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The Tanoa Hotel Group operates one hotel in Vanuatu, the Moorings Hotel in Port Vila.
Geography
Vanuatu is an archipelago of 83 islands with a unique blend of intact tribal communities, resorts, beaches and geography ranging from accessible volcanoes to pristine underwater environments, offering unique and memorable experiences. Of the 83 islands, 14 have surface areas of more than 100 square kilometers. Most of the islands are mountainous and of volcanic origin. The nation’s largest towns are the capital Port Vila, situated on Efate, and Luganville on Espiritu Santo.
Climate
Summer is from November to March, the average temperature is 28°C and it can be hot, wet and humid. Winter is from April to October with the temperature averaging 23°C. Sea temperature varies from 22 to 28 degrees making swimming enjoyable all year round.
Population
Vanuatu has a population of 221,506. Most is rural, though Port Vila and Luganville have populations in the tens of thousands. The inhabitants of Vanuatu, or Ni-Vanuatu, are in majority (98.5%) of Melanesian descent, with the remainder made up of a mix of Europeans, Asians and other Pacific islanders.
Language
There are three official languages English, French, and Bislama. Bislama is a pidgin language, and now a creole in urban areas, which essentially combines a typically Melanesian grammar with a mostly English vocabulary. It is the only language that can be understood and spoken by the majority of Vanuatu's population as a second language.
Religion
Christianity is the predominant religion in Vanuatu, consisting of several denominations. The Presbyterian Church, adhered to by about one third of the population, is the largest of them. Roman Catholic and Anglican are other common denominations, each claiming about 15% of the population. Others are the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Church of Christ, Neil Thomas Ministries (NTM), as well as many other religious sects and denominations.
Electricity
Most places are the same as Australia and New Zealand with the classic three pin plugs. The volts are 220-240 AC.
Transport
There are no public transport systems in Vanuatu. Privately owned mini buses are common and run unspecified routes through the municipal areas, these are identified with a B on the license tag. Taxis are also plentiful and relatively inexpensive.
Medical Services
There is a medical centre in the town, opposite Club Vanuatu staffed by ex-pat Doctors. They are available after hours on 22826.
Telecommunications
There are several public phones in Vila. Most are by the post office, which also has a Telecom outlet where you can by phone cards. There is another phone by the Telecom office down the other end of town. All phones require phone cards. Check with your mobile phone company before leaving home about international mobile roaming facilities available in Vanuatu.
Postal Services
The main post office is situated in the main street of Vila and has all the usual services you’d expect from a post office. It opens 7:30 - 4:30 Monday to Friday and 7:30 - 11:30 Saturday mornings. Vanuatu Post also operate the world's only Underwater Post Office (on Hideaway Island) and Volcano Post Office on the island of Tanna, South of Efate.
Sports
Sport varies depending on the gender of those involved. Volleyball is considered a 'girls' sport' and males play football.
Banking
Trading banks are ANZ, Westpac, National Bank of Vanuatu (which also has a branch in Luganville on Santo) and the soon to be opened, BRED Bank. Banking hours are 9am to 3:30pm Monday to Friday. The National Bank of Vanuatu's airport office is open for all flight arrivals.
Currency
The local currency unit is Vatu and most foreign currencies can be exchanged. Goodies Money Exchange in town have the best rate for cash and travellers cheques, or head for the banks. See http://www.xe.com/ucc/ to check for currency converter.
Tipping
There is no tipping or bargaining in Vanuatu - it goes against local tradition. If you give something for nothing, the receiver feels as though he/she owes you something. A smile and a 'thank you' is tip enough (“tank yu tumas”).
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