Page 353 - Melanesia
P. 353
VANUATU VISITOR INFORMATION INSURANCE - Travel insurance is cheap – TAXIS - The buses are arguably more reliable
because most people don’t get to use it than the taxi services and certainly cheaper.
ATMS - There is an ANZ ATM on arrival at – but if you do, it could save thousands of Ask the taxi driver for a rate before hopping
the airport and there are ANZ and Westpac dollars. Flights do get delayed, connections in. Taxis have a ‘T’ in front of the number
ATM’s outside the banks in the main street. do get missed, people do get sick or have plate. Buses have a ‘B’ in front of the num-
ANZ has ATMs outside supermarkets. accidents and property can get stolen or go ber plate and are plentiful – they also drop
missing. door-to-door for 150 vatu around town.
RENTAL CARS - There are a number of car
rental businesses. Hertz and can arrange a JELLYFISH - You may see a few but they TIPPING - Tipping is not encouraged in Va-
good deal. Driving is on the right-hand side will be harmless – there are no dangerous nuatu. Tip with a smile and “tank yu tumas”.
of the road. ‘stingers. Melanesian custom says that if you give
something for nothing, the person receiv-
FIRST AID KIT - It’s a good idea to take a NUDITY - topless bathing in Vanuatu is a ing will owe you – and that’s how a tip is
small first aid kit to be on the safe side, and no-no. perceived. Bargaining at the markets can
because pharmaceutical items are expen- also be taken as an insult.
sive. Include Panadol/Panadeine, Berocca, OFFICE HOURS - Touristy businesses, banks
Hydrogen Peroxide for coral cuts, Bandaids and supermarkets stay open all day but VAT - There is a 12.5% Value Added Tax
and Imodium/Buscopan for possible tummy government offices like to retain the tradi- on all goods and services. This is usually
upsets, sunscreen and insect repellent. tion of siesta and close from 11:30am to included in the quoted price.
1:30pm.
GOLF - There is an excellent 18-hole golf WATER - The tap water is safe to drink but
course at Mele, about 15 minutes from SEA SNAKES - You may see sea snakes in the if you are worried, bottled water is readily
town. Saturday is competition day and visi- lagoons from time to time, often banded available. Whatever you decide, the impor-
tors can only play with proof of handicap black and white – probably best to leave tant thing in the tropics is to drink plenty of
on that day – every other day, hack away!. them alone. it to stay hydrated.
