Travel Guide

The six most suitable places for foreigners to live in Vanuatu

Vanuatu's stunning beaches, dense rainforests, and vibrant culture make it a unique and exciting place for those seeking change. No wonder this awe inspiring archipelago in the South Pacific has become a popular destination for foreigners looking for a new home.

Vanuatu has a stable political environment and affordable living expenses. There are enthusiastic locals and a leisurely lifestyle here, no wonder many foreigners now call it home. So, whether you want to change your pace of life or seek new adventures, Vanuatu may be the place you want to go.

For foreigners, we recommend Port Vila, Santo Island, Luganville, Tana Island, Anbrim Island, and Pentecost Island as the top 6 places in Vanuatu. Whether you enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city or the tranquility of a beach town, these places have something for you. Whether you are a foreigner looking for a relaxed lifestyle or someone active in Vanuatu, you will not be disappointed!

 Port Vila 

Vila Port is located on Efate Island in Vanuatu and is an ideal destination for foreigners due to its stunning natural environment, rich cultural landscapes, and diverse tourist attractions. As the capital and largest town of the country, Port Vila has a population of approximately 50000. Vila Port is surrounded by pristine coral reefs, dense tropical forests, and beautiful beaches, offering a plethora of outdoor activities ranging from hiking, fishing to swimming and diving. Nearby waterfalls and volcanic lakes, such as Meile Falls, Nanda Blue Cave, and Letas Lake, are also worth exploring.

Port Vila combines the cultures of Vanuatu, France, the United Kingdom, China, and Vietnam, representing a unique fusion of Pacific and European cultures. Foreigners can experience this diversity through local cuisine, music, art, and festivals.

Vila Port also has a variety of tourist attractions to meet different interests and budgets. Popular attractions include: Port Vila Market, Vanuatu Cultural Centre, Vanuatu National Museum, Parliament Building, Japanese World War II ruins, etc. We also offer adventure tourism and activities, such as cable car exploration, bungee jumping, beach bike riding, and parasailing.

  Santo Island 

Foreigners like the island of San Espirito, or Santo for short, because of its natural beauty, history and culture, outdoor activities, environmental protection and modern facilities. The largest island of Vanuatu is located in the northern part of the country's archipelago.

Santo Island naturally boasts stunning scenery, pristine beaches, and clear waters. The coral reefs around the island make it a preferred destination for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. The island is also home to natural attractions, including blue caves, waterfalls, and hidden caves. During World War II, the island served as an important military base for the United States, and remnants of this period can still be seen on the island. Santo Island also hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year, showcasing traditional music, dance, and costumes from various indigenous communities.

Santo Island offers a range of outdoor activities for foreigners, such as kayaking, hiking, and cycling. The Millennium Cave is a popular attraction where tourists can explore the underground river system. Santo Island is committed to protecting its environment and biodiversity, as evidenced by its largest protected area in Vanuatu - the Santo Island Reserve, which covers almost one-third of the island's land area. For foreign nationals who value sustainable development, this is an excellent destination. It should be pointed out that Santo is a modern town that provides all necessary amenities for foreigners, including shops, restaurants, medical facilities, and accommodation options, making it an ideal place to settle down and call home.

 Luganville 

Luganville is the second largest town in Vanuatu, located on Santo Island. Due to its relaxed lifestyle, friendly locals and amazing natural environment, it is a destination that attracts foreigners. The town is surrounded by some of Vanuatu's most charming natural scenery, including magnificent waterfalls, pristine rivers, and spectacular coral reefs. Champagne Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the South Pacific, only a short drive from Luganville.

In addition, compared to the capital Port Vila, Luganville is an affordable place to live in Vanuatu, making it easier for foreigners to find affordable housing and other facilities. Luganville hosts multiple cultural events throughout the year, such as the Vanuatu Agricultural Exhibition showcasing local agricultural products and handicrafts, as well as the Vanuatu Independence Day celebration in July. This town is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, surrounded by lush rainforests and home to some of the best snorkeling and diving sites, including the President Coolidge, one of the world's largest complete sunken diving sites.

More importantly, there are several waterfalls and hiking trails worth exploring around Luganville. Overall, Luganville is a welcoming town that is friendly to foreign residents, with English widely used and an active community for organizing social events and gatherings.

 Tana Island 

Although Tana may not be as developed as the neighboring islands, it provides a peaceful way of life for foreigners. With its stunning natural beauty, pristine wilderness, rich traditional culture, and hospitable locals, Tana Island is a hidden gem worth exploring. Tana Island is located in the southern region of the Vanuatu archipelago and is a small but awe inspiring island that has become a refuge for nature enthusiasts with its stunning natural wonders.

The island offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, snorkeling and diving, fishing or catching fish, and wildlife observation. The island is home to the vibrant Yasul volcano and charming blue caves. Its perfect beach, transparent seawater, and lush tropical forests make it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The residents of the island still adhere to their traditional culture, which is evident in their daily lives and special rituals, such as the famous John Fromm ceremony. For foreigners seeking a peaceful lifestyle surrounded by nature, Tana Island is a perfect choice.

The friendly and hospitable locals make it effortless for foreigners to integrate into the community and feel at home. With its peaceful environment and ample opportunities to connect with nature, Tana Island is an ideal destination for those seeking relief from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

 Ambrym Island 

Foreigners seeking an idyllic and peaceful lifestyle will find Anbrim Island to be an excellent place to live. Ambrim Island in Vanuatu is a volcanic island that provides unique and distinctive experiences for foreigners. The island is famous for its rugged terrain, pristine beaches, and friendly locals.

Anbrim Island is a natural paradise with stunning landscapes such as volcanic terrain, pristine beaches, and coral reefs. With its rugged interior featuring stunning waterfalls, dense rainforests, and lava caves, Ambrim Island is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. The island also offers several hiking trails and abundant marine life, making it the perfect choice for activities such as swimming, diving, and snorkeling. In addition, Ambrum Island has a strong traditional culture that is still being passed down to this day. The famous Roma dance is performed on special occasions, allowing locals to showcase their unique customs and traditions. Anbrim Island is located in a remote area and is perfect for foreigners who want to experience a simple and authentic way of life, unaffected by modern urban life. The remoteness of the island helps to preserve its traditional culture and way of life. The locals of Anbrim Island are known for their friendliness, warmth, and hospitality. Foreigners will find that they quickly integrate into the local community and have many opportunities to learn from the locals.

 Pentecost Island 

Pentecost Island, located in central Vanuatu, is known as Pentecost Island or Pentecost Island. Renowned for its enchanting coral reefs, picturesque scenery, and awe inspiring waterfalls, the island's unique and captivating culture has gained worldwide recognition and is celebrated at "Nagel" or "Land Diving" ceremonies. Pentecost Island is famous for its primitive bungee jumping "Nagel" ritual and is considered one of the most unique cultural experiences in the world. At the ceremony, locals only use vine ropes tied around their ankles to jump down from the tower, which occurs during the yam harvest season in the village, usually starting in April.

Some of Vanuatu's most exquisite landscapes are located on Pentecost Island, such as lush rainforests, charming beaches, and sparkling waterfalls. These make Pentecost Island an excellent destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and thrill seekers.

The local people on Pentecost Island are famous for their hospitality and friendliness. Foreigners living on the island will soon integrate into the community. They will have many opportunities to learn about the local culture and customs. If you are someone who enjoys outdoor activities, it is almost impossible to feel bored on Pentecost Island. You can snorkel, fish, dive, and hike there, and the island also has a variety of marine life. Snorkelers and divers from all over the world come to Pentecost Island for the coral garden. Several hiking trails on the island also lead to charming waterfalls and other breathtaking landscapes. Compared to other islands in Vanuatu, if you are pursuing a peaceful and leisurely lifestyle, Pentecost Island is the place you want. For foreigners who enjoy a relaxed living environment, this is an ideal location. There are no shopping centers or fast food restaurants, only a few small shops and local markets.