Vanuatu Cost of Travel and Detailed Budget Breakdown

Is Vanuatu expensive to visit?
How much is Vanuatu cost of travel?
Is it possible to visit Vanuatu on a budget?

I have this tradition, where I celebrate my birthday abroad. Every year, I go somewhere new and buy myself the best present there is. And since I was in the neighborhood (Australia), and had to be in Fiji at the end of April, Vanuatu was added to the list.

It was in the middle between the two, has a rich history, amazing culture, customs, an active volcano you can climb on, original bungee jumping, and even Champagne beach.

So, it made it to the list of my approved birthday-celebrating countries.

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I didn’t really know what to expect regarding Vanuatu travel costs. What would the cost per day be in Vanuatu? What the cost to travel to Vanuatu for 12 days would sum up to? There were not many things written about it at the time. Plus, it is not really a popular backpacker destination.

Below you will find my detailed Vanuatu travel budget breakdown. It will give you a brief idea of how much a trip to Vanuatu for a solo traveler costs. And it should also present an amount you could expect to pay in Vanuatu per day.

I spent 12 days/11 nights on different Vanuatu islands, Efate, Tanna, Espiritu Santo, and Pentecost. I have done a lot of must-do activities and tours, explored Vanuatu’s blue holes and beaches, snorkeled, climbed a volcano, and visited Pentecost where I saw a jaw-dropping Naghol or land diving ritual.

Here is how much money you can expect to spend in Vanuatu as a solo (female) traveler. 

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Vanuatu budget breakdown

This Vanuatu budget breakdown is based on my experience and the cost of trip to Vanuatu in April 2018. You can spend a lot less or more. The total amount will be a result of your activities, way of travel, food preferences, the number of people traveling, and ever-changing currency exchange rates.

Vanuatu is one of the destinations, where you will not find many backpackers. It is a popular diving destination and a Cruise ship stopover. If you live in Australia or New Zealand, you can find some great deals for Vanuatu vacation packages. 

The prices stated were the exact values at the time of my writing. They might change in the future. Please note, that this post is intended for the purpose of trip planning and to give you an approximate value of how much to budget. To give you an idea of Vanuatu daily travel expenses. To be on the safer side, as always, budget more.

The exchange rate at the time of my Vanuatu trip: 1 AUD = 83 – 84 VUV (Vanuatu vatu)

1. Cost of flight to Vanuatu

Airfares to Vanuatu are hard to compare because they vary so much. They are different for anyone. The price for a flight to Vanuatu depends on a lot of factors – time of year, where you are flying from, which airline company you are flying with, and how far in advance you book your flight ticket. 

I will include my flight ticket for reference, and to get a clearer overall cost of a 12-day trip in Vanuatu. At the end of this post, there will be a total Vanuatu cost breakdown with and without flight tickets.

My airfare to Vanuatu consisted of two (2) one-way tickets. The price of both tickets combined was AU$1,175.90 (Australian dollars). I was flying to Port Villa from Brisbane with Air Vanuatu. I bought the tickets 2 weeks before my travel (not the best option!). I used Iwantthatflight and have heard, that Brisbane airport offers the cheapest fares for flying to Vanuatu.

If possible, book your tickets sooner. As always my recommendation is to use Google flights. I use it religiously but do check for amazing deals on Iwantthatflight for destinations in the Pacific area and Japan.

And after my travels in Vanuatu, I was flying to Fiji with Fiji Airways, where I was part of the TV crew. We were making a reality TV show Australian Survivor (Season 3). Price of the flight to Vanuatu was AU$1,018.80. The price of the ticket from Vanuatu to Nadi, Fiji, was AU$157.10. I booked both using Iwantthatflight.

My total cost of flight to Vanuatu came to AU$1,175.90.

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2. Cost of accommodation in Vanuatu

Accommodation in Vanuatu is limited and divided into mainly two groups. Which one you choose will depend on your budget and the experience you are after. One would be luxury hotels and resort in idyllic locations. Those can be found in Port Vila on Efate and in Luganville on Espiritu Santo. The second option, are basic village stays, bures, and family-run bungalows.

Because of this limitation, it is essential to book your stay way in advance. Plus, be happy with what you get. This was the reason why the price was not the biggest factor. It was finding a place to stay. I slept in 3 different accommodations on three different islands, Efate, Tanna and Espiritu Santo.

I stayed in family-run bungalows, and hostels (which are not that many). The most options are in the capital Port Vila, followed by Luganville, where my stay was the most expensive. On Tanna, you can find various stays but the service is really basic. Like sleeping in a tree house. But all of this is part of the experience, especially if you want accommodation with a Mt. Yasur view.

2.1. Cost of accommodation in Port Vila, Efate

The Board & Lodge accommodation I stayed at in Port Vila stopped accepting guests. That is a shame because the hosts were brilliant. They were located opposite the Vanuatu National Museum. I booked a dorm room for 4 nights but they upgraded me to a single room when they saw I’m a solo traveler. Since they don’t offer stays anymore, I would recommend looking at accommodations close to the center of Port Vila.

My total cost for accommodation in Port Vila came to AU$152/vt12,000 or AU$38/vt3000 per night.

2.2. Cost of accommodation on Tanna island

On Tanna Island, you will find resorts on the West side and bungalows and tree houses on the East side of the island. Service on Tanna island is basic. I loved it though. I stayed in an accommodation with Mount Yasur view (active volcano). First, because it was easier to get on a tour, and second because I always wanted to stay in a treehouse. I spent 3 nights in my treehouse bungalow.

My total cost for accommodation on Tanna island came to AU$118/vt9300 or AU$39/vt3100 per night.

2.3. Cost of accommodation in Luganville, Espiritu Santo

On Espiritu Santo, I stayed for 4 nights in a lovely Lodge, situated just above Luganville. It had a pool, and a beautiful view of the surrounding islands and the Pacific ocean. The owner was fantastic and they had bikes included in the price of the room rate.

Sadly the property isn’t taking bookings at the moment. I would recommend finding a place to stay in Luganville and explore the rest of the island from here. Other parts of the island are way more secluded and have less dining and accommodation options.

My total cost for accommodation in Luganville, Espiritu Santo came to AU$329 AUD/vt26,000 or AU$82/vt6,500 per night.

My total cost for accommodation in Vanuatu came to AU$599/vt47,300 (11 nights) or an average of AU$54/vt4,300 per night.

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3. Cost of transport in Vanuatu

I used many different types of transport in Vanuatu, local buses, taxis, and flights. This section will only cover the transport in Vanuatu. The transport did add up a lot to my travel expenses. One because I had to pay a single tax and couldn’t really share transportation (or accommodation costs). And two, I had to buy two additional flights between the islands.

To get from the airport on Efate island to my accommodation I booked a private driver through my lodge, for vt1000 VUV (AU$12) for a 15-minute ride. If your flight is arriving late, as mine did, you can ask your accommodation if they offer transportation. To be on the safe side, book hotel transfer in advance.

Later on, I traveled this route 5 more times. To get to and from the airport when flying to Tanna island and later Espiritu Santo. I opted for the bus and paid vt150 (AU$1,8) per ride. When exploring Efate island, I then paid from vt200 to vt500 per bus ride, depending on the distance where I was going.

The fastest way to visit different islands of Vanuatu is by flying. I visited 4 islands; Efate, Espiritu Santo, Tanna, and Pentecost. My Pentecost flight was included in the price of a tour, so it will be covered in that section. My planned flight was from Efate to Tanna and from there to Espiritu Santo. I paid AU$156.75 AUD (vt13,100). But then plans changed, and I had to fly back to Efate end from there to Santo. So I had to pay an extra AU$99.48 (vt8,350).

When you fly between the islands in Vanuatu, you have to pay tax for every flight you take. It is not included in the price of the fare. Tax is vt200 (AU$2,4) per flight. I paid this tax 6 times which added to vt1200 (AU$14,4). Twice when flying to Tanna, twice when flying to Pentecost, and twice when flying to Espiritu Santo. This could be inside the Miscellaneous costs, but I will include it in the transport since it is an airfare tax.

On Tanna island, two big transportation costs were the transfers from Tanna airport (on the West side of the island) to my accommodation (on the East side). I paid vt4000 (AU$48) from White Grass Airport on Tanna island to my Mt. Yasur view accommodation. The drive lasts around 2 hours. My transfer from Mt. Yasur to Airport was vt2500 (AU$30).

I walked from my accommodation to the entrance of the Mount Yasur volcano safari. It was a short 15-20 min walk. On the way back, I got picked up. It was pitch black and didn’t want to walk in the dark. From the volcano tour to accommodation, I paid vt1500 (AU$18). 

On Espiritu Santo, my taxi ride from the airport to the accommodation was vt1000 (AU$12). Add another vt500 VUV (AU$6) to that. It was an amount I paid to the local, who brought me and my bike back to the lodge. I was a bit too optimistic, thinking that I will bike from Luganville all the way to Blue holes (and back). I and two other travelers rented a taxi for a day and paid vt4000 (AU$48) each. It took us to all the sites on the East coast, Blue holes, Million dollar point, all the way up to Champagne beach.

My total cost for transportation in Vanuatu came to AU$457/vt37,900 or AU$38/vt3,158 per day.
Plane tickets and airport tax were AU$273/vt22,650 and for ground transport, I paid AU$184/ vt15,250.
If I include flights to and from Vanuatu the total for all the transport would be a whooping AU$1,633.

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4. Cost of food and drinks in Vanuatu

I will just say it. Vanuatu is a foodie’s paradise! Imagine a fusion between tropical and refined french dining. They have all the fruit and food that you would expect to see on an idyllic tropical island. Mango, pineapple, and papaya all come in XXL sizes. Then there are coconuts of course. And a lot of rice. Plus fresh seafood. And their very own Vanuatu beef, which ranks as third best in the world. Mixed with french cuisine.

That being said, the cost of food in Vanuatu can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be. I was buying fruits like crazy at their local markets. It was out of this world delicious! You can have papaya and mango bigger than my hand for as cheap as vt250 (AU$3), or vt30 (AU$0.35) for a coconut.

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Dining in local restaurants was affordable and not too expensive. The price of a burger with Coca-Cola or a beer was between vt950 (AU$11.5) and vt1,150 (AU$13.8). I was buying a lot of food in supermarkets. They were once a french colony, and you can find all sorts of french delicacies in supermarkets and restaurants – from french wine, cheese, baguettes, and fresh croissants.

To be on the safe side, I was buying water in shops or at street vendors. I usually paid around vt100 (AU$1.2) per bottle. The price for a Coca-Cola can was around vt250-300 (AU$3-3.6) and the price for a small local beer was vt400 (AU$4,8). The price of a good wine bottle started from vt1,500 VUV (AU$18). They have a good selection of Australian and New Zealand wines, but french wines are cheaper and of good quality.

My most expensive meal was for my birthday dinner in Luganville. I was having a delicious lobster and paid vt9,150 (AU$110) for the whole dinner with dessert. For dinner on Tanna island bungalows, I paid vt900 (AU$11) per night. If you are planning of staying in Tanna or close to Champagne beach, I highly recommend stocking up on snacks and food.

My total cost for food and drinks in Vanuatu came to AU$320/vt26,500 or AU$27/vt2,215 per day.

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5. Cost of tours, activities and entrance fees in Vanuatu

Vanuatu has a lot to offer! You can go to the top of an active volcano, send a postcard from an underwater post office, swim in blue holes, or do some of the best dives in the world. You can visit a former cannibal ceremonies site, or visit the birthplace of a bungee jump. Vanuatu is diverse, unique, and exciting. As the activities offered. I came to Vanuatu because of two specific tours but ended up doing a lot more.

On Efate island, I visited local market (a must) and visited Vanuatu National Museum to learn about Vanuatu sand drawing. I also sent a postcard from an underwater post office, located close to Hideaway island, where the entrance fee is vt1500 VT (AU$18). And, since I was traveling alone, I also joined an Island tour with BBQ lunch.

I visited Tanna island because I wanted to climb an active volcano. Luckily I was staying there for 3 nights, because the volcano was just too active for the first two days and therefore unsafe to visit. Volcano safari tour was filled with adrenaline.

There are no rods to protect you from falling on the top of volcano. Which is scary at night. Or when volcano erupts and the ground shakes. I paid vt8000 (AU$96) and it was totally worth it! Just be prepared that you will be covered in ash, for days. And a bring head light if going on a night tour.

There are plenty of other things to do at Mount Yasur. I visited Kastom village and paid vt1500 (AU$18). It was amazing, to see a tribe in their traditional clothes, performing, dancing and showing us their way of life. All with the volcano in the background. Highly recommend! But you can also go to hot springs, go ash boarding on a magic tour and much more!

My most memorable tour, and also the most expensive one, was on Pentecost island. It was a one-day tour departing from Port Vila. Pentecost is famous for an event happening end of April and the beginning of May. Known as land diving or N’gol or Nagol or Naghol. This the where young men jump from 10m high platforms with only lianas tied around their ankles. This ceremony is considered to be the birthplace of bungee jumping. The Pentecost tour was vt53,000 (AU$640). A lot! But worth every Australian dollar/Vanuatu vatu!

Espiritu Santo is mecca for divers, famous for diving the SS President Coolidge. I don’t dive but I did visit Million Dollar point where you can snorkel and see where Americans dumped millions of dollars worth of equipment at the end of the second world war. The entrance fee is vt500 or AU$5 if you pay in Australian dollars.

I also visited 3 blow holes. There is a vt500 (AU$6) entrance free for each, and vt1000 (AU$12 AUD) for Nanda blue hole. They are a freshwater springs, formed as a result of the island’s unique geology.

After many recommendations from other fellow travellers, I also signed up for Millenium Cave Tour on Espiritu Santo. It is an ADVENTOUROUS tour! For a small price of vt7500 (AU$90) you will get a whole day filled with adrenaline, walking on slippery surfaces, ascending, descending, walking in cave and more. Harder and more exciting than the Narrows in Zion. It is not a moderate hike and you will get wet! Money from the tour goes back to local villages to help the local community.

My total costs of tours and activities in Vanuatu came to AU$1,018/vt84,500.

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6. Cost of souvenirs in Vanuatu

I always buy souvenirs. There are many reasons, but I love to have something back at home that reminds me of the destination. I bought three magnets (one for me, one for my parents and one for my brother). Then I bought two small Vanuatu tiki carvings made from volcanic rocks.

I have sent a postcard from an underwater post office which was like vt400 (AU$4,8). And bought a couple more postcards and stamps (I am a philatelist) for vt660 (AU$8). Plus , I also bought books about Vanuatu culture and history for vt1100 (AU$13).

My total cost for souvenirs in Vanuatu came to AU$85/vt7,100.

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7. Cost of miscellaneous items for Vanuatu trip

What I included in the miscellaneous items are the cost of travel insurance and a local sim card. Here I also include tips, plus the expenses that don’t fit in any other category (like wrapping luggage or buying medicine).

7.1. Cost of local sim card in Vanuatu

Usually, when I travel abroad, I buy a local sim card. Not because I have to be connected and on my phone all the time. It is a safety precaution for me. So I know I can call and contact someone if anything unexpected occurs. And of course, to let everyone know I am ok. But usually, I always say – no news is good news. I paid vt700 (AU$8,5) for a local sim card.  

My total cost for internet in Vanuatu came to AU$8,5/vt700.

7.2. Cost of travel insurance for Vanuatu

Travel insurance will always be one of the things I’m happy to buy. For real! And I am even happier if I never have to use it. If this is the case, I consider it money well spent. Only half joking here. Wherever you go, buy travel insurance. Without exceptions!

Even when traveling to Vanuatu. It would be a challenge to find a medical assistance on one of the outer islands, with the help of the agents on the other side of the phone. And when doing hikes, you just never know what could have happened. Even ankle sprain can cost you a fortune. So it is better to be safe than sorry. Seriously, you just never know. 

I buy travel insurance with a Slovenian company. It covers the whole world and I get the package with the cover for a combined value of 1 million Euros. It is valid for one (1) year for travels up to 90 days. So the more you travel, the better ‘value’ for the price.

If you are looking for affordable global travel medical insurance, I have heard great things about Safety Wing. It covers digital nomads from all over the world, while outside their home country. And travelers absolutely loved, that you can buy Safety Wing insurance, even when you are already abroad.

My total cost for travel insurance came to 98,74€/AU$160.*
*I used the full travel insurance price in the calculation.

Total cost for miscellaneous items for Vanuatu came to AU$168.5/vt14,000.

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My total travel expenses for 12 days/11 nights in Vanuatu

Here is my total budget breakdown, that will hopefully give you a rough idea on how much you should expect to spend when traveling to Vanuatu.

Vanuatu travel expenses breakdown:
• Flight ticket: AU$1175.90
• Accommodation: AU$599 or AU$54 per day
• Transportation: AU$457 or AU$38 per day
• Food: AU$320 or AU$27 per day
• Activities and tours: AU$1,018 or AU$85 per day
• Souvenirs: AU$85 or AU$7 per day
• Miscellaneous: AU$168.5 or AU$14 per day

Total amount with flight ticket in 12 days: AU$3,841
Total amount without flight ticket in 12 day: AU$2,665

Average daily amount spent without flights: AU$222 per day.

Vanuatu cost of travel, in a nutshell

Vanuatu is far from being a budget travel destination. Traveling here is definitely not as cheap as some countries in Asia. It was one of the most expensive countries I visited, where my daily average spent was more than 200 Australian dollars per day.

Phew!

Before travel, when I am in the travel planning mode, I usually predict spending around 100$ per day. This one was twice as much. But to be fair, I did go to Vanuatu to see Land Diving and I knew in advance that this one day tour would be expensive. Tours were therefore my biggest expense.

Without the Pentecost tour my daily average would be AU$168. And not going on a Volcano tour and skippin on the Millenium Cave Tour my daily average would come down to AU$153. For an easier price orientation. But I loved all of the tours and would gladly do all of them again. So, you can be reassured they are worth it!

If you are coming to Vanuatu and would love to dive, expect to pay vt8000 (AU$96) for a single dive with gear hire, or from vt28.000 (AU$337) for a package of 4 dives with gear hire.

That being said, Vanuatu can easily be done in a more budget friendly manner than mine was.

The prices mentioned can change and can be lower or higher based on the time of year you are visiting Vanuatu (peak or off season). In the end, how much you will spend on a destination, is a sum of your travel style, if you will be traveling solo or with a group, tours you go to and food preferences.

I hope you found my Vanuatu travel budget breakdown helpful. It is meant to be informative to help you with your Vanuatu travel planning. I am happy to answer any further questions you may have in the comments below.

Safe travels and Shine on,
Anja

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Skipped to the good part? Here is the gist

Traveling to Vanuatu is not the cheapest, especially if you want to visit Pentecost island, do a Volcano safari on the top of Mount Yasur, or do a couple of dives. I traveled solo to this Melanesian island archipelago and spent 12 full days and 11 nights there. I stayed in hostels, lodges, tree houses and bungalows. Food is affordable and delicious. Transport can be difficult and expensive at times (since you do have to fly between the islands) but my biggest travel expense were tours. One day Pentecost tour, to see Land Diving or Nagol was AU$640 and altogether I spent more than AU$1000 for tours. But they were totally worth it! On total my travel costs in Zanzibar averaged AU$222 per day. It is more than the amount I usually plan for my daily spend, but visiting Vanuatu and doing all of those activities were worth the price!

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❥ About Anja On Adventure

Anja On Adventure is a travel blog, a collection of insider tips and information on destinations, that I visited as a solo female traveler, tour guide, teacher, yacht stewardess, and Survivor challenge tester.

Anja, is a thirty-something adventure-seeking, sun chasing, beach hopping, gin-loving, tropics enthusiast with a creative mind and sarcastic spirit, who loves coconut and mango but doesn’t like chocolate and sweets. I am passionate about all things travel, maps, and puzzles. Click here to learn more About me.