The Cost of Visiting Port Vila
While Port Vila isn’t a backpacker’s paradise, it’s possible to find good deals on flights to Port Vila and explore Vanuatu on a budget. Here’s what you can expect to pay while on the island:
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Accommodation: Backpackers buying flights to Port Vila won't find a lot of hostel options. There are only a few in the whole country, and you can expect to pay around 1,700 VUV ($21 AUD) per night. For budget hotels, a one-night stay will cost between 3,500 to 10,000 VUV ($44 to $126 AUD) for a double room. If you're flying to Port Vila as a group, you can rent an entire apartment for 20,000 VUV (approximately $250 AUD).
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Food: If you eat out at local restaurants you can expect to pay as little as 700 to 1,500 VUV ($9 to $19 AUD) for a meal. At more mid-range eateries, it will cost about 4,500 VUV ($56 AUD) for a main. For travellers booking tickets to Port Vila who want to try the local beer, it's cheaper to buy it at a bottle store. At bars, you'll end up spending double the price. To keep your costs down, you can also book self-catering accommodation and make your own meals. A week's worth of groceries may cost between 3,000 to 6,000 VUV ($39 to $75 AUD).
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Transportation: If you've scooped up cheap flights to Port Vila, you can keep your transportation costs down further by using the local bus. A single trip usually costs 165 VUV ($2 AUD). For those who would prefer to take a taxi, it's also an affordable option.
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Activities: Adventure travel enthusiasts booking return flights to Port Vila will have an endless list of activities to choose from. You can go parasailing for 9,000 VUV ($113 AUD), rent a kayak for 2,500 VUV ($31 AUD) or hire snorkelling gear for 3,000 VUV ($38 AUD) per week.
Top Things to Do and See
Hike to the Mele Cascades
The Mele Cascades are some of the most famous waterfalls in Vanuatu. It's a short 20-minute drive from Port Vila and entrance for the day is 2,500 VUV ($31 AUD). Visiting the falls is an excellent activity if you're buying flights to Port Vila as a family. You can pack a picnic, hike one of the many trails and cool off under the cascades.
Visit Roi Mata
For a unique Vanuatu experience, go on a day trip to Roi Mata. It’s one of the best things to do for travellers booking flights to Port Vila who want to learn about the culture. It's a 30-minute drive from Port Vila, and you can join the Roi Mata Cultural Tour which is run by the local people.
Go zip lining
If you're after an adrenaline rush, book a spot on the Vanuatu Jungle Zipline. The tour operator has an office in Port Vila, making it easy to organise your trip once your flights to Port Villa arrive.
Go snorkelling Hideaway Island
Another fantastic day trip for adventurous travellers buying flights to Port Vila is Hideaway Island. It's a 20-minute drive from the town to the marine reserve. Bring your swimming gear and visit the underwater post office! You can also snorkel around the reef, relax on the beach or go scuba diving.
Tips for First-Time Travellers to Port Vila
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Take the bus: For budget travellers buying an airfare to Port Vila, the cheapest way to get to the Cascades is with the local bus. A return trip will cost you only 500 VUV ($6 AUD), which may work out cheaper than an organised tour.
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Money: If you're flying into Bauerfield International Airport (VLI) with Australian currency, don't exchange your money at the airport when your flights to Port Vila land. You'll get a much better rate of exchange in town.
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When to visit: Vanuatu's weather is marked by a distinct wet and dry season. The best time to find cheap flights to Port Vila is between November to March when the city receives most of its yearly rainfall. If you're after idyllic island weather with lower humidity levels, book your return flights to Port Vila from April to October. Just keep in mind you'll need to budget more for accommodation and airfare.
Public Transport and How to Get Around
Transport from Bauerfield International Airport (VLI)
The best way to get from the airport to your hotel is with a taxi. You'll find a fleet of cab drivers waiting outside of the arrivals hall when your flights to Port Vila arrive. A one-way trip into the city will cost about $15 USD.
Taxi
If you don't want to rent a car, you can use a taxi to get around. However, you won't have the easiest time hailing a driver from the side of the road, so it's best to ask your hotel to call you a cab. For day trips around Port Vila, you can hire a driver for the day.
Bus
The cheapest way to get around is with the local bus, but it's an excellent option for savvy travellers booking flights to Port Vila. You'll tell the driver where you want to go when you get on the bus, but you’ll need to be self-sufficient with luggage and directions.
