money at ports

[giglebug]

i was wondering what money was used to buy things when we stop at ports like noumea ,wala .and if i have to get australian $ exchanged to use in these ports

thanks:)

[Ela 2]

Noumea uses the Central Pacific Franc. If you only want to buy a few souvenirs in the cruise terminal, or pay for a tour in the cruise terminal, you can use Aussie dollars. If you want to take a taxi somewhere, or buy a drink in town, you will need to exchange dollars. You will get the best exchange rate in Noumea, not on the ship, however, if you are only going to change a small amount of money, it is probably simpler to change your currency at the purser's desk on the ship. If you decide to buy something more expensive in one of the shops, use your credit card and it will be automatically translated from CPF to AUD.

 

We haven't been to Wala, but others will be able to answer that question.:)

[arxcards]

We haven't been to Wala, but others will be able to answer that question.:)

 

Wala only has a few stalls along the beach, and they accept $AU. Take small notes to do them a favour, as they are at the mercy of the banks (ripped off) when they try to cash & convert coin.

 

There are also static displays on a walking tour around the village, where you can show your appreciation by leaving some money on the mat. Is great fun, as they dance, do sand art, weave and all sorts of stuff like that.

[fishtaco]

For Noumea just go to the EFPOST machine across the road from the port its in English as well as French and will give you the best exchange rate,plus you get nice new notes.

 

Den

[Seadreams27]

how does it work for villa, isle of pines and mystery island.

[Ela 2]

how does it work for villa, isle of pines and mystery island.

At Vila and Mystery Island use Aussie dollars. As has been mentioned take mainly $5s and $10s and a small number of $1 and $2 coins. At Isle of Pines, you would need Central Pacific Francs if you want to buy anything at the shop, but be warned, everything is very expensive (like $40 for a sarong when you can get gorgeous sarongs for $10-$12 in Vila). If you want to go on a sightseeing trip or glass-bottom boat trip at Isle of Pines, they quote the price in Aussie dollars.

 

Plan what you want to do and you might decide that you do not need to change any currency.:)

[arxcards]

how does it work for villa, isle of pines and mystery island.

 

We only spent cash for soft drinks in Vila, which they accepted $AU but we got change in local currency.

 

Isle of Pines, avoid spending. XPF like Noumea, but some will take $AU too(Can of soft drink was $8AU)

[Seadreams27]

Thanks.

Certainly makes things a lot clearer when there is people to help out.:)

[icemaiden2310]

I have only used Aussie money in vila. noumea ,isle of pines,wala,suva,etc

So dont panic about not having the local money

Icy

[giglebug]

thanks all for your help