Is New Caledonia safe to visit?

Generally speaking, New Caledonia is a very safe tourist destination. However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take a few precautions. You should avoid driving at night, particularly in the bush (outside the Greater Nouméa area).

Do New Caledonia speak French?

French

Why do they speak French in New Caledonia?

The languages present at the time of colonization This language allowed them to communicate with shopkeepers or with the other Melanesian populations. Those native languages have been favoured by some of the missionaries to evangelize the population, the Catholic missionaries preferred the usage of French.

Is New Caledonia in French Polynesia?

Situated in the heart of the Pacific, the New Caledonia is not technically a country, but is instead recognised as a French overseas territory. Along with New Caledonia, there are a variety of other different French overseas territories located around the world, including French Polynesia and Wallis and Futuna.

Does New Caledonia speak English?

What is the national language? French is the official language of New Caledonia however, most locals involved in the tourism industry speak English.

Is New Caledonia expensive to visit?

As one of the most lovely Polynesian islands, New Caledonia has a reputation for being an expensive tourist destination. It’s actually much easier to plan an inexpensive quality holiday in Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia, than in many other parts of the Pacific.

What money do they use in New Caledonia?

CFP franc

Do you need visa to go to New Caledonia?

You need a passport valid for six months beyond the duration of your stay in New Caledonia. Some travelers may be asked to show proof of medical insurance. For longer stays, you must apply for a visa at the nearest French embassy or consulate well beforehand, as the processing time can be quite long.

What is the religion in New Caledonia?

Although, like most indigenous peoples, the cultural traditions of the Kanak people were inspired by animistic beliefs, Christianity is now their predominant faith. The majority of New Caledonians are Catholics but both the Protestant and Pentecostal churches are well established locally.

What is New Caledonia known for?

New Caledonia is one of the South Pacific’s most compelling island destinations. It has sun-kissed beaches, lush rainforest, and incredible diving, together with the finest French cuisine outside of France – and that’s before you even leave the main island of Grand Terre.

Can I live in New Caledonia?

European citizens can stay in New Caledonia as long as they wish without needing a visa or a permit (this is a French overseas territory). European citizens will need to get a work permit if you do intend to work. Please see our New Caledonia country page to see your options for New Caledonia immigration.

Are New Caledonians French citizens?

New Caledonians are French and European citizens with the right to live anywhere in France. They are entitled to vote in territorial and French national elections.

When should I go to New Caledonia?

Best Time to Visit New Caledonia for Good Weather: May to October. Best Time for Sightseeing: May, June, September, and October. Best Time for Honeymoons: May, June, September, and October. Best Time for Diving & Snorkeling: June to October.

How much is a cup of coffee in New Caledonia?

Coffee: 350 XPF/€2.95.

What is the hottest month in New Caledonia?

February

How long is the flight to New Caledonia?

How long is the flight to New Caledonia? An average direct flight from Australia to New Caledonia takes 11h 44m, covering a distance of 2403 km. The most popular route is Perth – Noumea with an average flight time of 14h 25m.

Can you fly from Australia to New Caledonia?

Several airlines, including New Caledonia’s own Aircalin, Qantas, Air New Zealand and Air Vanuatu operate frequent New Caledonia flights departing from Australia (Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney) and New Zealand (Auckland).

What is the climate like in New Caledonia?

New Caledonia has a beautiful semi-tropical climate. The weather is consistent all year round, despite distinct warmer and cooler months. Temperatures average 24°C, dropping to 20-22°C in the cooler months (June/July/August) and rising up to 28° in the warmer months (December/January/February/March).

How far is New Caledonia from Australia?

approximately 3158 km

How long is the flight from Sydney to New Caledonia?

2 hours 45 minutes

How do you get to New Caledonia from Australia?

Cheap flights to New Caledonia’s Noumea-La Tontouta International Airport (NOU) will place you about 40 minutes’ drive north of Noumea, the capital, and the best airlines to fly to New Caledonia from Australia direct are Aircalin and Qantas.

Where is Noumea from Australia?

New Caledonia is the Australian east coast’s closest neighbour – it’s just a three-hour flight from Sydney to the capital, Noumea.

Can you use Australian dollars in New Caledonia?

Currency. The official currency of New Caledonia is the Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs, or CFP franc. US dollars, the euro and Australian and New Zealand dollars may be accepted but the exchange rate is usually less favorable that by using the local currency.

Do Australian citizens need a visa for New Caledonia?

New Caledonia tourist visa is not required for citizens of Australia for a stay up to 30 days.

Is New Caledonia a poor country?

Although New Caledonia ranks among the 20 wealthiest countries in the world, poverty in New Caledonia still weighs heavily on the Kanak people.

What country owns New Caledonia?

New Caledonia (/ˌkælɪˈdoʊniə/; French: Nouvelle-Calédonie) is a special collectivity of France in the southwest Pacific Ocean, south of Vanuatu, about 1,210 km (750 mi) east of Australia and 17,000 km (11,000 mi) from Metropolitan France.

What is the major source of income in New Caledonia?

Today, New Caledonia’s economy is driven by three key sectors: the mining industry – nickel (around 20% of GDP), magnesium, iron, cobalt, chromium and manganese, fiscal transfers from France (around 15% of GDP), and tourism.

Can foreigners buy property in New Caledonia?

New Caledonia’s pro-independence parties want to ban foreigners from buying real estate. A law has been proposed to restrict the sale of existing property to New Caledonian citizens. New Caledonian citizenship would be conferred to indigenous Kanaks and people who had been residents since 1994.