Organize your stay New Caledonia
Money New Caledonia
Currency: the Pacific franc (CFP or XPF) is the currency of the French Pacific communities (New Caledonia, French Polynesia, and Wallis and Futuna).
Exchange rate: the Pacific franc has a fixed parity with the euro. 1 € = 119.33 CFP and 100 CFP = 0.83 €.
Budget & Tips New Caledonia
The cost of living in New Caledonia is high (1.5 times higher than in mainland France), especially for alcohol and dairy products, and it is not uncommon for budgets to have to be revised upwards once you arrive.
In the bush, you will be able to find accommodation at reasonable prices (from 1,000 CFP for camping and 7,000 CFP for lodging), which is unfortunately not the case in Noumea. On Grande Terre and on the Loyalty Islands, it is now possible to stay with local people (from 2,500 CFP per night), but the offer is limited. In terms of activities, you should count 12 000 CFP for two dives.
Small budget: 100 €/day for a meal on the go, one night in a youth hostel for two.
Big budget: 300 €/day, including a meal in a restaurant, a night in a hotel of good standing, an excursion such as a snorkeling trip.
Passport and visas New Caledonia
New Caledonia is part of the French Republic: in the French Constitution it is an overseas collectivity with a special status, therefore of sui generis character.
Your identity card is sufficient on the spot, but beware, you need a valid passport for transit stops.
No visa is required for stays of less than 3 months for European Union citizens. But beyond three months, our European neighbors must imperatively request a residence permit from the competent authorities. They can then settle and work freely as self-employed, or apply for a work permit as employees. In the latter case, it is the Directorate of Labor and Employment that will examine the file, and then the Government of New Caledonia that will be competent to decide whether or not to grant the document.
Driver's license New Caledonia
The French driver's license is the legal one, driving here is also done on the right. The local license does not include points.
Health New Caledonia
New Caledonia regularly experiences major epidemics of dengue fever, including several fatal cases, but these are rare, so be sure to avoid bites by wearing proper clothing and using mosquito repellent. Other animal-borne diseases such as chikungunya and leptospirosis can also occur. Scars are easily infected in tropical environments, so disinfect and monitor the wound. Water sports enthusiasts will often rub against the sharp coral. Make sure there is never any coral left in the cut if you are injured, and disinfect with lemon to kill the coral, which is a living organism.
Prepare a first-aid kit containing basic products: pain and fever medication, a kit for small skin wounds with an antiseptic product, some bandages, tweezers, high protection sun creams, effective anti-mosquito products. Don't forget the condoms. Local pharmacies sell the same products as in France. No need to load your luggage unnecessarily.
Mandatory vaccination New Caledonia
No specific vaccination is required to enter New Caledonia.
Time difference New Caledonia
+10 hours in the winter in mainland France and +9 hours in the summer. That is to say that when it is 10 am in mainland France, it is 7 or 8 pm in Noumea.
Spoken languages New Caledonia
French is spoken everywhere, because it is the official language and it is the language spoken by all. Kanak languages were recognized as regional languages in the decrees of October 20, 1992. It was during the Nouméa Accord in 1998 that the creation of an Academy of Kanak Languages (ALK) was planned. The latter was created in 2007 with the aim of promoting the languages and ensuring that they are taught. Today, there are 40 languages and dialects in New Caledonia (28 languages and 11 dialects). Kanak languages are, along with French, languages of instruction and culture in New Caledonia. 4 languages are now presented as optional tests in the baccalaureate. The most widely spoken Kanak languages are: Drehu (language of Lifou), with approximately 13,000 speakers, Nengone (language of Maré), with approximately 8,800 speakers throughout New Caledonia, Paici (area of Poindimié) with 6,600 speakers and Iiaai is the language of Ouvéa, spoken by 3,800 speakers.
For parents who wish to do so, children can be taught "in the language" from kindergarten, for 7 hours a week. This is the result of the work of the ALK, which advocates this learning in order to recognize more Kanak culture.
Communication New Caledonia
In Noumea, you can connect to wifi for free in hotels, cafes and bars and the municipality has installed a free access network all over the Place des Cocotiers. Wifi is becoming more and more common, even in places that seem a bit isolated. The speed is lower than in metropolitan France.
Electricity and measurements New Caledonia
Electricity is 220 V and is distributed throughout Grande Terre and the islands. In some remote areas, generators supply the villages at certain times in the morning and evening. The electrical outlets have the same characteristics as in mainland France. The metric system is the same as in France.
Luggage New Caledonia
You can leave your turtlenecks in the closet and enjoy walking in flip-flops in December! From October to March, T-shirts, shorts, dresses and open shoes are enough. For those who are cold, don't forget to bring a sweater for the cooler nights. From July to September, rain gear, pants and warmer clothes may be required. In any season, hikers should bring their walking shoes. And don't forget the complete set of the perfect vacationer: bathing suit (wearing a monokini is forbidden or frowned upon throughout the territory), sunglasses, high factor sunscreen and hat. You will find good anti-mosquito products and soothing creams against bites.
