- There is no tipping. Wait staff don’t work for tips; they get paid regular wages.
- Ni-Vanuatu are always happy to welcome visitors, therefore a foreigner is considered an honored guest. This honor provides him/her with some special privileges. For example, as a woman, you may not be allowed in the village nakamals (kava bars), as these are considered “for men only.” However, as a foreigner, you will usually be considered an honored guest and therefore welcomed into a village’s nakamal by invitation of one of the village chiefs.
- As with most cultures, it is advised that visitors at least try local foods. It is okay if you don’t like the food, but you may be accused of not liking all “island kakai” (island food).
- If you are a meat-eater, one dish to add to your must-try list is tuluk (pronounced “toolook”). It is a twist on the lap lap dish with beef in the center. If you are a vegetarian, try the cimboro (pronounced “simboro”), thin lap lap wrapped in island cabbage. Also, you will never tire of the many varieties of tropical fruits; in , papaya is called “popo” and the grapefruit is called “pomplemouse,” which is very sweet as opposed to the more common sour varieties.
- Malaria medication is a must. If you will be in for longer than a few days or weeks, make sure to take some sort of malaria medication. This illness is fairly prevalent in and though it may only be deadly in rare occasions, it can certainly keep you out of commission if caught. Check with your doctor for the appropriate medication when traveling to for any length of time.
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