Everything American Expat Should Know When Moving To Vanuatu

There Are a Few Facts You Should Be Aware of Before Moving to Vanuatu From the US

Before moving internationally all across the world, you should get to know the country you’ll soon be calling your home. All the info will make adjusting to a new country that much easier. So let’s start will essential things you need to know about Vanuatu (VU) before the move:

• VU is an archipelago nation located in the southwest Pacific Ocean,
• It is made up of 83 islands, with a population of approximately 267,000.
• The currency of Vanuatu is the Vanuatu Vatu (VUV).
• Vanuatu’s population is about 270,000 people,
• The capital is Port Vila.

The fact that VU is an archipelago nation means that relocating there can’t be a thing you do on your own. You’ll need to hire an international moving company when you want to relocate. With the right professionals, you won’t have to worry about car shipping overseas or even transporting your furniture across the world.

Americans Moving to Vanuatu Need to Fulfill Some Legal Requirements Before the Move

Knowing what are documents needed to travel abroad to VU will speed up the whole relocation process. That being said, Americans moving to Vanuatu will need to meet the following legal requirements:

• be in good health and have a clean bill of health from a doctor
• provide a criminal record check
• have a valid passport
• pay all visa and immigration fees as well as non-refundable processing fee

Keep in mind that there is no minimum financial requirement to live in VU. However, the government imposes a 1% local tax on all foreigners working here, and it is expected that you contribute 1% of your gross salary towards this tax. For more information about the visa and traveling to VU, you should contact the immigration office.

Moving Internationally With Pets Requires Additional Paperwork

If you are relocating with pets, don’t make a common moving mistake and try to bring them along without proper documentation. No matter if you are relocating with dogs or you want to bring your cat with you, you’ll need the following papers:

• Veterinary Health Certificate,
• Rabies Vaccination Certificate,
• Animal import permit from the country of origin.

However, just to be safe, contact the closest Vanuatu consulate and check if some other document is necessary.

The Cost of Living in Vanuatu Is Lower Than in Most Western Countries

Relocating on the budget means researching all the costs in the new country as well as the costs of hiring an overseas moving company. And after you ask the overseas shipping company for a quote for their international moving services, you can book the move and spend your free time researching prices in the new country.

The cost of living in Vanuatu is relatively low when compared to other countries in the region. The main expenses that you will need to budget for are food, transportation, and housing.

Keep in mind that Vanuatu is a developing country, and you will find that some goods are not as affordable as they are in the US. For example, a gallon of milk here will cost you around $7.55, while in the States, you’ll need only $3.30 for the same amount. Furthermore, if you want to keep in touch with friends, you’ll need an internet connection which costs around 105 per month. On the other hand, you can save up on transportation as well as childcare.

The Tourism Industry Is One of the Biggest Sources of Employment

Agriculture, tourism, offshore financial services, and cattle raising are the four foundations of the economy. Meaning that there are several business opportunities available in VU. However, the positions will depend on your skills and interests.

There is a significant fishing activity, albeit it does not generate much foreign exchange. Copra, kava, cattle, cocoa, and lumber are among the main exports, while machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, and fuels are among the imports.

You Can Even Start Your Own Business When Moving Overseas

Starting a business can be a great way to earn a living and build your own career. If you are new to VU and this is your first time starting a business, you need to know that the most popular branches include tourism, agriculture, and fishing.

However, there are many other opportunities available for entrepreneurs. Although, it is important to understand the costs and requirements involved in starting a business, such as:

• Obtain a tax ID number from Inland Revenue, which can be done online or by visiting their offices with your passport and original birth certificate. You can start this process online,
• Register for VAT if you have taxable goods and services,
• Open a bank account.

It’s Important to Be Aware of the Cultural Norms So That You Don’t Offend Anybody

When relocating overseas, be prepared for a culture shock no matter where you are going. That being said, you should know that Vanuatu’s culture is a mix of Melanesian, Polynesian, and European influences. And some of its aspects that might be surprising to Americans include the following:

• It is considered impolite to refuse food or drink when offered,
• It is customary to give thanks after receiving a gift,
• It is considered rude to show the bottom of your feet or to point your feet at someone,
• Giving things away is a sign of wealth and power,
• The most important person in a room sits in the back of the room,
• It is customary to share food among friends or with those you are familiar with.

Expat Health Insurance Can Be Very Helpful for Those Living in Vanuatu

Traveling abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic means that having health insurance is more important than ever. On top of that, you’ll be moving abroad to an island land, meaning that hospitals and other medical facilities are really limited in number. There are five state hospitals and one private hospital on the islands, 27 health centers, and over 200 assistance stations in more rural locations.

That being said, treatment costs, including drugs, can be rather high, and hospitals sometimes want to be paid in cash for the services. To avoid medical-related unpleasant experiences, expats are strongly advised to get private health insurance that covers all of their needs.

No Matter What Your Lifestyle Is, There’s a Place in Vanuatu That Will Suit You Perfectly

Figuring out how to live abroad is one of the most important steps when relocating across the world. If you want to move efficiently, start going over some of the best cities in VU, looking for the one that fits all of your needs and budget. To make the process easier and lower your stress levels, we made the list of some of the most popular places for expats:

• Port Vila – is the largest and most populous city in Vanuatu. It is also the main commercial center of the country.
• Luganville – is the second-largest city in Vanuatu. It is located on the island of Espiritu Santo and is a major tourist destination.
• Port Resolution – is a small town on the north coast of Tanna Island. It is the main transportation hub for the island.
• Sola – is located on the island of Vanua Lava, and it is the capital of the province of Torba.
• Mele – is a town located on Mele Island. It is the seat of government for the province of Sanma.
• Lamap – is located on Éfaté Island. It has a wharf and a market that serves as a commercial center for the island’s residents.
• Norsup – is located in the province of Malampa. It is a small town situated on a peninsula ideal for people that want to live a quiet and peaceful lifestyle.
• Port Havannah – is located on the island of Éfaté and serves as a fishing port for the island.
• Lakatoro – has a population of over 5,000 people and serves as the capital of the Shepherd Islands.
• Mapa – is located on Ureparapara and serves as a commercial center for the area. It has a pier and a market that attracts many residents from nearby islands.

There Are Three Official Languages in VU

Are you considering learning a language abroad? Don’t worry, when relocating to VU you might not need to break the barrier right away since English is one of the three official languages, besides Bislama and French.

English is the second most commonly spoken language here, and it is the language that is used in schools and for government business. With that in mind, you should know that there is a high level of English fluency in the country because about 90 percent of the population has had at least three years of primary school education.

Check out the video below if you want to pick up a few tips for learning a Bislama language.

The Climate Is Tropical, so You Can Enjoy Warm Weather All Year Round

Using professional packing services might save you from boxing up your household, but you still need to know what to pack when moving to VU. And the huge part of that is knowing what kind of weather to expect in VU.

The climate here is tropical, with average temperatures ranging from 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit. The country experiences two seasons – wet and dry. The wet season lasts from November to April, while the dry season lasts from May to October. The country experiences a fair amount of rainfall throughout the year, and the humidity is high.

The Cuisine of Vanuatu Is a Mix of Flavors From All Over the World

Traveling halfway across the world means you’ll get to eat all kinds of new and unique foods. Cuisine in VU is unique and interesting. The country is home to a variety of different dishes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

One of the most popular dishes is the national dish Laplap. This is a dish made from taro leaves that are cooked in coconut milk and then wrapped in banana leaves. Another popular dish is the national drink kava. Kava is a drink made from the root of a plant that is native to the region. It has a slightly bitter taste and is often consumed before dinner. Traditionally, the kava root is chewed and then mixed with water to make a drink that is passed around in a circle.

Another popular dish is the mahi-mahi fish stew made with tomatoes, onions, and peppers and has a variety of other spices added to it. It’s considered one of the best dishes on the islands and is often eaten with rice.

In addition to these popular dishes, many of the fruits and vegetables are widely used in cooking. Some of the most commonly used include breadfruit, cassava root, sweet potato, and pumpkin.

Relocating to VU Can Make All of Your Dreams Come True

Although Vanuatu is a beautiful country with plenty of opportunities, it is important to do your research before making a move. Make sure you are familiar with the culture and what to expect when you arrive. There are many expats who have made a move and are willing to offer advice, so take advantage of that resource. If you decide VU is the right place for you, all you have to do is call an international moving company, book the move and start a new adventure.