(Last updated: 4 Aug 2011)

Visas

No visa is required for Australian citizens staying less than three months in New Caledonia and not carrying out work duties. Business visas/work permit applications should be lodged at a French Consulate in Australia.

For further information please contact the local Department of Immigration or the French Consulate in Australia.

DIRAG
17 Avenue Paul Doumer, Noumea
BP C5 98848 Noumea Cedex
Tel: +687 266 516
Fax: +687 241 843
Email: dirag@nouvelle-caledonie.gouv.fr

Fench Consulate
Level 26, St Martins Tower
31 Market St
Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: +61 2 9268 2400
Fax: +61 2 9268 2431

Climate

New Caledonia has the same seasons as in Australia. January to March is the rainy season when cyclones are most likely to occur, with temperatures ranging from 28°C to 35°C. July to August is the winter period, with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 24°C.

For weather details in New Caledonia, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Airports

The international gateway is Tontouta airport (52km north of Noumea). There are regular connections from Australia (one daily flight to Sydney and three to Brisbane per week) operated by Qantas and Air Calédonie International (local airline).

Return taxi fare to Noumea is around A$230. Austrade can assist in booking a shuttle or hotel shuttle bus. Hotel shuttle buses meet all flights and cost around A$75 return (cheaper but longer transport time), as well as private cars (about A$100 return). Airport-city transfers should be included when booking ticket if possible, together with accommodation. There is no departure tax.

Ground transport

Taxis are readily available at ranks, but they may be ordered by phone. Fares are metered, and there is no bargaining. There is also a public bus system, which is safe to travel on buses, but not reliable for appointments.

Vehicles are left hand drive, and drive on the right hand side of the road. Hire cars are readily available (international licence is preferred, but Australian licences are accepted).

Hotels

Hotel rates vary from $A150 to $350, but regular business travellers may negotiate according to the frequency of their stays.

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to New Caledonia. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

Health

Vaccination certificates are not required, unless you are coming from an infected area.

Medical services are good if required with one public hospital staffed by French doctors and three private clinics. Doctors and dentists are readily available.

Tipping

There is no tipping in New Caledonia.

Time zones and time differences

There is only one time zone. New Caledonia is one hour ahead of Australian Eastern Standard Time.

To find out the current time in Noumea, view the World Clock.

Dialling codes

New Caledonia's country code is 687.

For calls to New Caledonia from Australia dial: 0011 + 687 + area code + telephone number.

For calls from New Caledonia to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.

Business hours

Business hours are normally from 7.30am to 11.30am and 1.30pm to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Banks are open between 8.30am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday. Banks have branches throughout the territory. Most credit cards are accepted (Visa, Mastercard, Eurocard, American Express not always).

Public holidays

January 1 – New Year's Day
May 1 – French Labour Day
July 14 – Bastille Day
August 15 – Assumption Day
September 24 – New Caledonia Day
November 1 – All Saints’ Day
November 11 – Armistice Day
December 25/26 – Christmas

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The currency is the Pacific Franc (XPF or CFP), and it is fixed to the Euro. Australian currency can be easily exchanged at banks and hotels.

Electricity and water

New Caledonia’s power supply is 220/240 volts, 60Hz 1, 3 phases, 2, 3, 4 wires. The two-pin plugs are the most common.