TRAVEL
TIPS
| Driving |
U.S
Driving Permit accepted |
| Currency |
(XPF)
Comptoirs Francais Du Pacifique Franc |
| Electrical |
220 Volts |
| Telephones |
Country
Code 687, City Code, Noumea 23+4D, Boulouparis 35+4D, Belep
42+4D |
Currency:
French Pacific Franc (CFPFr). Notes are in denominations of CFPFr10,000,
5000, 1000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of CFPFr100, 50,
20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. New Caledonia is part of the French Monetary
Area. Australian and New Zealand dollars are widely accepted in
shops, hotels and restaurants. The French Pacific Franc is tied
to the Euro. For further details on the Euro, see France section.
Required clothing: Tropical
lightweights, with jackets and sweatshirts for evenings
Telecommunications: IDD is
available. Country code: 687. Outgoing international code: 00.
There is a 24-hour service for international calls. International
calls are bookable at the Post Office (0745-1115 and 1215-1530)
or through hotels. Most hotels have direct dial facilities, but
it is cheaper to make international calls through the operator
(tel: 19). Mobile telephones use GSM network. Roaming agreements
exist (with France and Australia at present). Fax is available
at most hotels and post offices
Transportation: The road
network consists of 5000km (3125 miles) of paved and unpaved roads.
Traffic drives on the right. Petrol costs the same at all petrol
stations. Buses are available throughout the island. There are
regular services in Nouméa which run every 15-30 minutes from
0500-1900. Two new tourist services were introduced in March 2001.
The Green Line travels between Kuendu Beach, the city centre and
other beach resorts. The Blue Line travels to Tjibaou Cultural
Centre. A tourist day pass can be bought for CFPfr600 which allows
the visitor unlimited travel on the buses for one day. Taxi charges
are for time and distance. There is a surcharge after 1900 and
on Sundays. Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, Rentacar, AB Location
and local companies all have representatives in the capital. Bicycles,
motorcycles and motorscooters may also be hired. International
Driving Permit is required. Drivers must be aged 21 or over (in
some cases, 25 or over).
National
holidays:
Jan 1 2002 New Year's Day.
Apr 1 Easter Monday.
May 1 Labour Day.
May 8 1945 Victory Day.
May 9 Ascension Day.
May 20 Whit Monday.
Jun 18 1918 Victory Day.
Jul 14 National Day.
Aug 15 Assumption.
Sep 24 New Caledonia Day.
Nov 1 All Saints' Day.
Nov 11 Armistice Day.
Dec 25 Christmas Day.
