VUVVanuatu VatuVanuatu Vatu (VUV)
The Vanuatu vatu is Vanuatu's official currency and the unit used for domestic prices, payments and public accounts. The Reserve Bank of Vanuatu is responsible for the currency issue and monetary framework. VUV is the ISO code used in international exchange-rate systems, while VT is a local shorthand. The vatu has no separate minor unit in the modern currency system, so ordinary amounts are expressed as whole vatu. The country name is important because vatu is a distinctive Pacific currency name that should not be reduced to an unlabeled symbol.
- ISO code
- VUV
- Symbol
- VT
- Region
- Oceania
- Currency type
- Fiat currency
- Exchange system
- Market-based exchange-rate framework
- Last reviewed
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Quick facts
VUV at a glance
Currency profile
How VUV works
The Vanuatu vatu is Vanuatu's official currency and the unit used for domestic prices, payments and public accounts. The Reserve Bank of Vanuatu is responsible for the currency issue and monetary framework. VUV is the ISO code used in international exchange-rate systems, while VT is a local shorthand. The vatu has no separate minor unit in the modern currency system, so ordinary amounts are expressed as whole vatu. The country name is important because vatu is a distinctive Pacific currency name that should not be reduced to an unlabeled symbol.
Reserve Bank of Vanuatu administers VUV within a market-based exchange-rate framework system.
- The vatu was introduced as Vanuatu's currency in 1981, replacing the New Hebrides franc and Australian dollar.
- The reviewed cash profile records VUV 200, VUV 500, VUV 1,000, VUV 2,000, VUV 5,000, VUV 10,000 for banknotes and VUV 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50, VUV 100 for coins.
Context
Why this currency matters
The vatu was introduced in 1981, replacing the New Hebrides franc and Australian dollar as the currency framework for independent Vanuatu. The Reserve Bank publishes information on vatu notes and coins used in current circulation. VUV is treated as a market-based reference currency, so conversions against AUD, USD or EUR should be stored with the publication date and source. Because the vatu has no minor unit, small displayed results should be rounded carefully without turning a nonzero value into a misleading zero. The vatu has no subdivision in the everyday currency description, so VUV amounts should be kept in whole-unit terms when explaining local cash use.
Monetary framework
Exchange arrangement
Vanuatu Vatu operates under the reviewed market-based exchange-rate framework arrangement.
CurrencyHub shows daily reference rates. Banks, card networks, ATMs and transfer providers may apply different exchange rates, fees or spreads.
History timeline
Key dates for VUV
Vatu introduced
Vanuatu replaced the New Hebrides franc and Australian dollar with its national vatu.
Reserve Bank of VanuatuReserve bank established
The Reserve Bank of Vanuatu assumed central monetary and currency responsibilities.
Reserve Bank of VanuatuPolymer note series began
Vanuatu introduced durable polymer banknotes with updated designs and security features.
Reserve Bank of Vanuatu
Usage and economy
How VUV is used
- VUV is used for local prices, wages, taxes and inter-island commerce in Vanuatu.
- Tourism, aid, imports and migration drive comparisons with AUD, NZD, FJD and PGK.
Banknotes and coins
VUV currency units
The issuing authority documents the reviewed VUV banknote denominations used in the current cash system.
The issuing authority documents the circulation coin system for VUV.
One Vanuatu Vatu unit is recorded with 0 decimal places.
Related currencies
Currency relationships
Explore currencies connected through regional use, trade comparisons or monetary relationships.
FAQ
VUV questions
Does VUV have cents?
The modern vatu is not divided into a separate minor unit, so ordinary amounts are expressed in whole vatu.
What did the vatu replace?
The vatu replaced the New Hebrides franc and the Australian dollar in Vanuatu's currency system in 1981.
What changed for VUV in 1981?
Vanuatu replaced the New Hebrides franc and Australian dollar with its national vatu.
Sources
Data and editorial review
Rate source: Frankfurter
Last reviewed:
Currency identity and cash information is checked against central-bank, government, ISO and official international sources.