Noumea currency

[kazdez]

When you go to Noumea, I do not want to do the tours that the ships offer due to the costs. I know that you can pick up tours and the buses locally, but want to know if they accept Aussie dollars or only Pacific French Francs.

Is there an atm close to the wharf to get money, if the do not accept aussie dollars. I don't want to convert on the ship. I am on Rhapsody and the exchange is from aussie to usd to francs and you lose so much in conversion.

Karen

[steggles]

When we were there (May 08), they (independent tour operators) took Aussie dollars - there is also an ATM at the rear of the building - next to the road.

 

Have fun!

[kaseyoz]

Most of the little stalls in the cruise terminal also take aussie dollars. They have their prices in Ff and AUD.

[StevenW]

Get French Pacific Francs from your bank before you go.

[gizzigoo]

From Memory all of the tours accepted AUD or XPF. I also think from memory that the supermarket accepted AUD as well. Could be wrong on that maybe someone else will know.

[Happiest when on Holidays]

Just a question about using the ATM in Noumea, do you just use your regular bank account or is this to withdraw cash from you Visa. I have never used an oversas ATM. Has anyone had problems using their credit cards in Noumea? We are planning on going on the Explorer, to the aquarium (does the explorere stop at the aquarium?) and check out the casino.

Raelee

[Ela 2]

Just a question about using the ATM in Noumea, do you just use your regular bank account or is this to withdraw cash from you Visa. I have never used an oversas ATM. Has anyone had problems using their credit cards in Noumea? We are planning on going on the Explorer, to the aquarium (does the explorere stop at the aquarium?) and check out the casino.

Raelee

Hi Raelee,

The Noumea Explorer bus only takes francs (1000xpf pp) and the aquarium also only takes francs (1000 pp, 750 for over 60s). The aquarium is closed on Mondays. The bus stops at the aquarium. Tours in the terminal can be bought in Aussie dollars. Taxis only take francs.

 

I recommend getting francs from your bank before you go. If you use the ATM in Noumea you will incur extra fees for an overseas currency conversion, but beware when you change money at a bank in Australia there is a fee (usually $8) for each currency you buy. The bank also makes a profit on the difference between the selling and buying rate (as does the ship). Check these out on the internet and you will see surprising amount of difference between the various currency sellers.

 

Have a fantastic time. :):)

 

Evon.