Trying to plan ahead so any know if card payments are common at hostels in Vanuatu or cash is king?
Best approach for Vanuatu: bring both payment methods. Use Visa/Mastercard at places like Treetops Lodge or in Port Vila shops-but have Vatu in cash for Rainbow Lodge, markets, or taxis. If you want low fees, travel cards like Wise help with mid-market rates and ATM withdrawals. Cards are handy, but cash covers the bases.
In Port Vila I paid easily via Visa at Treetops. Later, when I went trekking and stayed at Rainbow Lodge, they said ‘cash only please’. I hit an ANZ ATM for Vatu, then used that for local dining and market buys. Card works in mid to upper-tier hostels, but cash is still king for the rest of Vanuatu.
I stayed at Treetops Lodge, and paying with my Mastercard was effortless-super convenient. But then I checked into Vanuatu Rainbow Lodge, and they only did cash. Markets, taxis, and small cafés also lean on cash. My smart combo was card for reliable lodgings, plus a stash of VUV for local spots.
In Port Vila hostels like Treetops Lodge (Pango), they accept cash and credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro)-so card payments are possible. That said, Vanuatu often favors cash-especially in local guesthouses, markets, or Rainbow Lodge, which is strictly cash-only. Always carry some Vatu or have a travel card for flexibility.