Aussie dollars in Vila and Nouméa...

[ravie80]

You will find in Vila that the taxis at the start of the line as you walk off the ship near the markets charge heaps more than the ones further down or in town.

Walk half way down the markets and take a water taxi into town for just $5. Look for the signs. We negotiated in town for $90 all day including Cascades.

Just make absolutely sure that you agree to the price and where he is taking you before you leave and don't pay until you return. This is very important.

 

Also prices at the shops and markets are fixed so please do not embarrass yourself and insult them by bargaining for a better deal. They will just stare are you.

 

Aussie dollars are readily accepted in Vila.

 

We used Francs in Noumea as although they do accept AU at the terminal markets and tour offices, you got a much better price using local currency.

 

Hugh

 

When you get the water taxi were does it drop you is it near the duty free shops and does it bring you back to the same place on the way back???? Never been to port villa before very excited but very nervous also traveling with 2 children 11 and 15. Also when you buy duty free grog do they take it to the ship for you or should I buy it after cascade so I don't have to carry it around :)

 

 

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[cassamanda]

When you get the water taxi were does it drop you is it near the duty free shops and does it bring you back to the same place on the way back???? Never been to port villa before very excited but very nervous also traveling with 2 children 11 and 15. Also when you buy duty free grog do they take it to the ship for you or should I buy it after cascade so I don't have to carry it around :)

 

 

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There are about 3 operators spread through the markets nearby the ship. We got the first one ( yellow banana boat) just a few stalls up on the way in and they dropped us at the Casino in town where there is a bit of a parking lot where there were a dozen or so taxis. Shops just down the road.

 

Get your duty free on the way back if you are going to carry it on board else get taxi to drive past and buy first but I have heard that only one store now delivers back to ship. Shop called Fung Kuei is best but they no longer send it back to ship. I believe the one that does is just a few doors down. We didn't bother.

Your driver will ask where you want to get dropped off.

 

You can't see the water taxis near the ship because thy are hidden behind the stalls with very primitive landing facilities, but we managed ok. Look for the signs or just ask. Some of them also do tours themselves.

 

The water taxis all have there own drop off points near the ship behind the market stalls so you can still do some last minute shopping and only 2 minutes from the ship.

 

Do a search on this forum for duty free at Vila. There was a thread not so long ago.

 

Others are more experienced in the precise location of individual shops in town.

 

Hugh

[cassamanda]

Just reading your last post again. I would not take the duty free with me to Cascades. There is quite a long walk from the park entrance to the waterfalls and most if it is uphill.

At the Cascades we just jumped into the first water hole you get to but you can clamber further up, as most do - especially the kids.

Get there early as the cascades is very popular.

[ravie80]

Just reading your last post again. I would not take the duty free with me to Cascades. There is quite a long walk from the park entrance to the waterfalls and most if it is uphill.

At the Cascades we just jumped into the first water hole you get to but you can clamber further up, as most do - especially the kids.

Get there early as the cascades is very popular.

 

Thank you so much :) feeling a lot better

 

 

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[Cazzie94]

Beware shopping here rip off I purchased perfume for $125 Australian when I checked my bank, they had charged me $165, they had offered me a discount & said no currency charges. Then overcharged $40.00, very upset:mad:

[Bellamariya]

Beware shopping here rip off I purchased perfume for $125 Australian when I checked my bank, they had charged me $165, they had offered me a discount & said no currency charges. Then overcharged $40.00, very upset:mad:

 

That's terrible :(

Do you have a receipt or any proof of the price that you can take to your bank to dispute the charge?

[Cazzie94]

Thanks I will contact my bank, they had taken a hold of $ 165.00 then when I checked again they had taken $175.00, I have a receipt. :(:(

[Aus Traveller]

Thanks I will contact my bank, they had taken a hold of $ 165.00 then when I checked again they had taken $175.00, I have a receipt. :(:(

If the receipt was for $125 you can challenge the charge with your bank and have it reversed.

[Hgwells01]

Just back from both places last wee, small Aud was fine in both and in Noumea the drop off spot has a cafe with free wifi and I side all the local cruise tour guides advertise they take usd and aud. The supermarket just opposite and yo the right, it's called Casino has an Atm right outside for fpc. The supermarket takes credit cards also.