New Caledonia

Money & costs

Money

New Caledonia doesn't have to be expensive. Try a few money-saving tricks such as self-catering and camping. Noumea has many cheap eateries in the Chinatown area, and a lunchtime sandwich at Place des Cocotiers is cheaper than a restaurant meal.

Note that, as in France, decimals are indicated with commas (eg 1.25kg is written as 1, 25kg) and thousands with points or spaces (10, 000 CFP would be written as either 10.000 CFP or 10 000 CFP).For exchange rates, see the Quick Reference page.

There is a 5% services tax which is usually included in displayed prices. Banks in Noumea and some of the main centres change travellers cheques. Tipping is not compulsory.

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ATMs

You'll find ATMs either outside or inside most banks. They accept most major credit cards. There are many ATMs in Noumea and also in other major towns and villages. Some post offices also have ATMs.

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Credit cards

Credit cards are accepted by hotels, restaurants, big shops and airline offices in Noumea, but not at budget places outside the capital.

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