Sallyandtex Posted November 13, 2018 #1 Share Posted November 13, 2018 Hi, We are going to Noumea, MAre, Isle of Pines, Lifou and Mystery Island. I was going to get some South Pacific Francs to pay for incidentals like Coconut drinks, light lunch etc. I know we could use Aussie "notes not coins", but this would mean at least $5 each purchase for something maybe costing a lot less?? I am thinking we can pay local tour operators in Noumea with credit card if we need to? Also would the water taxi to Duck Island accept cards? Thanks (: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted November 13, 2018 #2 Share Posted November 13, 2018 You are likely to get some change from your small notes back in local currency, so I wouldn't stress too much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sailco Posted November 13, 2018 #3 Share Posted November 13, 2018 The locals all accept Australian dollars but not always coins and they'll often give change in the local currency. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sallyandtex Posted November 13, 2018 Author #4 Share Posted November 13, 2018 11 minutes ago, MicCanberra said: You are likely to get some change from your small notes back in local currency, so I wouldn't stress too much. So should I get cash converted or is that not advisable? Looking through these forums I saw someone comment in Noumea they can be a bit picky about their currency only. Do you use your credit/debit card for larger purchases eg tours? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted November 13, 2018 #5 Share Posted November 13, 2018 I have always used my Credit card in Noumea and cash (AUD) on the islands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aus Traveller Posted November 13, 2018 #6 Share Posted November 13, 2018 I have found that in Noumea we have only needed local currency for taxis, the local bus, the aquarium and the gardens. Otherwise we could use AUD. The exchange rate offered was surprisingly good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisin-m Posted November 13, 2018 #7 Share Posted November 13, 2018 All of them are fine with AUD and anywhere that isn’t e.g. Noumea readily accepts card payments so no issues there either. Also for Duck Island you can pre book it at the main cruise terminal where you get dropped off with a tour operator and it includes the bus and your prepaid water taxi voucher as well using AUD. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sallyandtex Posted November 14, 2018 Author #8 Share Posted November 14, 2018 Thanks everyone for your comments and advice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dobby_The_Ship_Elf Posted November 15, 2018 #9 Share Posted November 15, 2018 Don't forget the reverse scenario when leaving some islands they are keen to exchange any AU coins (yes they get them in donation buckets etc) for AU notes. Lets face it when you get back to Aussie, a dollar is a dollar!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aus Traveller Posted November 15, 2018 #10 Share Posted November 15, 2018 7 minutes ago, Dobby_The_Ship_Elf said: Don't forget the reverse scenario when leaving some islands they are keen to exchange any AU coins (yes they get them in donation buckets etc) for AU notes. Lets face it when you get back to Aussie, a dollar is a dollar!! I have often exchanged coins for notes, particularly in Vila. Visitors should be aware that in someone comes up to them with a shy smile and holding out a handful of coins, that is what they are wanting to do. They cannot bank coins. The Australian lady Chrissie who used to collect funds for the hospital in Vila always had a lot of coins she needed changed to notes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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