Passports and visas

French nationals must present a current passport (the identity card is insufficient due to international stopovers)
European Union Nationals, Australian and New Zealand : Current passport. A visa is not necessary for stays of less than 3 months.

Customs

Upon arrival in New Caledonia, you must declare all goods brought into the country and settle all customs duty and corresponding taxes at the Customs Office.

Languages

French is the official language but there are many Kanak languages and dialects depending on the tribe and area.
French, English and Japanese are generally spoken in the majority of hotels.

Currency

The local currency is the Pacific Franc and has a fixed exchange rate with the Euro.
1 Euro = 119.33 FCFP
1 dollar NZ = 66.28 FCFP
1 dollar australien = 82.21 FCFP
1 Yen japonais = 1.06 FCFP
1 dollar US = 97.13 FCFP
1 Korean Won = 0.08 FCFP
Check XE.com the currency converter!

Time difference

Local Time in New Caledonia is 11 hours ahead of GMT.
From Europe : + 10h in winter and + 9h in summer
From Australia : + 1h in winter and +2h in summer
From New Zealand : - 1h
Check the speaking clock in Nouméa!

Flying time

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.

Climate

Known as the "land of eternal spring", New Caledonia has a warm, sunny climate all year round.
There are two main seasons:
- The warm season, from December to March, with temperatures that can mount to 30°C. Cyclones can also occur during this period
- The cool season, from April to November. Temperatures can drop to 18°C in the morning. This period can also have rain.
The best months to visit New Caledonia are April, May, September and October.

Health and safety

No vaccinations are required to visit New Caledonia. It is however recommended to be up to date with your vaccinations (DT Polio notably). New Caledonia has a modern medical infrastructure, with several main hospitals and numerous dispensaries.
New Caledonia is very safe for travellers.

Water and electricity

Tap water is drinkable
The current is 220V. Plugs are of the French style (two point, round)

Opening hours for offices, shops and banking hours

Most offices and shops open from 7h30 and from 13h30 to 17h30, from Monday to Friday and Saturday morning from 7h30 to 13h30. Sunday is closing day. Only supermarkets are open, in the morning only.

Banking hours: open from Monday to Friday (and local branches on Saturday morning) from 7h30 to 15h30.

Getting around

By car: This is the best way to visit and to enjoy Nouméa and New Caledonia.
By taxi: You will find taxi ranks in central areas in Nouméa.
By bus: A network of transport exists in Nouméa. It allows you to travel around town and gives connections with the different towns throughout the “Grande Terre”.
By plane: Flying is the best method of travelling to the islands. Air Calédonie also offers flights to airports around the “Grande Terre”.
By boat: With or without skipper, boat hire remains one of the most wonderful ways of visiting the islands and of enjoying the Caledonian Lagoon. A maritime transport company has regular rotations to the islands however is always subject to weather conditions.

Clothing

Light cotton clothes, a swimming costume, a windcheater and a jumper. Good walking shoes and rubber sandals for reef walking.
Don’t forget diving equipment, or snorkelling equipment, in order to enjoy the beauty of the lagoon…