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Vanuatu is an archipelago of 83 islands with a unique blend of intact tribal communities, resorts, beaches and geography ranging from accessible volcanoes to pristine underwater environments, offering unique and memorable experiences.
Efate is the main island of Vanuatu, where the capital Port Vila is situated and also where the majority of commerce and tourism takes place. Archeological evidence in the form of distinctive pottery, indicates the first humans to settle in Efate were the Lapita people, probably from Papua New-Guinea via the Solomon islands. Oral history from Tongoa Island recalls the first arrival from the name Efate was effectively a comment on the island being a place where they would settle.
Cook was the first European to visit the island, naming it Sandwich Island after Lord Sandwich, the patron of his voyage. Fortunately the indigenous name prevailed. European settlement began with the whalers, sandalwood traders and missionaries. The first European settlement by predominantly English people was on Havana Harbour, on the north side of Efate. After a long drought in 1882, and persistent outbreaks of malaria and the simple fact that the French brought women to their settlement in Port Vila, led the predominantly male population of Havannah Harbor to permanently migrate to Vila. Today, over 40 000 people live on Efate, more than half of them in or around Port Vila. The rest live in small villages along the coast. No villages remain inland. Efate has a rugged coastline and rolling verdant countryside, fast flowing rivers, cascading waterfalls, isolated sandy bays and lagoons. The interior is verdant rain forest cut only by a few walking tracks to remote weather and radio beacons.
Port Vila is located around a magnificent natural harbour offering stunning views of Iririki and Ifira islands. It is Vanuatu's international gateway and remains the only town on the island. The airport is but a few miles from town and all major resorts and hotels. Vila is a pretty town. Clean and uncluttered, the waterfront area is so unpolluted, visitors are stunned to look down from the seawall and see live corals and tropical fish.
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A view to die for.
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.88. -- AU.00 = 82 vatu and US.00 = 110 vatu
The main banks are Westpac (with a branch at the international airport), ANZ and Bank of Hawaii. They are open 8.00 am till 3.00 pm Monday to Friday, and Wespac opens from 8.30am to 4pm Monday to Friday. There are several ANZ ATM machines in Port Vila and Luganville, Santo only. You can also get cash advances on Visa and Mastercards during bank hours. "Goodies" money changer in town is open 8 am until 5.30-6.00 pm Monday to Friday and 8.30 am to 4.00 pm weekends and public holidays. From our personal experience, you will always get a better rate at Goodies than at the banks, but unless they have changed since our last visit in May06, they only take cash, no travellers cheques. For Australian and New Zealander's please note only ANZ Bankcard is accepted, and Visa, Mastercard and to a lesser extent Amex and Diner's.
Climate
The best time of year is April/May to October when temperatures range from 18 to 28 degrees Celsius. Light weight casual clothing plus a sweater is usually sufficient. November & December are warm but not generally unpleasantly so. January to March is hot (26-34 degrees Celsius), often wet and prone to cyclones.
Electricity
240V., 3 pin (angled) plugs are required - same as Australia and New Zealand. Two pin round plug (European) adapters are readily available.
Entry
Visas are not required from most countries: (All commonwealth countries, Belgium, Denmark, Eire, Fiji, France and its dominions, Germany, Holland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Philippines, Taiwan, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, U.S.A.) However you must have a valid, ongoing or return airline ticket and your Passport must be valid for four months beyond your intended stay.
Public Transport
There are no public transport systems in Vanuatu. Privately owned mini buses are common and run unspecified routes through the municipal areas. You need only board one heading in approximately the right direction and tell the driver where you wish to stop and you will get there, albeit by a circuitous route! Taxis are also plentiful and relatively inexpensive. To get to other parts of Efate, utilities are licensed to carry passengers and can be found at the Markets.
Health
Malaria is endemic and travel agents will recommend you take preventative medication. CAUTION: Most such medication increases your risk of sunburn profoundly! Bring a jug of 15+ sun cream, even in Winter. Hepatitis B and tuberculosis exists throughout the islands but should be of no concern to travellers if normal precautions are taken.
There is one hospital in Vila, one in Luganville, both with limited resources. There are small clinics and dispensaries throughout the islands. There are numerous English and French MD's in Vila: J. Bador ph. 23065, Dentist : H. Collard ph. 22306, and Chiropractor / Physiotherapist : G. Sariani ph. 25777.
Serious injuries and medical conditions will require medical evacuation to more modern facilities in Australia, New Zealand or New Caledonia, so travel insurance is strongly recommended. Although we are very fortunate that AIDs has yet to get a toehold, please ensure safe sexual practices at all times.
Insurance
Although Vanuatu is a safe destination, many tours, especially to outer islands, are in the adventurous category. This means that from time to time, volcanoes are closed, domestic flights delayed, planes cannot land due to muddy airstrips, SCUBA dives cancelled due to cyclones etc. Therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be purchased prior to your departure.
Language
There are over 120 distinct languages and many more dialects. The lingua franca and national language is Bislama (pidgin English). The official languages are Bislama, English and French.
Tipping
Neither tipping nor bargaining is considered civilised behaviour. If you would like to express your gratitude for service, you might like to send a postcard or perhaps give a 't' shirt as a gift from your country. It is neither necessary, nor expected, but such small items are received with much appreciation.
Time
Vanuatu is one hour ahead of AST (Australian Standard Time) and 11 hours ahead of GST (Greenwich Standard Time or UT). There is no daylight saving in summer.
Trading Hours
The National Tourism Office is open from 7.30 - 11.30am and 1.30-4.30pm 5 days each week, the Information Office is open from 7.30 - 4.30pm and on Saturday mornings from 7.30 - 2.00pm and all cruise ship days. Tour companies and many shops are open at 7.30 until 4.30-5 pm. Larger supermarkets are open until 7.00 pm. Business houses are generally open 8.00 am until 11.30 am then siesta until 1.30 pm and close again at 5.00 pm. Most shops are open on Saturday mornings and some open on Sunday mornings.
Water
With little industry or agriculture and no unusual water borne bugs, the town water supply is very safe to drink. In the outer islands, water is collected from streams whose catchments are untouched jungle, or as rainwater from roofs. Bore water is less common but safe to drink throughout. However some people react to water in different places simply because it's different. If you fall into that category, bottled water can be readily purchased from Vila and Luganville. Supplies in the outer islands are very limited.
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