Luganville, Vanuatu 🇻🇺
#1085 -15.51211, 167.178441

Nomad Score: 54%
Overview Guide Scores Costs

Essentials

🏙️ City Luganville is the second largest city in Vanuatu, located on the island of Espiritu Santo.
👥 Population Approximately 16,000 residents.
💻 Internet Speed Average internet speed is around 5-20 Mbps, with access varying by provider.
💸 Currency & Banking 1 VUV ≈ 0.009 USD. Local currency is the Vanuatu Vatu.
🚰 Tap Water Tap water may not be safe to drink; bottled water is recommended.
🔌 Power Electricity is 220V, 50Hz, with Type I sockets.
📶 SIM Card Providers include Digicel and Vodafone, offering prepaid plans for tourists.
💳 Banking for Expats Common banks include ANZ and Westpac, with ATM withdrawals available.
🛌 Accommodation Options range from guesthouses to Airbnbs, prices starting from $25/night.
💳 Cashless Friendly Limited cashless options; most transactions are cash-based.
🏠 Short Term Rentals Airbnb and local listings available; average cost is around $30-$60 per night.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation Backpackers Lodge offers dormitory accommodation starting from $15/night.

Working and Networking

🏢 Best Coworking Space There are no formal coworking spaces; cafes are used for remote work.
☕ Best Cafe for Work The Beachfront Restaurant offers reliable Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere.
💼 Networking Events Local expat groups may organize occasional meetups; check Facebook for updates.
🥂 Social Events for Expats The Luganville Expat Community frequently hosts social gatherings.

Transportation

🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App Local taxis are available, but no specific ride-hailing apps operate.
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Scooter rentals are available at various local shops, starting from $20/day.
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby The nearby Champagne Beach is one of the best; easily accessible.
✈️ Top Regional Airline Air Vanuatu covers regional flights within Vanuatu.
✈️ Top International Airline Air Vanuatu and Fiji Airways offer international connections.
🛣️ Highway Access The main road connects Luganville with other towns on Espiritu Santo.
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub Luganville has no train service; transport is by road or boat.
🚍 Public Transport Passes No structured public transport system; shared taxis are common.
✈️ Regional Travel Ferry services operate between islands; ask locally for schedules.

Health and Wellness

🏥 Best Hospital Luganville Hospital is the main medical facility, providing basic healthcare.
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Limited wellness centers; some resorts may offer yoga sessions.
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers No dedicated gyms; some hotels have limited fitness facilities.
🧺 Laundry Services Local service available; basic laundry can cost around $5-$10.

Food and Drink

📱 Best Food Delivery App No established food delivery apps; local restaurants offer takeout.
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Try the local dish 'Laplap,' made from taro and coconut.
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Limited, but some local cafes offer vegetarian meals.
🍫 Best Dessert Spots The Luganville Bakery serves various local pastries.
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots The Luganville Market is a great place for local produce.
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store Limited; reliance on local shopping.
🛒 Grocery Delivery Very few grocery stores offer delivery services.
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area A few bars along the waterfront; local music on weekends.
🍻 Local Brewery No local breweries; limited imported beers available.
🍷 Wine Bars Not available; wine can be found in local stores.
🍲 Street Food Stalls Various stalls at the market serve local snacks.
🍕 Popular International Cuisine Local restaurants offer a mix of Pacific and Australian cuisines.

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks The Million Dollar Point is a popular dive site and historical location.
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues Limited museums; the Espiritu Santo Museum showcases local history.
🏰 Historical Sites Visit the remnants of World War II relics around the area.
🕍 Religious Sites St. Mary's Cathedral is a notable religious site.
🎉 Annual Events The Luganville Agricultural Show takes place annually in July.
🎨 Cultural Districts Explore local villages to understand cultural practices.
🎭 Theater Venues No formal theatres; local shows may happen in community centers.
🛍️ Local Markets The Luganville Market offers a vibrant local shopping experience.
🎼 Music Scene Local bands play at various events; check community boards.
🎨 Street Art Limited street art; focus is more on traditional crafts.
🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes Local cooking classes available at some resorts.
👩‍🎨 Art Galleries Few art galleries; focus on local crafts and traditional art.
🕰️ Historic Buildings Visit colonial-era buildings in Luganville.
🏴 Local Heritage Preservation of Melanesian traditions remains strong within the community.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes Vatthe Conservation Area offers beautiful natural scenery.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby Snorkeling at Matevulu is a popular activity.
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths Limited paths; road cycling is common in the area.
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints Various viewpoints along the coast offer stunning views.
🦉 Birdwatching Locations Birdwatching can be enjoyed in nearby conservation areas.
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots Some beaches allow bonfires; check conditions locally.

Other Services and Amenities

📦 Parcel Delivery Service Local shipping services available; limited options.
🛠️ Tech Repair Services Limited tech repair services; check local shops.
🏓 Table Tennis Spots Table tennis facilities are very limited.
🧑‍🏫 Language Classes Local language classes might be available; check community centers.
📚 Libraries & Study Spots No major libraries; some cafes provide study spaces.
🏘️ Community Centers Community centers host various events and activities.
🕹️ Gaming Lounges Limited; local spots may have gaming options.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls No casinos in Luganville.

Business

🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $60,000)
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = $54,000)
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $2,300 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $115,000)
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $100,000)
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. $2,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $216,000)
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. $2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $184,000)
💼 Corporate Tax Tax rate is 30% for companies.
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax The tax rate for dividends is 10%.
🏦 Tax System Residents are taxed based on Vanuatu's tax laws.
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket Income tax does not exceed 0% as Vanuatu is a tax haven.
🧾 VAT Vanuatu has no VAT.
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules Yes, there are regulations regarding foreign income.
🏠 Property Tax No annual property tax is levied in Vanuatu.
🏠 Property Transaction Tax A registration fee applies, depending on property value.