Official languages are Bislama, French and English. Bislama is a Melanesian mix of French and English. In addition, more than 100 Melanesian dialects are spoken.
The following items can be brought into Vanuatu duty-free (persons over 18 years of age): 250 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco; 2L spirits and 2L wine; 9 liters of beer; 25 cl eau de toilette and 10 cl perfume; Gifts and items of daily use up to a value of 50,000 VT (approx. €413).
Import regulations
Meat products, fish and plants can only be imported with special permission. More information is available from Countryaah.com.
Contact addresses
Embassy of the Republic of Vanuatu
(Also responsible for Germany, Austria and Switzerland.)
Business is mostly informal, but scheduling an appointment is recommended. Usually no tie required. English is business language. Business hours: Mon-Fri 07.30-11.30 and 13.30-16.30.
Business contacts
Vanuatu Chamber of CommercePO Box 189, Port VilaTel: 2 75 43. Vanuatu Government Department of Industry, Trade and CommercePMB 030, Port VilaTel: 2 27 70.
Communication
Phone
Autodial Long Distance Service. On most islands there are public telephones in towns and countryside, at the airport and in the post offices. Telephone cards for payphones are available from more than 200 TVL Telecards branches.
Mobile phone
GSM 900. Network operator: Telecom Vanuatu Ltd (TVL) (Internet: www.smile.com.vu). The reception/transmission area covers all of Vanuatu.
Internet
Main provider: Vanuatu.Com (Internet: www.vanuatu.com.vu). Internet access is possible via mobile phone. For more information, email: [email protected]
Post office
According to Abbreviationfinder.org, airmail to Europe takes about seven days. Post offices are located on the main street of Port Vila and Luganville (Santo). Post office opening hours: Mon-Fri 7.30am-3.30pm.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly for the current frequencies (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
