No matter whether you are an underwater diving enthusiast or nature explorer, adventure junkie or planning to renew your marital vows on a cruise, for a budget holiday New Caledonia will never fail you. The lagoon of Caledonia being the UNESCO World Heritage Site with numerous coral and marine life lurking within will definitely be on your list, so will the Isle Of Pines for the distinct Cook Pines. Apart from being a biodiversity hotspot, Caledonian culture with Kanak community as well as Asian and European inhabitants and migrants from islands of Wallis, Tahiti, Reunion and Futuna make it an ethnic diversity hotspot too.
When you are travelling on a budget, one of the main concerns is booking hotels. Learn more about the best hotels in New Caledonia. Besides, access to healthcare, internet connection, currency exchange centers, eateries will also be your concern.
Let’s check out everything you should know before planning your budget holiday to New Caledonia –
Change Into Local Currency
As Pacific Franc or XPF or CFP is the standard currency in all over New Caledonia, it is better to exchange it with Euros with the fixed rate that is currently 119.3317 XPF for 1 Euro. If you change from other currencies like Sterling or Dollar, there will be applied international exchange rates. Traveler’s cheques are not accepted here but you can get your change from the currency exchange machines set up by the banks like BNC, BCI and BNP. You can either withdraw cash from Bank Of France or other branch ATMs after arrival or from the BCI For-ex office. Although MasterCard, VISA and American Express Card are accepted in the stores, they are not applicable for cash withdrawal from ATMs.
Check The Internet Access Fees
Both mobile and landline or public telephone booths allows you to use the prepaid IZI card which lets you to pay per call. Various retail outlets and OPT branches offer these cards which can be a great save on your budget rather than paying for ISD calls. You can get Liberte Card from the same outlets which will let you access the 3G internet connection –it would cost around 3000 XPF for voice call credits. Various internet packages are available at 1-hour, 4-hours and 24-hours basis, choose yours accordingly.
Cut Down Medical Bills
In order to cut down the additional medical bills, you need to take a few precautions –
- Carry mosquito repellent spray
- Avoid cooking any lagoon fish you buy from the market as being affected with ciguatera is common
- Wear proper water shoes to avoid bites, stings and cuts from sea snakes, corals, shellfish, lionfish and stonefish. It is better to keep safe distance from them while snorkeling.
Consumption And Accommodation Costs
Although the thriving local agricultural and industrial sector shows no n significant inflation in the rates of daily commodities, as most goods are imported, it is better to stick with the fish, shellfish, meat, fuel, Asian food products and the locally grown vegetables and fruits as their prices are cheaper than the major cities.
As for accommodation, living in Noumea or the capital city will cost more than staying in the countryside bush or tribal villages. While the accessibility of general commodities will be better while staying in the main town, living among the tribes will offer you the perfect essence of living in the country.
Spend Wisely On Food And Drink
While travelling to New Caledonia, spending a bit on the artisan French champagnes and wines will never be a wrong choice in your budget travel. Check out Maison Ballande for their collection of Fauchon, Bollinger and Comtesse du Barry which are offered as samples with Lobsters and other delicacies. Golden Caboose, Workshop of Morand and Uncle Jules are some of the prominent chocolate factories you should check out to buy homemade chocolates at cheaper cost. Don’t miss out to Foie Gras or Caviar offered at the local shops or restaurants.
Additional Guidance On Budget Traveling In New Caledonia
Apart from saving some bucks on food and accommodation while paying with Pacific Francs, you should also consider the following for your budget travelling –
For shopping, Noumea is the best option and you can start from Town Center to go easy on your pocket. Once you have got the general idea of the cost of the goods, you can visit the Lemon Bay, Anse Vata Bay and Plaisance Mall to choose the cheapest option
In order to avoid paying penalties for violating the tribal laws and decorum, always plan your visit by taking permission from the tribal representative so that you not only get discounts on staying among them or dining with them, but also develop a cordial relationship with them. Also, keep your distance from sacred or prohibited site unless you are granted permission by the tribal authority.
Keep your tour simple –you cannot explore all the coasts, islands and main town in one trip. Hence, determine what interests you the most by researching about the places beforehand and plan accordingly.
Don’t engage your whole day with activities like swimming, snorkeling, horseback riding etc. If you take up an activity or two in the daytime, leave the night time free so that you can relax and save your fund. If you spend the daytime relaxing on the beaches, the night can be spent exploring the nightclubs, restaurants and other attractions.
If you are short on funds, it is better to stay in Loyalty Islands or Isle Of Pines where the accommodation rate is low.
Book your buses and rented cars beforehand so that you don’t have to bear the extra cost of booking at rush hours after reaching Noumea.
With all the above discussed topics in mind, you can make your budget holiday memorable with activities, popular attractions and mingling with local inhabitants without burning your pocket. The five regions of New Caledonia have five distinct landscape, lifestyle and biodiversity –travel according to your preference.
