For meals, transport, tips - whats the safe amount to carry in New Caledonia ? Trying to plan a daily budget for a month long trip
What I learned: Book hotels early to avoid high prices. Buses cover main routes but travel slow. Budget for at least 12,000 XPF daily to cover modest meals, transport, and entry fees to sights. Carry local francs as some ATMs charge fees. Tipping isn’t standard but appreciated in tourist spots.
Travelers say New Caledonia needs careful budgeting. Meals at snack bars or small cafes usually cost 1,200-1,800 XPF. Using public buses saves money, though they run on limited schedules. For more convenience, renting a car is the way to go but expect to pay at least 7,000 XPF daily plus gas.
If you’re planning a month here, carrying about 15,000 XPF ($140) daily works well. Food costs are high, especially in Noumea. Reserve meals in advance as many spots require it. Transport includes buses and occasional car rentals, which cost more. Domestic flights between islands add to budget but save time.
New Caledonia is more expensive than many Pacific islands. Expect to spend around 12,000-15,000 XPF ($110-$140) daily including meals and transport. Buses operated by Carsud are budget-friendly but check schedules-they can be irregular. Shared taxis (taxi-brousse) are social and cheap if you’re flexible. For meals, local snacks cost about 1,000-1,500 XPF each. Hostels like Auberge du Mont Koghi cost around 3,000-5,000 XPF per night.