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Social Profile
Food & Drink: There are many restaurants in the main tourist areas. Seafood features strongly on hotel and restaurant menus in Port-Vila and the main towns. The numerous ethnic backgrounds of the inhabitants of Vanuatu are reflected in different styles of cooking. Chinese and French influences are the strongest. Food is generally excellent everywhere. French cheese, pâtés, bread, cognac and wine are available in Port-Vila’s two major shops. Local fruit is excellent.
Nightlife: Port-Vila has several nightclubs with music and dancing. There is also a cinema. Evening cruises are organised with wine, snacks and island music. Traditional music and dancing take place at various island festivities to which visitors are welcome, and some hotels put on evening entertainment and dancing. Details are available from the National Tourism Office of Vanuatu (see Contact Addresses section).
Shopping: Special purchases include grass skirts from Futuna and Tanna, baskets and mats from Futuna and Pentecost, carved forms and masks from Ambrym and Malekula, woodwork from Tongoa and Santo, and pig tusks and necklaces made of shells or colourful seeds from villages near Port Vila. Duty-free shops sell a selection of luxury items. Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0700-2000. Chinese stores open Sunday mornings from 0800 and in the evenings. Most shops close from 1130-1330 (except restaurants, banks, supermarkets and the Post Office). The market in the town centre is open every day (except Sunday) for flowers, fruit, vegetables and handicrafts.
Special Events: The ritual of Naghol on Pentecost Island (see Resorts & Excursions section) takes place during April and May. Visitors are also welcome at the traditional ceremonies on Tanna Island, where the foot-pounding Toka dance is performed. Other major celebrations are held on Oct 5 Constitution Day. For a list of special events, contact the National Tourism Office of Vanuata (see Contact Addresses section).
Social Conventions: Informal wear is suitable for most occasions. Some establishments appreciate men wearing long trousers in the evenings. Life goes at its own pace and while modern influences can be seen in the main centres, in the hill villages and outlying islands, age-old customs continue. Tipping: Not expected or encouraged, as it goes against local tradition.
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