Vila and Luganville aren't cheap, but if you're on a budget you could get by on US$40.00 a day by staying in hostels, eating in markets, walking everywhere and avoiding tours. Outside of the markets most of the food is imported, carries a tax and is expensive. Eating out a little more, perhaps moving up a notch on the accommodation stakes and catching taxis will boost your spending to the US$80.00 - US$100.00 mark. If you intend to fly and take guides wherever you go, take the occasional chopper ride and stay in the best accommodation it wouldn't be difficult to spend US$150.00 - US$200.00 a day.

Outside the larger towns it's difficult to change money. While establishments in Vila and Luganville can handle travellers cheques in major currencies, hotels elsewhere may only be able to take Australian or US dollars. It's wise to take 500 and 1000 VT notes as well as 10, 20, 50 and 100 VT coins for smaller purchases. Major credit cards are accepted at airline offices, car rental agencies, hotels and most of the larger shops catering to tourists in Luganville and Vila. ATMs are springing up in the larger towns but don't rely on plastic anywhere else except the resorts of Tanna and Santo.

A refreshing aspect of Melanesian life is that tipping and bargaining are not on the agenda. It's offensive to suggest another price than what is asked. If someone is quoting a grossly inflated price they may be taking a wild stab at the prices asked in Luganville or Vila, in which case you should simply find another seller. Tipping imposes an obligation that the receiver must return, so a smile and a thank you with your wallet firmly in your pocket are sufficient recompense for services rendered. The government imposes a 10% tax on all hotels and licenced restaurants, council rest houses, church hostels and snack bars.

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