Money in Vanuatu
Vanuatu uses the Vanuatu vatu. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- VUVVanuatu vatu
- Symbol
- VT
- Tipping
- Not expected
Paying in Vanuatu
Carry cash for markets and local transport. Cards work mainly in Port Vila and resorts.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- Vanuatu Tourism recommends cash, as most places do not accept cards, and markets and activity entrance fees need cash. On outer islands such as Tanna, carry smaller notes because not everyone can make change.
- ATMs
- Banks and ATMs are in Port Vila, Luganville and Lenakel (Tanna), per Beautiful Pacific. Vanuatu Tourism says the outer islands have no ATMs.
- Foreign currency
- Flight Centre says Australian dollars can also be used in Port Vila, but this is a single, undated source.
- Exchanging money
- Exchange booths and a bank are at the international airport, and Vanuatu Tourism lists Goodies and NO1 Currency in Port Vila and Luganville.
- Watch out for
- Beautiful Pacific says a card fee of 3% to 5% is commonly charged. Vanuatu Tourism says tipping and bargaining are not practised.
Tipping in Vanuatu
Tipping isn't customary. Guides and boat operators welcome a small tip.
Not expected: Tipping isn't customary, and you can skip it without offence.
Sources checked: Vanuatu Tourism, Beautiful Pacific Holidays, Flight Centre UK, Helloworld NZ, Crown Currency.
Convert to and from VUV
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 119 VUV | 133 VUV | 160 VUV |
| 10 | 1,189 VUV | 1,332 VUV | 1,595 VUV |
| 50 | 5,945 VUV | 6,660 VUV | 7,977 VUV |
| 100 | 11,890 VUV | 13,320 VUV | 15,955 VUV |
| 500 | 59,450 VUV | 66,602 VUV | 79,775 VUV |
What each amount is worth in VUV. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Vanuatu use?
Vanuatu uses the Vanuatu vatu (VUV).
Do you need to tip in Vanuatu?
Not expected. Tipping isn't customary. Guides and boat operators welcome a small tip.
Can you pay by card in Vanuatu?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. Vanuatu Tourism recommends cash, as most places do not accept cards, and markets and activity entrance fees need cash. On outer islands such as Tanna, carry smaller notes because not everyone can make change.
Are there ATMs in Vanuatu?
Banks and ATMs are in Port Vila, Luganville and Lenakel (Tanna), per Beautiful Pacific. Vanuatu Tourism says the outer islands have no ATMs.