Port Vila has numerous shops which sell French perfume, champagne, patisseries alongside souvenir outlets, jewellery, gift shops, fashion wear including beautiful coloured sarongs, hand printed t-shirts, snorkelling, and beachwear. Chinatown is an array of bargain shops selling everything from religious memorabilia to hi-fi equipment to tools and haberdashery.
Go beserk as you go shopping in Vanuatu. Read on and we will tell you all you need to know to get the best deals and best places to shop in Vanuatu. If you get hungry during your shopping spree, stop for some finger food or relax in one of the Vanuatu Restaurants along Vanuatu's shopping streets. More useful information can be see in our Vanuatu Destination Guide and Vanuatu Country Guide.
Vanuatu Shopping Guide
Note that most small shops will only deal in cash. Most shops close for a siesta (except Chinese shops) between the hours of 11:30am to 1:30pm; markets are open all day from Monday to Saturday afternoon.
Original art and crafts are easy to purchase in Port Vila; at the main markets as in many South Pacific Islands, expect prices to be higher when cruise ships are in Port; obtain the best currency exchange from Goodies - ph. 23917 opposite Healthwise Pharmacy on the main street of town. The best prices are obtained from local artisans in the islands.
ART AND CRAFT PURCHASING
Port Vila Markets
You may purchase locally made totem poles, wood figurines, bamboo flutes, stone axes, pig's tusks and pandanus leaf carry bags direct from the craftsman or his wife on the waterfront esplanade at better prices than is available from art shops. You will find the vendor willing to bargain only if you are purchasing multiple items. In general, it is not customary to barter and may be considered rude if the item is already well priced. We strongly discourage the purchase of items containing shells.
The purchase of these items only encourages the further destruction of the very marine environment you have come to see. Shells are an indispensable link in the ecosystem of all coral reefs. The so-called "farmed shells" are of dubious origin considering the high majority of shells available in the world are harvested from pristine reefs of developing countries around the world, such as the Phillipines.
Art/Crafts Forwarding
Is best done from the Port Vila Central Post Office. Please be advised that some items such as feathers, soft wood carvings or basket ware may not be accepted on return to your country of origin.
Art Galleries/Museums in Vanuatu
Diana Tam
Telephone: +(678) 23038 Worth a visit
Michoutouchkine & Pilioko Foundation Gallery
Telephone: +(678) 27753
National Museum
Telephone: +(678) 22129
L'Atelier Gallery
Telephone: +(678) 23654
Matanawora WWII
Telephone: +(678) 25600
Duty Free Shops in Vanuatu
Port Vila has numerous duty free shops up and down the main street. You will obtain good deals on alcohol and cigarettes. CDs and DVDs are cheap but in the majority, copies; some are second or third generation copies so ask to view it before buying.
