Frequently Asked Questions
How far is New Caledonia?
New Caledonia is located 2 hours flying time from Australia, 2½ hours from New Zealand, 9 hours from Japan, 14 hours from Los Angeles and 21 hours from France.
Are vaccinations required to visit New Caledonia?
No vaccinations are required unless travelling from an infected area. Noumea has modern medical facilities if required.
Are Passports and visas required to enter New Caledonia?
No visa is required for EEC, USA, NZ, or Australian passport holders for stays of up to three months. A valid passport and onward or return airticket is required upon arrival. For other nationalities, visa information is available from the nearest French Embassy.
Is New Caledonia an expensive destination?
New Caledonia is an affordable destination, however it may not appeal to the budget traveller. Many packages now offer a selection of meal and air passes and a visit to the supermarket to buy food items is both interesting and economical.
What currency is used in New Caledonia?
New Caledonia uses the French Pacific Franc (XPF). Travellers cheques in XPF do not exist. Visitors to New Caledonia are advised to take some local currency, NZ/Australian/US Dollar travellers cheques or international credit cards. If this facility has been prearranged before departure, funds can also be withdrawn by credit card at ATM machines located in and around Noumea. The Euro exchange in XPF is free of charge.
How could we go from Tontouta airport to Nouméa?
Tontouta International Airport is located approximately 50 km from the city of Noumea. At Tontouta Airport, shuttle buses or mini-buses and taxis offer regular transfer services to Nouméa (45 km from the airport) in 50 minutes. Car rental is also available. It is recommended to organise bus transfers or hire a car prior to arrival in New Caledonia.
Can I fly to the islands from Tontouta International Airport?
International flights arrive and depart from Tontouta International Airport. Domestic flights depart from Magenta Domestic Airport located in the city of Noumea.
Do people speak English?
Most people involved in the tourist industry speak English and a majority of tourist brochures are written in English however a few phrases in French are always welcomed by the locals.
Can I drive around the island in one day?
The mainland of New Caledonia is 400km long and 50kms wide. Visitors should allow around four days for a fly/drive itinerary. The Isle of Pines and Loyalty Islands are accessible by domestic airline.
What are the roads like to drive?
The roads are in excellent condition and well signposted. In New Caledonia, cars are driven on the right side of the road. A current drivers license is required to rent a car.
How can I buy an Air Pass?
For use by international passengers, the Air Calédonie Pass facilitates the discovery of several destinations at preferential rates.
Applicable only to non resident tourist passengers in possession of an international airticket visiting New Caledonia for a stay not exceeding three months.
Ticketing for the Air Calédonie Pass package is handled by Air Calédonie agencies, by local approved agencies and by IATA travel agencies or via Internet.
Is there a ferry going to the Isle of Pines and Loyalty Islands?
The inter-island ferry service between the islands (lsIe of Pines, Lifou, Maré and Ouvéa) is operated by a high-speed catamaran referred to as "Le Betico".
For further information, please call (687) 26 01 00 or send a fax (687) 28 98 97.
What is the weather like in New Caledonia?
New Caledonia is described as the land of eternal spring. It boasts a pleasant semi-tropical climate all year round. The wet season is from January to March and according to the statistics it pours more during February. During the cooler season the temperature varies between 20 and 26 degrees Celsius.
Is the shopping good?
New Caledonia is renowned for its designer label shopping, including a range of toiletries and perfumes not available in other Pacific countries. Souvenirs, foodstuffs and wines should also be on the visitor's shopping list.
What foods/drinks can I take into New Caledonia?
The duty free allowance into New Caledonia for alcohol is 2 litres still wine plus 1 litre of spirits (more than 22%) or 2 litres still wine plus 2 litres of spirits (less than 22%). Like other islands in the Pacific, no primary or dairy foods, fruit and vegetables or raw meat products are permitted into New Caledonia. Processed or tinned foods are generally allowed.
Are there any international golf courses in New Caledonia?
New Caledonia has three international golf courses: Tina International Golf Course in Noumea, Dumbea International Golf Course (10kms from Noumea) and Ouenghi Golf Course (1 hour's drive north of Noumea).
Which are customs regulations for pleasure boats?
Port Moselle is the port of entry into New Caledonia. This is the mandatory port for all pleasure crafts entering the territory. The Capitainerie can be contacted on VHF 67, (indicatif "Port Moselle"), daily from 7am to 6pm. The first night's mooring on the quay is free for any boats waving the yellow quarantine flag and arriving from another country. The length of stay is determined depending on the availability at the port. In any case it may not exceed one month. The "Capitainerie" is responsible for notifiying Customs, Border Police and biosecurity services as soon as the pleasure craft arrives at the visitor pontoon. Further information relating to entry and stay formalities in New Caledonia is available on the company's website : www.sodemo.nc
Customs formalities can be carried out at Pandop (Koumac) and at Wé (Lifou) however, yachties must complete the other administrative formalities in Nouméa.
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