Vanuatu Shopping Tips by lou31

I was fascinated with the markets. A large outdoor market was set up in Vila and I spent quite a while browsing around. There were sarongs everywhere! - about $10. Locally made cotton beach bags $5 - $10 and beads, beads and more beads!. Every kind and combination you could think of. All very nice and very cheap. Some didn't make it through customs - avoid necklaces made with seads or beans. There were stalls where you could get your hair braided for about $10 and these places were very popular. Alot of local handicraft was for sale - you could spend half a day there.
They have a large covered fruit market as well with a huge selection of different fruits and vegetables. All quite ok to eat and the place was very clean. More pictures coming soon.

What To Buy: The local handicrafts were intriguing. Hula skirts were popular as were the sarongs and timber carvings. I actually found a stall that sold old bottles and bought a coke bottle from the sixties.
In the shopping district they also have a couple of duty free shops for alcohol, ciggys and perfume etc. and one store sold bargain brand name clothing and sunglasses etc.
Pictures coming soon.

What To Pay: This was not an expensive place to shop at. Most shops were reasonably priced and of course the markets had real bargains.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Local Craft
Address: Port Vila

I found two duty free shops in Port Vila. Our taxi driver told me that one was cheaper.........can't remember which one! If you are visiting by cruise ship unfortunately the duty free shops comandeer your merchandise and sends them on to the ship. If it's cigarettes or alcohol you dont get it back till the night before you disembark. Beware of this if you plan to have your drinks in the cabin.

What To Buy: Alcohol, ciggys, perfume...................

What To Pay: I bought 40 oz bottles of Bundy Rum for $20 and cartons of ciggys for $22. There is a limit to how much you can buy.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Discount Store
Address: The main street of Port Vila

Just walking around was a fascinating experience. Lots of stores and eateries. I found one store selling reduced brand name merchandise. Tee shirts - some were $10, shorts, sunglasses..........
I tried some locally made pastries at a little cafe. Of course plenty of touristy places - souvineers etc.
One interesting experience I had was when I was approached by an old man selling beaded necklaces. He had them in a bottle and I actually bought one - it was very nice.

What To Buy: Most of the stuff I bought made it through customs. I was suspicious of a set of marakas made out of coconut shells. However they got through. Apparently if they are sealed with a clear paint they are ok. They only cost $2 anyway so no great loss if they had've been confiscated.


Leave a Comment

Theme: Other