supermarkets also operate in town and are known for their meat selection and ready-to-eat hot food.
For cheaper dry goods and basics, Sunshine Stores are a good alternative.
Dairy options in Espiritu Santo are limited but available mainly in Luganville.
LCM Supermarket has the widest selection of dairy products, including cheese, butter, and cream, making it the best option for most standard grocery needs.
Daming Supermarket occasionally stocks a small selection of dairy items, but availability can vary.
For fresh milk, it is available from the Livestock Department at around 500 Vatu for 1.5 litres. This usually requires a phone order or a standing arrangement rather than over-the-counter purchase.
There is also a small local producer in Luganville who makes fresh soft cheeses such as mozzarella, feta, and cream cheese, along with homemade sauces and jams, typically available by order.
There are several reliable places to buy fresh and frozen meat in Luganville and along the east coast.
A tip for pet owners: You can often ask butchers for “kai kai blo dog”, which refers to a bag of bones and scraps sold for around 100–150 Vatu. These are commonly used as dog food, but they are also useful if you are making your own stock or rendering tallow.
In Luganville, there is a small fish market located behind the main Mamas Market, where you can buy fresh local catch.
You can also find fish at LCM and Daming supermarkets, which usually sell frozen fish.
Be aware that there is a risk of Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP) in Vanuatu from eating certain reef fish. The toxins are not destroyed by cooking or freezing.
To reduce risk, it is generally safer to stick to deep-sea fish such as snapper and similar species, and avoid large reef fish where possible.
Most vegetables in Vanuatu are locally grown and sold through Mamas Markets, which are the best places to buy fresh produce in Espiritu Santo.
The main market locations include:
Most fruit and vegetables are sold for around 150 Vatu per item, so it’s best to carry small notes and change when shopping.
Thanks to its location near the equator, Vanuatu has a warm, tropical climate, making it a great destination year-round. There are two main seasons:
Dry Season (April to October)
Cooler and drier, with pleasant temperatures between 18–28°C.
Wet Season (November to March)
Hotter and more humid, averaging around 30°C, with a higher chance of tropical cyclones.
Most visitors prefer the dry season for more comfortable, reliable weather, but the shoulder months of March and November offer fewer crowds and better deals.
To catch local festivals, check out our Cultural Events Guide.
Although Vanuatu is home to 138 different languages, the official one is a pigeon English called Bislama.
Basic Bislama can be quick to learn however most people also speak English and/or French fluently.
Vanuatu is in the Vanuatu Time Zone (VUT), UTC +11:00 year-round. The country does not observe daylight saving time, so the time never changes.
During Australian summer daylight saving, Vanuatu is in the same time zone as Brisbane.
There are two main providers in Luganville for printing and stationery services:
Both shops offer printing and basic stationery supplies. You can usually email your documents or bring a USB drive, and they can print, scan, or laminate for a fee.
Vanuatu is generally a very safe destination, particularly during the daytime and in tourist areas such as Espiritu Santo and Luganville. Violent crime is rare, and both locals and expats are typically friendly and welcoming towards visitors.
As with any destination, there are some risks to be aware of. Incidents such as assault can occur, although they are uncommon. Visitors—especially those travelling alone—should avoid walking at night in poorly lit or quieter areas and take the same precautions they would in any unfamiliar place.
Alcohol-related incidents can occasionally occur, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights when social drinking is more common. While problems are unlikely, it is sensible to avoid going out alone late at night, especially in smaller or less populated areas.
Kava, a traditional drink in Vanuatu, is widely consumed in the evenings and has a calming, sedative effect. It plays an important role in local culture, and kava bars are generally relaxed and peaceful environments.
Petty theft can occur in Vanuatu, although it is not widespread. Visitors should take basic precautions such as not leaving valuables unattended, securing bags, and locking accommodation when leaving.
One advantage of island life is the strong sense of community. In smaller towns, people tend to know each other, which contributes to a generally safe and accountable environment.
Overall, with simple precautions and awareness, Vanuatu is considered a safe and welcoming destination for travellers.
Road safety rules in Vanuatu are relatively relaxed compared to many countries. Seatbelts are not strictly enforced, and it is common to see people travelling in the back of pickup trucks (utes).
In Espiritu Santo, driving is generally simple, with only a few main roads and very little traffic infrastructure such as traffic lights or complex junctions. Many local drivers have learned informally rather than through formal driving schools, which contributes to a more relaxed driving style.
The main safety risk on the roads tends to occur at night, particularly when alcohol or kava has been consumed. Law enforcement presence can be limited, which means there is less active monitoring of impaired driving.
For this reason, it is recommended to avoid driving at night where possible, and in particular to avoid roads late on Friday or Saturday nights. Instead, use a trusted taxi service or arrange transport in advance.
Vanuatu is located in an active Pacific region and is exposed to natural hazards such as cyclones, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.
Espiritu Santo itself has no active volcano, so there is no direct volcanic risk on the island. The nearest active volcano is on Ambae Island. Earthquakes occur relatively frequently, but most are minor and not significantly disruptive. Many buildings on Santo are low-rise and constructed from wood or local materials, which can help reduce structural damage in smaller events. Occasionally, earthquakes may cause temporary disruptions to power or water supply, but services are usually restored quickly.
Cyclones can occur during the wet season (typically November to April). These are generally forecast in advance, and weather apps such as Windy can help track developing systems. If you prefer to avoid cyclone risk entirely, it is best to travel outside the wet season.
Tsunamis are rare, but the risk is not zero in coastal areas. Tsunami evacuation routes are signposted around towns, and access to higher ground is generally straightforward, particularly along the southern coast of Espiritu Santo.
Severe weather alerts and cyclone warnings are typically sent directly to mobile phones when systems are approaching, allowing time to prepare or adjust travel plans.
Espiritu Santo has very few dangerous land animals, and no large predators or venomous land snakes. For most visitors, wildlife is not a major safety concern.
There are some insects and plants to be aware of, including large centipedes which can give a painful but non-lethal bite, and stinging plants that can cause skin irritation if touched.
In the ocean, sea kraits (venomous sea snakes) may be seen but are not aggressive and should not be touched. Stonefish can also be present in shallow reef areas, so care should be taken when walking on reefs or in rocky shallows.
Reef sharks are occasionally seen but are generally small and not considered dangerous. As with any marine environment, it is best to avoid swimming in low visibility, at night, or in unfamiliar areas.
Overall, wildlife risks in Espiritu Santo are low and easily managed with basic awareness.