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.
There are three main ways to get to Espiritu Santo in Vanuatu : flight, ferry or cruise ship.
To get more details visit our Getting to Espiritu Santo Guide.
There are three main ways to get around Espiritu Santo : public bus, taxi or hire a car.
To get more details visit our Getting around Espiritu Santo Guide.
Vanuatu is still largely a cash-based country and uses the Vanuatu Vatu (VUV).
Most resorts and supermarkets accept cards but often add a surcharge. For local tour operators, taxis, and markets, you’ll need cash.
ATMs in Vanuatu are the easiest way to get Vatu — there’s one at Luganville Airport (to the right of the exit where taxis wait) and several in Luganville town. The green Bank of the South Pacific (BSP) ATMs have lower fees (about 400 Vatu per withdrawal), while the blue BRED Bank ATMs are more expensive (around 700 Vatu per withdrawal).
You can exchange money at banks, Goodex, Western Union, or at the airport in Port Vila.
ATMs and currency exchanges often give large notes, so try to break them down before travelling — taxis and buses may not have change.
Some places accept Australian dollars (AUD), but the local exchange rate is usually poor, so prices in AUD may be higher.
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.
As an island nation in the South Pacific, Vanuatu’s internet and mobile phone coverage can sometimes be inconsistent.
There are two main mobile providers: Vodafone and Digicel. Coverage varies by location — for example, the east coast of Espiritu Santo mainly has Vodafone service. It’s best to ask your accommodation which network works best in your area before you buy a SIM.
SIM cards are available at the airport or in town. We recommend topping up your SIM with credit and using it as pay-as-you-go for calls and SMS, or purchasing a data package. To check your Vodafone balance, dial *183#.
Many resorts and guesthouses now offer reliable internet through Starlink satellite internet.
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 — Espiritu Santo has basic medical services, including:
For serious medical conditions or emergencies, evacuation to Port Vila or overseas may be needed, so it’s highly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
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.
