French Pacific Francs - where is best to exchange?

[Meamat]

Hi all,

 

I asked in the pacific islands forum but it was a touch quiet there and no response so thought I'd try over here since we seem to be chattier!

 

I'd like to use local currency as much as possible when we travel to Noumea, Isle of Pines, and Mare. We plan to spend less than the minimum $500 AUD equivalent that many banks seem to require and would like to hear from your perspective how best to exchange.

 

I understand there are ATMs on the islands and we could get cash there. I know there are Thomas Cook outlets around the Quay but I would imagine that's a more expensive way to purchase cash. I suspect we could purchase smaller amounts from some banks but not sure which ones. Where have you found to be the easiest and best value for small exchanges (say $250-$300 AUD)?

 

Thank you!

[qak]

I didn't worry about local currency. IoP and Mare they take $A, and in Noumea I used a credit card. For the short time you are in each place you can avoid the need for local currency.

[qak]

Oh just make sure you take smaller $A notes for use on the islands - say max $20 denomination - but aim for lots of $5 notes! Not coins.

[The_Big_M]

As there isn't a lot of trade and travel there (relatively), and our currency is fairly well accepted for tourists there, there isn't a lot of XPF currency traded in AU. As a result, low volume means that it's more costly and harder to get here.

 

Note regarding the ATM plan, that's only on Noumea. On Isle of Pines there is no ATM in the vicinity where you come off the cruise ship, so you won't be able to get it where you land. Best to stock up in Noumea first if that's the plan (and first port in your itinerary).

[Andyinmacksville]

I found the exchange rate much better in Noumea than doing the exchange here, as others have said AUD is accepted most placed as well

 

 

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[By The Bay]

I use the ATM at the Casino supermarket as I also prefer to use the local currency. It is across the road from the drop off point that the shuttle buses from the cruise ship use.

[OzKiwiJJ]

I use the ATM at the Casino supermarket as I also prefer to use the local currency. It is across the road from the drop off point that the shuttle buses from the cruise ship use.

 

We use that ATM as well, very convenient to the shuttle bus drop off.

 

The smaller islands are happy to take AUD but some places in Noumea will only take local currency.

[Meamat]

Thanks for everyone's input!

 

Yes, I realised that many places would take AUD but also knew that some places we want to visit will not. Personally, when I'm able I prefer to use local currency. I feel it's a bit of goodwill when I visit a place to embrace their language, money, culture etc as much as possible. I will definitely take the advice of having some smaller 5 and 10 AUD notes with me as well in case we run out by the time we get to the last stop, though, too!

 

The ATM you've mentioned at Noumea is exactly the one I was thinking to use and it sounds like it's a good value way to do the transactions, thanks for the tips! It's our first stop, so I plan to just make that one stop when we arrive and go from there. Thank you!

[LuckiePuris]

Keep in mind if you're cruising Carnival, they don't offer currency exchange onboard.

[Willow45]

Love your attitude Meamat. Luckily I'm traveling with 4 people so i needed to get more than the $500 exchange but I needed francs and vanatu vat (entertains the kids with foreign money and working out was it good value) and I hopefully have enough of the money and Noumea was our end and point and maybe running close. So good to know.

 

 

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