Portvila Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Portvila.
Healthcare System
Port Vila's healthcare system is basic by international standards. Vila Central Hospital is the main public facility, while several private clinics offer better quality care for minor ailments. Medical infrastructure is limited, and serious medical emergencies often require evacuation to Australia or New Zealand.
Hospitals
Vila Central Hospital is the main public hospital serving Port Vila. Private options include the Pango Medical Centre and several smaller clinics along the main roads. For serious conditions, medical evacuation to Australia (approximately 3 hours flight) or New Zealand is typically necessary and can cost USD $20,000-50,000.
Pharmacies
Several pharmacies operate in central Port Vila, including those near the main market and along Kumul Highway. Common medications are available, but selection is limited compared to Western countries. Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications, as specific brands may not be available. Pharmacies typically open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, Saturday mornings only.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended and effectively essential for Port Vila. Medical evacuation alone can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and many healthcare providers require payment upfront or insurance verification before treatment.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a complete first aid kit including any prescription medications you need for your entire stay plus extra
- Carry copies of prescriptions and medical records, particularly for ongoing conditions
- Ensure your travel insurance explicitly covers Vanuatu and includes medical evacuation to Australia or New Zealand
- Private clinics like Pango Medical Centre offer better service for non-emergency issues; expect to pay upfront
- Drink only bottled or boiled water to avoid gastrointestinal issues
- The nearest advanced medical facilities are in Brisbane, Australia, approximately 3 hours by air
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from vehicles occur in Port Vila, particularly targeting tourists. Thieves often work in crowded areas and target distracted visitors. Items stolen most frequently include phones, cameras, wallets, and bags left unattended.
Break-ins to parked vehicles, particularly rental cars, occur regularly in Port Vila. Thieves target vehicles parked at beaches, tourist attractions, and on quiet streets, often breaking windows to access bags and valuables left inside.
While violent crime is relatively uncommon in Port Vila, incidents of assault and robbery increase after dark, particularly in poorly lit areas and when alcohol is involved. Solo travelers and those walking alone are more vulnerable.
Road conditions in Port Vila are poor in many areas, with potholes, limited street lighting, and lack of sidewalks. Driving standards are variable, and accidents are common. Pedestrians face significant risks, especially after dark. Many roads flood during heavy rain.
Drowning incidents occur in Port Vila's waters. Strong currents, coral, and lack of lifeguards at many beaches pose risks. Some areas have dangerous undertows, and marine hazards like stonefish and sea urchins are present.
Travelers to Port Vila commonly experience gastrointestinal issues from contaminated food or water. Tap water is not reliably safe to drink, and food hygiene standards vary significantly between establishments.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Some taxi drivers in Port Vila quote inflated prices to tourists, particularly those arriving at the airport or cruise terminal. Without meters in most taxis, visitors unfamiliar with local rates can be easily overcharged, sometimes by 2-3 times the normal fare.
Some tour operators in Port Vila advertise tours or activities that don't match the actual experience, with hidden fees, shorter durations than promised, or lower quality than described. Cruise ship passengers are particularly targeted with overpriced, underwhelming tours.
Vendors at Port Vila Market and tourist areas sometimes sell mass-produced items as authentic local handicrafts at inflated prices, or claim items are made from materials they're not (e.g., selling resin as carved wood or bone).
Some budget accommodations in Port Vila advertise with photos and descriptions that don't match reality, or claim amenities that don't exist or don't work. Additional fees for services supposedly included may be added at checkout.
Some vendors and service providers in Port Vila may confuse tourists about exchange rates between Vatu (local currency) and foreign currencies, particularly Australian or US dollars, leading to tourists paying more than intended.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Money and Valuables
- Use hotel safes for passports, excess cash, and valuables you don't need daily
- Carry only the cash you need for the day in Port Vila
- Keep a photocopy of your passport separately from the original
- Divide money between different locations (wallet, bag, hotel safe)
- ATMs are available in central Port Vila but can run out of cash on weekends; withdraw during business hours
- Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants but many places are cash-only
- Notify your bank before traveling to Vanuatu to avoid card blocks
- Keep small denominations of Vatu for markets and small purchases
Transportation Safety
- Use reputable taxi companies or hotel-arranged transport in Port Vila
- Agree on taxi fares before departing; typical fare within Port Vila is 300-500 Vatu
- Avoid overloaded minibuses which are common but unsafe
- If renting a vehicle, inspect it thoroughly and photograph any existing damage
- Drive on the right side of the road in Vanuatu
- Avoid driving after dark due to poor road conditions, limited lighting, and pedestrians
- Always wear seatbelts; ensure child seats if traveling with young children
- Be extremely cautious of pedestrians, animals, and potholes while driving
Accommodation Safety
- Choose accommodations with good security, including secure locks and safes
- Keep doors and windows locked when sleeping or away from your room
- Don't leave valuables visible in your room
- Know the emergency exits and evacuation procedures at your accommodation
- Keep your room key secure and don't share your room number publicly
- Use the door viewer before opening to strangers
- Report any suspicious activity to accommodation management immediately
Beach and Water Activities
- Never leave belongings unattended on the beach in Port Vila
- Apply waterproof sunscreen before and during water activities
- Check with locals about current conditions before swimming
- Don't swim alone, especially at unpatrolled beaches
- Wear reef shoes to protect feet from coral, rocks, and sea urchins
- Stay hydrated and take breaks from sun exposure
- Supervise children closely around water at all times
- Be cautious with water sports operators; ensure equipment appears safe and well-maintained
Health Precautions
- Bring insect repellent containing DEET; mosquitoes are present year-round in Port Vila
- Wear long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
- Use mosquito nets if your accommodation doesn't have screens
- Stay up-to-date with routine vaccinations; consult a travel doctor before departure
- Bring a comprehensive first aid kit including anti-diarrheal medication
- Wash hands frequently, especially before eating
- Seek medical attention promptly if you develop fever, as dengue fever occurs in Vanuatu
- Bring sufficient prescription medications for your entire stay plus extra
Cultural Awareness
- Dress modestly when visiting villages or away from resort areas in Port Vila
- Always ask permission before photographing local people
- Remove shoes when entering someone's home or certain buildings
- Learn a few basic words in Bislama (the local language); 'Tangkyu' means thank you
- Respect kastom (traditional customs) and sacred sites
- Sunday is a day of rest; many businesses close and loud activities are discouraged
- Be patient; island time is relaxed and services may be slower than you're accustomed to
- Don't touch people's heads, which is considered disrespectful in Melanesian culture
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers generally find Port Vila safe during the day, but should exercise increased caution compared to male travelers, particularly after dark. While Vanuatu's culture is generally respectful, catcalling and unwanted attention can occur. Solo women travelers should be especially vigilant about their surroundings and avoid isolated areas.
- Avoid walking alone after dark in Port Vila; use taxis for evening transportation
- Dress modestly, particularly outside resort areas; cover shoulders and knees in villages and town
- Be firm but polite in declining unwanted attention; saying you're meeting your husband can be effective
- Stay in well-reviewed accommodations with good security in central Port Vila
- Keep drinks in sight at bars and restaurants
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Consider joining group tours rather than exploring remote areas alone
- Be aware that some beaches are isolated; choose populated beaches or go with others
- Carry a phone with local emergency numbers programmed
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption which can make you more vulnerable
- Wear a wedding ring (real or fake) which may reduce unwanted attention
- Connect with other travelers at your accommodation for group activities
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Vanuatu, and there are no laws specifically criminalizing same-sex relationships. However, there are also no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Exercise discretion regarding sexual orientation and gender identity in Port Vila
- Avoid public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Be cautious about discussing LGBTQ+ topics with locals unless you know them well
- Book accommodation at international hotels or resorts which are generally more accepting
- Be aware that some smaller guesthouses may be uncomfortable with same-sex couples
- Consider booking rooms with two beds to avoid potential issues at conservative accommodations
- Connect with LGBTQ+ travel communities online for current information and support
- Be prepared for questions if traveling as a same-sex couple; some travelers say they're friends or siblings
- Respect local cultural norms while prioritizing your safety and comfort
- Major resorts and hotels serving international tourists are typically welcoming and professional
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is absolutely essential for Port Vila due to limited medical facilities, high costs of medical evacuation (USD $20,000-50,000 to Australia), natural disaster risks during cyclone season, and potential for flight cancellations. Medical emergencies requiring serious treatment will necessitate evacuation to Australia or New Zealand, which is impossible to afford out-of-pocket for most travelers.
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