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The Costs of Accommodation in Vanuatu
When you’re dreaming of your holiday to Vanuatu, you’re probably picturing a classic private-island resort, complete with daybeds by the pool and all-expenses-paid dining.
In reality, there are accommodation options in Vanuatu to suit all budgets, from casual, laid-back hostels to extravagant eco-resorts.
Your accommodation will be the biggest expense to think about, with costs roughly as follows:
- A budget hotel room: 45,000-55,000VT per night
- A double ensuite room in a mid-range hotel: 100,000-115,000VT per night
- A luxury resort room or villa: 195,000-220,000VT per night
The Costs of Food in Vanuatu
Vanuatu isn't exactly renowned for its cuisine, but there's still plenty to entice you beyond your resort restaurant! From luxury eateries to fun street snacks, discovering Vanuatu's local feeding holes is half the fun.
Food and drink costs are on par with Australian prices but your daily meal expenses can be a lot cheaper when you shop from markets and supermarkets.
Unless you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort, expect to spend on average 2,600VT a day on food. Here's an example of the average costs for meals and drinks:
- A casual local meal: 700-1000VT
- A main course at a mid-range restaurant: 1000-4,500VT
- Beer at a bar: 500VT
The Costs of Transport in Vanuatu
Most visitors to Vanuatu pick an island and then don’t venture any further unless they join a day tour or cruise. But if you do like to venture further afield (and independently), you might want to put a bit of money aside for transport costs.
Taxis from the airport to Port Vila town may cost around 1,200VT. Trips around Port Vila will cost about 500VT. Taxi drivers also rent out their services for the day and can take you to the main sights on Efate for about 8,000-12,000VT.
If you prefer to take a bus around Port Vila, expect to pay about 150VT per person. For longer distances, the fare may vary between 300VT and 500VT. Taking the bus to the famous Cascades from Port Vila will cost you about 500VT.
The national airline, Air Vanuatu, services major destinations across Vanuatu’s 83 islands. Airfares are relatively proportional to the distance travelled. Charter airlines can often be cheaper than Air Vanuatu.
An alternative to air travel for inter-island journeys is the ferry. The Big Sista ferry travelling between Port Vila and Luganville costs about 9000VT per adult (but be prepared; it takes 25 hours!). An extra 500VT upgrades you to business class. Vanuatu Ferry runs between Port Vila and Santo and costs about 8000VT.
The Costs of Activities in Vanuatu
If you’re staying at a resort or cruising through Vanuatu, you’ll find many activities included in the cost. But Vanuatu is all about fun and adventure and there are some activities you'll want to do, even if they're not included in your resort's daily activities.
Here are just a few expenses you might expect:
- Entry to the Cascades waterfalls: up to 3,500VT per person
- Snorkel hire: 3,000VT per week
- Parasailing: 9,000VT
- Kayak rentals: 1,100VT per hour
- Entry to Hideaway Island for a day visit: 1,500VT per adult
