Social ConventionsThere is a casual atmosphere, and local traditions still prevail alongside European customs. Casual wear is the norm, but smart restaurants require a more formal style of dress. Long trousers are required for men at night in restaurants and casinos.
International Travel:Getting There by AirThe national airline is
Aircalin (Air Calédonie International) (SB).
Air PassesOceania Pass: available in Economy class on the
Aircalin network within the Southwest Pacific, but is limited to non-residents,
and must be purchased prior to departure (for details and conditions, see website:
www.aircalin.nc).
Departure TaxNone.
Main AirportsNouméa (NOU) (La Tontouta) is 50km (31 miles) from the city (journey time – 45 minutes).
To/from the airport: Taxi and coach services are available to the city. It is advisable to book transfers before arrival in New Caledonia.
Facilities: Post office, bureau de change, duty-free shops (available for scheduled flights), bar, restaurant and car hire.
Getting There by WaterInternational port is
Nouméa, served by
shipping lines including
CTC,
P&O and
Princess Cruises.
OverviewThe following goods may be imported into New Caledonia without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 250g of tobacco; 2l of wine plus 1l of spirits and liquors not exceeding 22 per cent alcohol content, or 2l of spirits and liquors with 22 per cent alcohol content or less; 50ml of perfume or 250ml of eau-de-toilette; 500g of coffee or 200g of coffee essence; 100g of tea or 50g of tea essence; other goods up to a value of XPF30,000 per passenger aged 15 years and older, and XPF15,000 for those aged under 15 years.
Those importing duty free alcohol and tobacco must be aged 18 years and older. If taking personal and everyday goods, such as cameras, tape recorders and radios, it is advised to carry documents providing legal justification of ownership.
Plants, flowers, seeds and earth (except on import permit); meat and other animal products (except with prescribed sanitary certificate).
Internal Travel:Getting Around By AirDomestic flights are run by
Air Calédonie (TY) (website:
www.air-caledonie.nc), maintaining regular services from Nouméa to airfields on the island, and the other smaller islands. The principal local airport is
Magenta Airport, 6km (4 miles) from Nouméa city center. From here,
Air Calédonie operates regular flights to Touho (east coast), Koné, Koumac, Belep (west coast), and to the neighboring Ile des Pins and the Loyalty Islands: Maré, Ouvéa, Lifou and Tiga. The airport has been extended in order to increase capacity. Light aircraft and helicopters are available from
Air Alizé,
Aviazur,
Helicocean and
Helitourisme.
Getting Around by WaterAn inter-island, high-speed catamaran ‘Betico’ runs regularly to Ile des Pins and Loyalty Islands from Grande Terre; for further details, contact
Armement Loyaltien, Quai des Caboteurs, Center Ville, BP 2217-98845, Nouméa Cedex (tel: 260 100; fax: 289 897). Boats can be hired or chartered to visit smaller islands.
Getting Around by RoadThe road network consists of 5000km (3125 miles) of paved and unpaved roads. Traffic drives on the right. Petrol costs the same at all petrol stations.
Bus: Buses are available throughout the island. There are regular services in Nouméa which run every 15 to 30 minutes from 0500-1900. The Green Line travels between Kuendu Beach, the city center and other beach resorts. The Blue Line travels to Tjibaou Cultural Center. A tourist day pass can be bought for XPF650, which allows the visitor unlimited travel on the buses for one day.
Taxi: Charges are for time and distance. There is a surcharge after 1900 and on Sundays. International and local companies all have representatives in the capital.
Bicycle hire: Bicycles, motorcycles and motorscooters may also be hired.
Documentation: International Driving Permit is required. Drivers must be aged 21 or over (in some cases, 25 or over).
Journey TimesFrom Nouméa to
Ile des Pins is 25 minutes; to
Lifou is 40 minutes; to
Maré is 40 minutes; to
Ouvéa is 40 minutes; to
Tiga is one hour 25 minutes (including stopover); to
Koné is 45 minutes; to
Touho is 45 minutes; to
Koumac is one hour five minutes and to
Belep is one hour 45 minutes (including stopover).
The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from
Nouméa to other major localities/villages in New Caledonia.
| | Air | Road |
| Bourail | - | 2.10 |
| Hienghene | - | 5.10 |
| Koné | 0.45 | 3.30 |
| Poindimie | - | 4.10 |
| Thio | - | 2.00 |
| Tontouta | - | 0.45 |
| Touhó | 0.45 | 4.40 |
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