Always
keep your sense of humour - especially in Vanuatu!
Cheers,
Sarah
|
| A
LITTLE ABOUT VANUATU BEFORE YOU GO |
|
Vanuatu is one of the most diverse
countries in the world. The word "Vanuatu" means 'Land Eternal', so
apt for this beautiful, unspoilt paradise. It's people are
mainly Melanesian, with more than 115 distinctly different
cultures and languages.
Vanuatu used to called the New Hebrides
but has now been an independent Republic since 1980. It
is made up more than 83 separate islands and straddles what
is known as the “Pacific Ring Of Fire”. |
|
Vanuatu is situated between Fiji
and New Caledonia (about 1,400 miles east of north-eastern
Australia) in the West South Pacific. It's people are fun-loving
and gentle by nature - rich in their culture and traditions
but poor in terms of material wealth.
Tourism is crucial to the Vanuatu economy and local employment,
so if you have the opportunity to come and visit this
natural South Pacific island paradise,
we encourage you to do so.
When it
comes to getting married, consider Vanuatu as a possible
wedding and honeymoon destination. Weddings are cheap
here compared to most places. Just think, the more money
you save on your wedding, the more you'll have to spend
on an indulgent, romantic Vanuatu island honeymoon!
|
| FINALLY
- SOME QUICK
FACTS ON VANUATU |
BANKS: |
|
There are 3 in Port Vila - ANZ, National
Bank of Vanuatu & Westpac.
|
| LANGUAGE:
|
The
local dialect is Bislama - a form of Pidgin English. However,
most Ni Vans working in tourism speak English quite well
& some also speak French. |
| LOCAL
CURRENCY: |
The
vatu. Foreign currency exchange rates vary a bit but 1,000
vatu is worth around $12.50 AUD. |
| CULTURE:
|
The
local native Ni Vanuatu are mainly of Christian faith, combined
with their tradional custom beliefs, including black magic. |
| DRINKING
WATER: |
The
local drinking water is high in Calcium but is generally
fine to drink. |
| TRANSPORT:
|
There
is a public transport system in the form of mini-buses that
will take you just about anywhere within the Port Vila town
limits for 100 Vatu. Taxies are normally much more expensive.
|
