In Nouméa, boutiques sell fashionable French clothes, mainly casual but sometimes
haute couture. Other purchases include luxury French goods such as perfume, jewelry and footwear, and silk scarves, sandals and handbags from France and Italy can also be found. Duty free items are also sold. Local items include curios made of shells, coral, woodcarving, ceramics, hand-painted materials and aloha shirts.
Shopping hours Mon-Fri 0730-1100 and 1400-1800, Sat 0730-1100.
Currency Information:CurrencyFrench Pacific Franc
(XPF). Notes are in denominations of XPF10,000, 5,000, 1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of XPF100, 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.
Currency ExchangeExchange facilities are available at the airport and at main branches of banks, but may charge a steep commission.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsAmerican Express and Visa are widely accepted; Diners Club and MasterCard have more limited use. ATMs are available in Nouméa, but sometimes have a maximum weekly withdrawal limit.
Traveller's ChequesTo avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Euros. There is, however, a charge for each transaction.
Banking HoursMon-Fri 0730-1545.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Apr 07 |
| £1.00= | XPF176.55 |
| $1.00= | XPF89.28 |
| €1.00= | XPF119.33 |
Next Page »
