Luganville, Vanuatu 🇻🇺
#1085
,
Nomad Score:
51%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Luganville is the second largest city in Vanuatu, located on the island of Espiritu Santo. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 16,000 people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Vanuatu Vatu (VUV), 1 USD ≈ 120 VUV. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz, Type I sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Digicel and Vodafone. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | ANZ, BSP, and local banks support international payments. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, Airbnb, and local hotels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred in most places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is available with a range of options from $50 to $150 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget hotels and hostels start at around $25 a night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The waterside area, offering great views and access to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Central Luganville for better internet access and amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, Luganville lacks well-defined coworking spaces, but local cafes can serve as alternatives. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe du Village offers good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups are organized by local expat groups on Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Look for community gatherings at Luganville Cultural Center. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available; ride-sharing apps aren't prominent. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooters can be rented from various shops for around $20 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Champagne Beach is about 30 minutes away, known for its clear waters. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Vanuatu operates domestic flights to major islands. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Vanuatu and Virgin Australia offer international services. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The main road connecting resorts and the airport runs through Luganville. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no trains; local minibuses and taxis service the area. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Minuscule public transport networks; cash payment required. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Luganville to Santo’s main attractions and nearby villages. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Northern District Hospital provides basic medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Various wellness retreats offer yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gyms are limited; most residents rely on outdoor activities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available in some guesthouses and hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Limited options; local restaurants handle their own delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Fresh seafood and traditional ‘laplap’ (a baked dish made with root vegetables). |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Some vegetarian options are available at local restaurants. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cafe du Village serves delightful local pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as the Luganville Market for fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited access to online stores; local shops are preferred. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Most grocery shopping is done in-store; few delivery options exist. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bars along the waterfront provide a vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Vanuatu Brewery offers local beers like Vanuatu Gold. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Few wine bars; most wine is sold in supermarkets. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer local snacks, particularly near the market. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | French and Italian cuisine can be found at several restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit to the Million Dollar Point, where WWII relics can be explored. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Santo Heritage Museum showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The remains of Vanuatu’s WWII history can be found in various locations. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. John’s Anglican Cathedral is notable. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Vanuatu Festival held annually showcases local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The downtown area features local artisan shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Occasional performances at cultural centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Luganville Market operates daily; great for local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music scene includes traditional music and dance. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Rural street art is present but limited. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes featuring traditional dishes can be found at local resorts. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited art galleries; local arts are exhibited at community events. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Some colonial-era buildings are scattered throughout the town. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The culture is a mix of indigenous traditions and French influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit the Taswefak Waterfall and nearby lush jungle. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Mount Tabwemasana National Park is accessible via guided tours. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal paths offer scenic views and walking routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Various viewpoints around Champagne Beach provide breathtaking views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Hiking trails near the waterfalls are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near some beaches allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services handle international deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited; few local shops offer basic tech repair. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may have recreational facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited, but French and English lessons are usually available. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local community centers provide quiet spaces for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host various public events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Very few; most gaming is done in homes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos; local gaming options are very limited. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 140,000 AUD for a 40 m² studio. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 112,000 AUD for a 40 m² studio. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 192,000 AUD for a 60 m² apartment. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 150,000 AUD for a 60 m² apartment. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 240,000 AUD for an 80 m² apartment. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 184,000 AUD for an 80 m² apartment. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax on a territorial basis; only local income is taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | No VAT; GST is applied at a rate of 12.5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Limited and lenient rules for foreign businesses. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Low property taxes applied. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically around 2%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No income tax for non-residents earning overseas. |