Vanuatu currency guide for UK travellers

Planning a trip to Vanuatu from the UK? 

This Vanuatu currency guide walks you through what to expect, how to handle your money, and how to squeeze the most value from your British pounds.

What is the currency of Vanuatu?

The official currency of Vanuatu is the Vanuatu vatu (VUV). 

It is the only currency accepted for everyday spending in the country, so you will need vatu in your wallet as soon as you arrive.

When you see prices written as VT, that is just another way of showing vatu, the Vanuatu island currency.

Meet the Vanuatu vatu in notes and coins 

Vanuatu vatu comes in colourful notes and handy coins. 

You will typically use notes for larger purchases, such as meals or excursions, and coins for buses, snacks, and small items at local markets. 

Getting familiar with the different denominations before you arrive makes paying and counting your change much easier.

British pounds to Vanuatu vatu in real examples 

It is easier to picture Vanuatu’s currency when you see it in action. 

Imagine swapping your British pounds for vatu and heading out in Port Vila. 

A simple lunch might be just a few hundred vatu, while a mid range dinner could cost the equivalent of £15 to £20 (about 2,400 to 3,200 VUV).

Seeing how far your GBP goes helps you plan a realistic daily budget for your trip.

GBP exchange rates for your Vanuatu trip

When you change money, GBP exchange rates show how many Vanuatu vatu you get for each pound.

Even small moves in the currency exchange rate can make a difference once you convert a few hundred pounds.  

The same applies when you check Vanuatu currency to pound values on the way home, as tiny changes in the rate can affect how many pounds you get back for your leftover vatu.

Rates shift all the time as markets react to Vanuatu’s economy, global events and even natural disasters, so it is normal to see them rise or fall from week to week.

Keeping an eye on the current rate and comparing a couple of providers can help you save more for coral reefs and cocktails. 

International money transfers versus travel cash

For most holidays, travel cash is the easiest option. 

International money transfers are more useful if you need to pay a local bank account for something big, such as longer stays or business costs. 

Transfers usually involve extra fees and a different exchange rate, so for a simple trip, cash vatu is often the most practical choice.

Cards and paying in Vanuatu

You might use cards and Vanuatu currency notes or coins in different situations. 

Many places in Port Vila accept Visa or Mastercard, but on more remote islands and in small villages, cash is what really matters. 

Always let your bank know about your trip so that card transactions abroad are not blocked for security reasons.

How to convert currencies before you fly

Do your GBP to VUV exchange before your flight so you are not stuck at the airport queueing for cash and paying high airport fees and conversion rates. 

Converting in advance lets you compare providers, factor in the current exchange rate, check the total cost, and avoid hidden fees.       

It also gives you time to manage how much you take in cash versus what stays safely in your bank account.

Currency exchange choices for UK travellers

From the UK, you can buy Vanuatu currency through online currency exchange specialists like us here at Manor FX. 

Many high street banks do not keep vatu ready to go, so ordering ahead is essential. 

Online providers like Manor FX focus on travel money, offering the best exchange rates and home delivery, so you don’t have to wait until arrival to sort your cash.  

Using a currency converter to stay on top of prices

A good currency converter is your secret weapon. 

You can check the Vanuatu exchange rate, see the exchange rate today, and experiment with different amounts of GBP to see what they are worth in VUV.  

Many tools let you track exchange rate changes and save common currency conversions so you can check them in a moment on your phone.

Ni Vanuatu life and how locals use money

Learning how the Ni Vanuatu people use money gives you a feel for daily life. 

In Port Vila, you will see cards and contactless payments, but in local markets and smaller villages, cash is still king.

Having smaller vatu notes makes it easier to buy fresh fruit, street snacks and handmade crafts while you explore.

Vanuatu vatu and the Australian dollar connection

Thanks to close ties with Australia, prices are sometimes discussed in Australian dollar terms, especially around tourism and regional trade. 

Even so, the currency of Vanuatu for official circulation and everyday spending is still the vatu. 

The Reserve Bank and the central bank manage the vatu, watching inflation and the wider economy to keep the currency stable.

Currency conversions and reading a GBP chart

If you enjoy digging into numbers, you can look at a GBP chart for VUV. 

It shows how the rate has moved over time, from moments when VUV was stronger to times when GBP had more value. 

Watching these trends and simple currency conversions can help you pick a good moment to convert and potentially save a bit more for your trip.

Managing your bank account, ATM withdrawal and credit card

You can withdraw cash vatu from ATMs in Port Vila with your credit or debit card, but expect extra fees, limits and currency conversion charges.

Check with your bank before your trip so you know what to expect. 

A mix of prepaid vatu, card and a backup way to send money if needed gives you flexibility and peace of mind.

How to get your currency with Manor FX

Getting Vanuatu vatu with Manor FX is straightforward and built around low fees, safety and convenience. 

1. Visit the Manor FX website and choose buy Vanuatu vatu (VUV) from the list.
   
2. Enter how much you want to convert from British pounds into vatu.
   
3. See the live Vanuatu currency rate and a clear breakdown.
   
4. Add your details, choose secure home delivery in the UK or collection from our office, and pay by card or bank transfer.
   
5. Your vatu arrives in time for your arrival in Vanuatu, ready to spend from the moment you land.
   

No need to queue abroad or worry about last minute currency exchange fees at the airport.

And remember, if you get back from your travels with leftover currency, we’ll help you to convert leftover Vanuatu currency to GBP.

FAQs