Port Vila, Vanuatu 🇻🇺
#1084
-17.741497, 168.315016
Nomad Score:
55%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Port Vila is the capital and largest city of Vanuatu, located on the island of Efate. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 45,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10 Mbps, but can vary. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 VUV (Vanuatu Vatu) ≈ 0.0087 USD; ATMs are available in the city. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type I sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Digicel and Vodafone. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Commonly accepted methods include cash, Visa, and Mastercard. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to beach bungalows and Airbnb rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, major credit/debit cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular, with options starting at around $50 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like The Havannah offer dormitory beds for about $25 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Office is a well-rated coworking space in Vila. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Bistro Boatyard offers a good atmosphere for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | The Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce organizes networking events periodically. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Port Vila Expats Facebook Group is a great way to connect with other nomads. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi Vanuatu is the main service; no major ride-sharing apps are available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals available at various local shops; prices start at $20 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Erakor Beach is a nearby resort beach, approximately 15 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Vanuatu serves domestic flights between islands. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia offer international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main road access is available; the ring road circles the island. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Port Vila does not have a train system; however, the main bus terminal is close to the city center. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No fixed public transport pass; local buses charge by distance. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Inter-island ferries and services are available through different providers. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Southern Cross Medical Center offers good healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Vanuatu hosts classes weekly. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Vila Fitness is a popular gym; monthly membership costs around $50. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromats are available; prices typically start at $5 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Vanuatu Eats is popular among locals for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Lap Lap, a traditional dish made from root vegetables and meat. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Green House offers a selection of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café du Village is famous for its pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets, especially the Port Vila Market, offer fresh produce at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Vanuatu does not have a robust e-commerce market; consider using international sites. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is limited, typically done through local stores or supermarkets. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The waterfront area is popular for nightlife, especially The Havannah Bar. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewed on site, Vanuatu Beer is popular for its local flavor. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Le Cafe du Village offers a small selection of local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer local snacks such as fish skewers around the market. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Sai's Restaurant specializes in Asian cuisine and is highly rated. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Parliament House is a must-visit for its unique architecture. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Museum of Vanuatu displays local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Cultural Center at Mele is notable for historical and cultural exhibitions. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of Port Vila is prominent and worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Vanuatu Cultural Festival occurs every 4 years, showcasing traditional dance and crafts. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the local markets for authentic crafts in Port Vila. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Vanuatu Cultural Centre often hosts performances focusing on local traditions. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Port Vila Market is vibrant and offers everything from crafts to fresh foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music often features at venues like The Melanesian Hotel. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Port Vila has murals depicting local culture and history. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes available through various local hotels teach traditional dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art galleries like Vanuatu Fine Arts provide insight into local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Port Vila Post Office is a charming historic building to see. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural significance in traditional Melanesian practices and arts. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Hat Island offers stunning beaches and snorkeling opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Mele Cascades offers beautiful waterfalls and picnic areas. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Ring road around Efate provides a scenic route for biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The lookout point at the top of Mount Yasur offers breathtaking views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Naone Wetlands are a good spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near the beaches, especially at Erakor Island. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Couriers like DHL and local services are available for shipping needs. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronics shops can assist with basic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers sometimes offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language classes in Bislama are available through community programs. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Port Vila Public Library offers a quiet spot for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Vanuatu Cultural Centre functions as a community and cultural hub. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | While limited, some cafes may have gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Grand Hotel & Casino is the primary gaming venue. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $100,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $132,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $104,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Currently set at 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Typically around 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Vanuatu has no income tax; government revenue comes from VAT. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | There is no personal income tax in Vanuatu. |
| 🧾 VAT | The standard VAT rate is 12.5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict regulations exist, targeting tax avoidance. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax; however, some local charges apply. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 3% on property transfers. |