What is Vanuatu like?

Question

Has any one vacation in Vanuatu or live there? I would love to hear what it is like. How are the schools, health care, real estate, etc?

Answer 1

Having a holiday there and living there are two very different things. The people are great and the islands are beautiful...But... to live long or short term it’s very expensive, our western comforts have been inflated in price as most locals live off food fruit/vegies from the markets. Petrol is very costly and is usually of very poor quality which results in a lot of engine damage. But you can get around very easily and cheaply on the buses (the buses are just vans with lots of seats) and its only costs 200 vatu for tourists. Yes the roads aren't great, but it is a 2nd world country at best, and no real maintained has been done since the US pulled out after WW2.Schools are very basic they teach English, and their version of French and a few other basics. Health care is almost non existent for the locals, there are doctor services, but anything major you would be flown out to NZ, PNG or Australia. Real Estate is very expensive as most is owned by overseas parties. The resorts and private houses up to 1st or 2nd world standards are owned by the overseas parties or very well off locals. Now don’t get me wrong I love Vanuatu and it’s a great holiday destination and it’s highly recommended for that. But to live there you have to know what you are in for.

There is however some great opportunities to do some aid work over there and a lot of the organisations can provide you with some basic accommodation. They are always in need of school teachers, trade teachers, skill construction workers, medical workers and agricultural workers/teachers to work on a volunteer basis. Worth thinking about.
Hope you enjoy what ever you decide to do, Good luck

Answer 2

Hi,cant give you a complete answer,only been there twice and that was for 2 days on a cruise ship.
We covered most of the Island,cars are rough as well as there so called Taxi,the locals are very friendly.
To me it is still in certain way an untouched Island.
The Lagoon (TheBardge) boat trip is a must as they will give you a good commentary of the Island and show you some of the overseas "Stars" that have a holiday shacks.
The whether can be very hot and humid,
The duty free shopping is good for most things like grog,but for a blank DVD they are asking $2.50 and in Ozz for the same DVD we pay $1.90
There are schools in the town and the kids all seem to have there uniforms but the kids who live further from the town it is not compulsory to attend school.
There are no government hand outs,the villages are self supporting EG grow there own vegetables,fish,and make crafts ect and there is no employment and the village they belong to will look after them for life.
Yes it is worth the visit as the Island is large and lots to do and see.
Hope this helps Waltz.
Real estate is not cheap when you think it is Island stuck out in the Pacific but it is a Paradise and is very cheap compared to Australia.

Answer 3

What Is Vanuatu Like

Answer 4

yes i've been to several islands in vanuatu. It is great to have a holiday there. The outer islands are very primitive - such as Tanna. The air service is very small & you are weight restricted.
The roads are very bad - dreadful potholes
the people are very poor - & seem to live on spam & their vegee gardens. (and foreign aid)
they seem to have lost the art of fishing from boats.
definitely worth a visit but don't expect 5 star (even if they say it is)

Answer 5

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