Tipping is not customary or expected in Vanuatu and is sometimes discouraged, as local culture emphasizes hospitality and community over monetary rewards. A friendly smile and a simple "thank you" (or "tankio tumas" in Bislama) are considered sufficient. If service is exceptional, a small, discreet tip is appreciated but not required.
Tipping is not a traditional practice in Vanuatu and certainly isn't expected, and this is because the culture is based on a strong sense of community and mutual respect.
The usual precautions are always advised: keep valuables secure, avoid travelling alone at night, have photocopies of your passport, tickets, and credit cards in case the originals are lost. Finally, respect local customs and laws to ensure a safe and enjoyable stay in Vanuatu.
Here's What to Know About the Minimum Wage in Vanuatu
As of 2025, the minimum wage in Vanuatu is set at VT 300 per hour, and has been so since June 1, 2023. This represents a steady increase from previous revisions: VUV 220 per hour (2019) VUV 200 per hour (2015)
Vanuatu's islands are known for their rich cultural heritage, but beneath this beauty lies a pressing challenge: the country faces persistent public health threats, exacerbated by limited infrastructure, frequent disasters, and the growing impact of climate change.
Unless you're staying at an all-inclusive resort, expect to spend on average 2,600VT a day on food. Here's an example of the average costs for meals and drinks: A casual local meal: 700-1000VT. A main course at a mid-range restaurant: 1000-4,500VT.
When visiting Vanuatu, it's important to dress modestly and appropriately both during the day and in the evening. During the day, opt for light, breathable clothing such as t-shirts, shorts, and sundresses. In the evening, casual yet respectful attire like blouses, skirts, or lightweight pants is recommended.
Dengue can occur anywhere in Vanuatu. Use mosquito repellent, mosquito nets and wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothes. Cases of Zika virus, rubella, mumps, measles, and chickenpox cases have been reported.
There are reports of water quality issues in some of the lagoons, and there are sharks in Vanuatu waters. Be cautious and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities.
The average price of a coffee is just VT 399 Vatu, and you can grab a sandwich for an average of VT 800 Vatu. Fine Dining: Usually found within luxury resorts, there are several fine dining restaurants throughout Vanuatu that make for an extra-special meal.
Tour guides and private drivers in Thailand often work hard to provide exceptional service and it is common practice to tip. If you join a group tour, tipping 100 baht to the guide is a reasonable amount. For private tours where you have received excellent service, tipping around 300–500 baht is generous.
For group tours or a short excursion, the tip can be lower. For private tours and day-long activities, the tip can be on the higher end. Ride-sharing and private transportation services also rely on tips. Plan for 10-20% and adjust as needed depending on the time of day or distance of travel.
The usual precautions are always advised: keep valuables secure, avoid travelling alone at night, have photocopies of your passport, tickets, and credit cards in case the originals are lost. Finally, respect local customs and laws to ensure a safe and enjoyable stay in Vanuatu.
Drugs. In general, Vanuatu's exposure to criminal drug markets is limited and it mostly functions as a transit country. However, there is a market for cannabis, with demand being domestically generated, and, in recent years, a small market for methamphetamines has emerged.
The Ni-Vanuatu people are friendly and welcoming to all visitors, but some common etiquette rules can help you. First, a typical greeting in Vanuatu consists of a handshake-like gesture called nasara, where you give a light touch to the other person's extended hand while making eye contact.
In Port Vila (Efate) and Luganville (Santo), tap water is generally treated and safe to drink for locals. However, for travellers, especially families with kids or older guests, we recommend sticking to: Bottled water. Filtered or boiled water.
The best time to visit Vanuatu is during the dry season, from April to September as the weather is typically warm and sunny with less humidity - perfect for a tropical vacation. The water temperature stays at a refreshing 22-24°C, making it an ideal time for water activities like snorkelling and diving.
Tipping is not customary in Vanuatu though tipping loose change or rounding up the bill at a restaurant is always appreciated. A smile and 'tank you tumas' (thank you) should suffice.
Sai pe! – Fine/Ok! A positive way to start some small talk in Tongan is to say “Fefe hake?” which means “How are you?” The usual response is “Sai pe!” which means “Fine”/”Good”/”Ok”.
A prominent Tongan linguist says the Tongan word for hello - "mālō e lelei" (Thanks for being well) - was not used as a common greeting in the Kingdom until it was mentioned in the works of an Australian missionary named Clerk Maxwell Churchward in the 1950s.
