Vanuatu offers one of the best island vacations in the world and is quickly growing in popularity because of the relaxing and secluded holiday that it offers in its beautiful island setting. If you want to enjoy sunshine, beaches and fabulous shopping on your next vacation, then a visit to the South Pacific island nation is a must.
Island holidays are the most sought after in the world for many reasons. Surrounded by gorgeous vistas and the warm sun, immersed in unique, Vanuatuan culture and with opportunities to explore and adventure through native bush and scuba dive in the clear oceans, there are plenty of reasons to choose Vanuatu and there is plenty to enjoy during your stay.
Shopping in Vanuatu
You can never go wrong with a little bit of retail therapy and, even on the islands, there are quite a few places to indulge yourself and buy some memories to take home with you. The resorts in Vanuatu are usually located close to local marketplaces, supermarkets, and stalls that stock local and international products and produce.
Marketplaces
The marketplaces are where you want to be to find nearly anything local and handmade. Fruits and vegetables, jewellery, clothing, dresses and other handcrafted goods made by the island people are all readily available at affordable prices. If you’re staying in Port Vila, Vanuatu’s capital, the central market is a must visit. You’ll find it along with plenty of other shopping opportunities on Kumul Highway, near the Ministry of Finance.
Supermarkets
Local supermarkets stock a variety of local, international and English foods and products. You’ll find Au Bon Marche, the largest chain in Port Vila, at several different locations around the city centre.
Hours
Stores and markets tend to open up around 8am on Monday through Friday and close around 5pm. Saturday sees most shops close at noon and Sunday is a widely recognised day off.
Currency
Vatu is the national currency of the islands and will be accepted at any establishment you choose to visit. Vatu denominations start at VUV1 coins and end with the VUV5000 note. The four main banks, Westpac, ANZ, BRED and the National Bank of Vanuatu all offer currency exchange services to foreigners who need to them.
If you’re travelling from Australia, you’ll also be happy to note that a number of different establishments will accept Australian dollars in place of the Vatu, but it always pays to check before you buy.
Enjoy the shopping alongside everything else that the islands of Vanuatu have to offer. You won’t find a better holiday anywhere else in the world. Soak up some sun and treat yourself at the local markets, shops and restaurants during your visit to the islands of Vanuatu.
