General Information

Airport

La Tontouta International Airport (NOU) is  located in Païta, around 52 kilometers north of Noumea. The small airport has ATMs, currency exchange, car rental desks, a newsagent, souvenir shops, two bars, and a self-service restaurant. Taxis are outside the baggage claim area and can be more expensive than a shuttle. An hourly bus schedule located outside the Arrivals is running between the airport and Noumea.

Noumea-Magenta Airport (GEA) is New Caledonia’s domestic airport located 1.6 kilometers from downtown Noumea.

Airport Transfer

Airport shuttles are the most economical and safe way for your transfers to and from the airport. La Tontouta Airport is approximately 52-kilometers from Noumea and it is highly advisable to get your transfers from reputable operators.

The New Caledonia Tourism has a recommended airport transfer service for you to consider.

Getting Around

There are car rental companies in Noumea and driving in New Caledonia is on the right-hand side of the road. Driving is another way to explore the city center of New Caledonia. Your license from your own country is an important requirement to be able to legally rent a car and drive.

New Caledonia has two major public transport bus services – Karuïa Bus and RAI. Karuïa Bus is known as the Greater Noumea urban bus service while RAI is the interurban coach service.

For further reference, please refer to the guide from the New Caledonia Tourism here.

Banks

Banks are open Monday to Friday from 7:30AM to 3:45PM except on bank holidays.

Currency

The currency of New Caledonia is the Pacific Franc or the Comptoirs Français du Pacifique (CFP or XPF). 1 US Dollar is approximately 103 CFP.

Currency Exchange or Money Changers

Banks in Noumea mostly have foreign exchange counters in their branches. Major currencies are accepted, including US, Australian, and New Zealand dollars, and euros for currency exchange.

There are 24-hour currency exchange machines outside the following banks (Source: New Caledonia Tourism):

• BNP Paribas or BNP
• Banque Calédonienne d’Investissement or BCI
  • 55 promenade Roger Laroque, Baje des Citrons, Noumea
  • 20 rue Anatole France, Downtown, Noumea
• Bank of New Caledonia or BNC
  • In front of Casino Johnston supermarket, quai Jules Ferry, Noumea

Climate

New Caledonia has a tropical climate. It is hot and humid from November to March with experiences of heavy rain and often hurricanes in January to April. It has a cool and dry period from June to August. The ideal visit to New Caledonia falls under May to September and expect at most 20 degrees Celsius in June/July.

Time

New Caledonia Time (NCT) Zone is 11 hours ahead of GMT (GMT + 11)

Electricity

New Caledonia uses 220 V/50 Hz with plug type C, E, and F for electricity.

Emergency Numbers

Police: 17

Fire/Ambulance: 18

Language

The official language is French and there are 33 different dialects spoken by the Kanak people. French is the mode of language to communicate between tribes. While it is not common to find English speakers outside Noumea, French, English, and Japanese are widely used at hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Communications

New Caledonia’s international dialing code is +687.

There are about 50 branches of the New Caledonia Post and Telecommunications Office (OPT) which offers postal, mobile, landline, and internet telecommunications services. Other options for communications are offered by internet cafes and hotels but at a more expensive cost.

Tourist Information

Tourism New Caledonia: 20 Rue Anatole France, Nouméa-Centre, Place des Cocotiers, Nouméa, New Caledonia Ph: +687-242-080 http://en.visitnewcaledonia.com/

Visa and Customs

Passport holders of some countries do not require a visa for a stay as a tourist and qualifications vary per country. Please check with your local French consular office regarding the information on visas and entries to New Caledonia.

—

These information are gathered as of August 2018. For new updates on the above information, please confirm via respective sources.

Categories: Uncategorized

Welcome to Noumea! About the Host Institutions