How to Call Vanuatu
Complete guide to dialing Vanuatu (country code +678)
Planning to make a call to the beautiful South Pacific nation of Vanuatu? Whether you're contacting family, friends, or business associates, understanding how to call Vanuatu correctly ensures your connection goes smoothly. Calling Vanuatu from abroad might seem complicated at first, but with the right information, it's straightforward and hassle-free. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about calling Vanuatu, including step-by-step dialing instructions, country and area codes, and cost-saving tips. We'll also highlight common mistakes people make when placing international calls and share important phone etiquette to observe when connecting with locals. Plus, you'll find a helpful list of essential Vanuatu phone numbers for emergencies, services, and government offices. Let's get you connected to Vanuatu with confidence.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
International Dialing Format to Vanuatu
To call Vanuatu from abroad, you need to understand the proper dialing sequence. Vanuatu uses country code +678 and does not require area codes, making it relatively straightforward to dial.
Basic Dialing Structure
The international format follows this pattern:
Exit Code + 678 + Local Number
Vanuatu phone numbers typically contain 5-7 digits. Importantly, Vanuatu numbers do not use a leading zero, so you simply dial the country code followed by the local number directly.
Dialing from Different Countries
From the USA or Canada:
- Dial 011 (exit code)
- Dial 678 (Vanuatu country code)
- Dial the local number
Example: To call 23456 in Port Vila, dial 011-678-23456
From the UK:
- Dial 00 (exit code)
- Dial 678 (country code)
- Dial the local number
Example: To call 27890 in Port Vila, dial 00-678-27890
From Australia:
- Dial 0011 (exit code)
- Dial 678 (country code)
- Dial the local number
Example: To call mobile number 5912345, dial 0011-678-5912345
Specific Number Examples
Example 1 - Landline in Port Vila from USA:
To call landline 22123, dial: 011-678-22123
Example 2 - Mobile number from UK:
To call mobile 7712345, dial: 00-678-7712345
Example 3 - Business number from anywhere:
Using the international prefix (+), dial: +678-26789
Important Tips
Mobile phones typically start with digits 5, 7, or 9, while landlines in Port Vila commonly begin with 2. When saving Vanuatu contacts, use the international format (+678-XXXXX) for seamless dialing worldwide. Remember that Vanuatu operates on VUT timezone (UTC+11), so consider appropriate calling hours when placing international calls.
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Common Mistakes
When calling Vanuatu, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
1. Forgetting to drop the leading zero
If a Vanuatu number starts with 0 domestically, remove it when dialing internationally. For example, if the local number is 023456, dial +678 23456, not +678 023456.
2. Using the wrong exit code
Many callers forget their own country's exit code. Instead of +, dial 00 from most European countries, 011 from the US/Canada, or 0011 from Australia before 678.
3. Confusing the country code with an area code
Vanuatu doesn't use area codes. The country code +678 is followed directly by the local number (typically 5-7 digits). Don't add extra digits between them.
4. Including unnecessary spaces or symbols
While spaces help readability (e.g., +678 12345), don't include dashes, brackets, or irregular spacing when actually dialing, as some phone systems reject them.
5. Not accounting for the time difference
Vanuatu is UTC+11, so verify the local time before calling to avoid disturbing recipients during sleeping hours.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Vanuatu, understanding local customs will help you communicate more effectively. The ni-Vanuatu people value warm, personal connections, which extends to telephone conversations.
Always begin calls with a friendly greeting, asking "How are you?" or "Yu oraet?" in Bislama before discussing your main purpose. This small talk is important and shouldn't be rushed. Taking time to inquire about family and well-being shows respect and builds rapport.
For business calls, maintain a polite but friendly tone rather than being overly formal. Vanuatu's culture blends professional standards with the relaxed Pacific Island approach. Personal calls are typically even more casual and may be lengthy, as conversations naturally flow beyond the initial topic.
The best time to call is during business hours, typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. Avoid calling during lunch hours (noon to 1:00 PM) or late evenings unless it's urgent or you have a close relationship with the person.
Voice messages should be clear and include your name and reason for calling. However, many ni-Vanuatu prefer direct conversation, so expect callback attempts rather than extended voice message exchanges.
Important cultural considerations include being patient with potential connection issues, as network coverage can be inconsistent in some areas. Also, remember that family obligations take precedence, so understand if someone needs to end a call suddenly to attend to family matters.
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Emergency Numbers
Police: 112 or 22222
Fire Department: 112 or 22333
Ambulance: 112 or 22100
Maritime Rescue: 112
The universal emergency number 112 connects to all emergency services in Vanuatu and is free to call from any phone, including mobiles. This number works throughout the country and provides access to police, fire, ambulance, and maritime rescue services.
Alternative direct lines are available in Port Vila, but 112 is recommended as the primary emergency contact. English and Bislama-speaking operators are available. Services operate 24/7, though response times may vary depending on your location, particularly in outer islands where infrastructure is limited.
For non-emergency police matters in Port Vila, contact 22222. Save these numbers in your phone before traveling to remote areas where network coverage may be inconsistent.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- Directory Assistance: 190 – Local number inquiries
- International Directory: 192 – Overseas number information
International Services
- International Operator: 191 – Assistance with overseas calls
Tourism & Travel
- Vanuatu Tourism Office: +678 22515 – Travel information and guidance
- Air Vanuatu: +678 23848 – Flight bookings and inquiries
Diplomatic Services
- Australian High Commission: +678 22777
- New Zealand High Commission: +678 22933
- French Embassy: +678 22353
Other Useful Services
- Telecom Vanuatu Customer Service: 111 – Phone and internet issues
- Port Vila Municipal Council: +678 22418 – Local government services
- Vanuatu Meteorology: +678 22500 – Weather forecasts and cyclone warnings
Keep these numbers handy for non-emergency situations requiring assistance or information during your stay.
Tips for Calling Vanuatu
When calling Vanuatu (UTC+11), timing is crucial for successful connections. The best times to call from North America are evening hours, which align with Vanuatu's morning business hours. From Europe, early morning calls work well, catching Vanuatu's afternoon.
Business hours typically run Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM local time, with many offices closing for lunch between noon and 1:00 PM. Always schedule business calls in advance, as this demonstrates professionalism and ensures availability. Email confirmation is recommended given the time zone differences.
Avoid calling during major holidays including Independence Day (July 30), Constitution Day (October 5), and Unity Day (November 29). Christmas through New Year's is also a quiet period for business.
For clearer communication, speak slowly and distinctly, as English and French are official languages but Bislama is most commonly spoken. Mobile networks can be unreliable in rural areas, so suggest landline alternatives when possible. Off-peak calling times (evenings and weekends) often offer better rates if using international calling cards, though business matters should respect standard working hours for professional courtesy.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Vanuatu is +678. You'll need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Vanuatu from anywhere in the world.
To dial Vanuatu from your cell phone, first dial your country's international exit code (usually + or 011), then 678 (Vanuatu's country code), followed by the local 5 or 7-digit phone number. For example: +678-XXXXX.
Vanuatu phone numbers do not use a leading zero, so there's nothing to drop. Simply dial +678 followed by the local number, which is typically 5 to 7 digits long.
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In Vanuatu, dial 112 for general emergencies. For police, call 22222, for fire services call 22333, and for ambulance services call 22100. These numbers can be dialed from any phone within Vanuatu.
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