Need groceries, fresh produce or a few essentials during your stay? Luganville on Santo is the main shopping centre and is easily reached by boat from Aore Island.
You'll find supermarkets, the local market, fresh seafood, pharmacies, ATMs and other everyday supplies in and around town.
π₯ Luganville Market
The Luganville Market (Santo Market) is one of the best places to experience local life and shop for fresh island produce.
You'll find seasonal fruit and vegetables, root crops, herbs and other locally grown produce, with much of it coming directly from growers around Santo and the surrounding islands.
Go earlier in the day for the best selection, bring a reusable shopping bag and remember that market prices are generally set — bargaining isn't customary.
π Supermarkets & Groceries
For packaged food, drinks and everyday groceries, there are several supermarkets and smaller stores around Luganville.
LCM and Damin Supermarket are useful for general groceries, snacks, drinks, household supplies and other essentials that may not be available at the market.
If you're planning a larger shop, your host can help arrange transport so you don't have to carry everything back to the boat yourself.
π Fresh Fish & Seafood
Fresh fish is readily available around Santo and may be found at the market or directly from local fishermen when catches come in.
Availability naturally depends on the day's catch, so ask your host or local team if you're looking for fresh seafood — they'll often know where to find the best option that day.
π΄ Local Produce
Keep an eye out for roadside stalls and small local growers selling seasonal fruit and vegetables.
What is available changes throughout the year, which is part of the fun. Bananas, papaya, pineapple, mangoes, coconuts, root vegetables and tropical greens are just some of the produce you may encounter.
Grown Here on Aore
Aore itself produces some wonderful local products, including vanilla, cocoa, pepper, coffee, nangai nuts and seasonal tropical produce.
π΅ Cash & ATMs
Cash is still very useful in Vanuatu, particularly at markets, with small vendors, taxis and for some local services.
ATMs are available in Luganville, including at BRED Bank and National Bank of Vanuatu (NBV). Cards are accepted by some larger businesses, but it's sensible to have some Vanuatu Vatu (VT) with you when heading into town.ο»Ώ
π Pharmacy & Everyday Essentials
If you need pharmacy items during your stay, Uncle Bill's Pharmacy is located in central Luganville.
Supermarkets and smaller stores around town also carry toiletries, sunscreen, drinks, snacks and many of the everyday items you might need during your stay.
For anything medical that is more than a basic pharmacy purchase, use the Emergency section of this guide or contact your host for assistance.
π± SIM Cards & Mobile Top-Ups
SIM cards and mobile credit/top-ups are available in Luganville from mobile providers and various shops around town.
If you're unsure where to go or which network is most suitable, ask your host before making the trip and we can point you in the right direction.
π€ Planning a Shopping Trip?
A shopping trip to Santo is easy to arrange. Your host can help coordinate the boat transfer and local transport, particularly if you're planning a larger grocery shop.
πLocal Shopping Tips
- Go early — the market generally has its best selection earlier in the day.
- Bring cash — especially for markets and smaller vendors.
- Bring reusable bags — they're handy for both the market and supermarkets.
- Don't bargain at the market — prices are generally set.
- Ask the locals — what's available and where to find it can change from day to day.