Expat Community

Expat Community in Vanuatu

Vanuatu has a small, tight-knit expat community concentrated in Port Vila. The local Ni-Vanuatu people are famously welcoming, and the relaxed island pace makes integration easier than many destinations.

Expat Demographics

Primary expat groups:

• Australians (largest group, ~4,000)
• New Zealanders (significant presence)
• French (historical colonial ties, ~2,000)
• Other Pacific Islanders
• Growing number of CBI citizens from various countries
• Small numbers from UK, US, and Europe

Total foreign population: Approximately 10,000-15,000 in a country of 320,000

Where Expats Live

Port Vila:

• Largest expat concentration
• Best infrastructure and amenities
• International schools
• Expat-friendly restaurants and social venues
• Nambatu and Tassiriki areas popular

Luganville (Santo):

• Smaller expat community
• More affordable
• Popular with diving enthusiasts
• More remote feel

Outer Islands:

• Very few expats
• Requires genuine integration
• Limited amenities
• For the truly adventurous

Local Culture: Kastom

The Ni-Vanuatu concept of "kastom" (custom) shapes daily life:

What kastom means:

• Community over individualism
• Shared responsibility
• Traditional ceremonies and respect for elders
• Land and village connections
• Hospitality to visitors

For expats:

• Locals are genuinely welcoming
• Community events open to participation
• Slower pace is cultural, not inefficiency
• Relationships matter more than transactions
• Patience and respect go far

Finding Your Community

Social venues in Port Vila:

• Yacht clubs
• Diving clubs
• Sports clubs (rugby, cricket)
• Churches (various denominations)
• Restaurants and bars frequented by expats

Online communities:

• Facebook: "Expats in Vanuatu", "Port Vila Expats"
• Various CBI investor groups
• Country-specific groups (Aussies in Vanuatu, etc.)

Events:

• Expat social nights
• Cultural festivals
• Sporting events
• Business networking (Port Vila Chamber of Commerce)

Making Connections

Tips for integration:

1. Learn some Bislama - The local pidgin. Even basics ("tankyu tumas" - thank you very much) appreciated
2. Attend community events - Village celebrations, markets, festivals
3. Don't isolate - Small community means everyone knows everyone
4. Be patient - Island time is real; rushing offends
5. Give back - Volunteering connects you with locals and expats
6. Embrace simplicity - Coming with Western expectations frustrates

Business and Professional Networking

• Port Vila Chamber of Commerce
• Australian/NZ Business Associations
• Informal business lunches common
• Many expats are entrepreneurs or retirees
• Smaller professional scene than major cities

For Families

International schools:

• Port Vila International School
• Lycée Français (French curriculum)
• Limited options beyond these

Family activities:

• Beaches and swimming
• Island exploration
• Diving and snorkeling
• Nature activities
• Small but active kids' activity scene

Social Considerations

What expats often appreciate:

• Genuine friendliness of locals
• Lack of pretension
• Simple pleasures valued
• Strong sense of community
• Beautiful environment for gathering

What can be challenging:

• Small community = limited social options
• Everyone knows your business
• Cultural differences take adjustment
• Slow pace frustrates some
• Miss urban variety and anonymity

The "Happy Planet" Factor

Vanuatu has repeatedly ranked #1 on the Happy Planet Index. The Ni-Vanuatu have a remarkably positive outlook:

• Strong family and community bonds
• Living in natural beauty
• Lower material expectations
• Celebration of life's simple pleasures
• Genuine contentment

Many expats find this infectious - the stress of Western life fades in favor of meaningful connections and simple joys.