Further details will be added later. Meanwhile see the Vanuatu Tourism Office website. Most countries that conference delegates are likely to come from (Pacific countries, Commonwealth countries, European Union, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand for instance) do not need short-term visas
for Vanuatu but only onward or return tickets, but check your visa status at the Vanuatu Immigration Website.
Delegates from Indonesia and Timor-Leste will require visas.

Official languages. While Vanuatu is the most diverse country linguistically per head of population in the world, anyone you are likely to meet will speak Bislama (a Melanesian pidgin language) and all education in the country is in English and/or French. The indigenous people are referred to as Ni-Vanuatu.

Currency and Banking. The official currency is the vatu (current value of 100 vatu is about the same as the US Dollar). There are ATMs around town administered by ANZ Bank, Westpac, Bred Bank and the National Bank of Vanuatu which will dispense cash from credit cards - but be warned ANZ Bank charges 700 vatu per ATM transaction and Westpac 490 vatu. There are foreign exchange offices in town with competitive rates for
cash. VISA and American Express cards are accepted in many businesses around town.

Water supply and electricity. The tap water within the Port Vila town area is safe to drink. Electric sockets are generally of Australian type, although there are still some old French-style sockets in some buildings, so you might consider bringing an adaptor. All power is 220 volts, so American equipment will need power and plug adapters.

Transport around town. Minibus transport within the town area is ubiquitous and routes/destinations are negotiable when you board. The cost of a bus fare is 150 vatu. There are also taxis available but the fare must be negotiated before getting in to avoid sharp practice.

Security. Port Vila remains the safest of the Melanesian capitals by far and as befits a country twice judged "the happiest country in the world", people are generally very friendly and helpful. However, like any urban area with high youth unemployment, there are growing security problems and walking around late at night on your own is not advised; and if you are sampling the nightclub life of the capital make sure you go (and leave) in a group. Petty theft is on the rise and so keep good care of your valuables and take advice from your hotelier on keeping your valuables safe in the hotel. Like anywhere, be sensible about your personal security and you will have a wonderful time.

Kava. Kava is the national natural drink, non-alcoholic but somewhat stupefying, and is a must-try while in Vanuatu. It is sculled down in one go - people definitely go for the effect not the taste. It is drunk on a daily basis as the sun goes down by much of the male population, and now by an increasing number of women as well. It will be available to sample at the various receptions organized as part of the conference. The kava bars, called nakamals, are generally very safe and welcoming, as long as you remember to talk very softly as loud noise disturbs other kava drinkers as does flash-photography. Take advice on what are the best nakamals from local residents.