Oceania
Money, cards and tipping in Vanuatu
VUVVatu
Money in Vanuatu
Mostly cash Cards work at Port Vila and Luganville hotels, restaurants and supermarkets; markets, minibuses and outer islands are vatu cash only. US$1 ≈ VT119.91 (03 Oct 2026).
Key facts
- Tipping: Not expected and not part of local custom.
- ATMs: ANZ, BSP and National Bank of Vanuatu ATMs in Port Vila and Luganville; few or none on outer islands.
- Paying by phone: Rarely useful; cards work in town, otherwise carry vatu.
- Price level: about 90% of US prices (World Bank PPP).
Cash or card, by place
| Place | Cards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Port Vila | Mixed: cards and cash | Cards at hotels and larger restaurants; cash for minibuses, markets, kava bars and outer islands. ATMs are in the center. |
Quick answers
Do you tip in Vanuatu?
Not expected and not part of local custom.
Is Vanuatu cashless?
Mostly cash. Cards work at Port Vila and Luganville hotels, restaurants and supermarkets; markets, minibuses and outer islands are vatu cash only.
What currency does Vanuatu use?
The Vatu (VUV). US$1 ≈ VT119.91 (03 Oct 2026).
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- US State Department travel advisory
- Vanuatu Department of Immigration
- Vanuatu Tourism Office
- UK FCDO travel advice: Vanuatu
- Smartraveller: Vanuatu
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.