Vanuatu Vatu
The Vanuatu vatu is a distinctive Pacific currency, defined by its non-decimal structure and its transition to advanced Guardian™ polymer technology.
Quick Facts
Country: Vanuatu
Code: VUV
Symbol: VT
System: Non-decimal (no subunits)
Status: In circulation
Issuer: Reserve Bank of Vanuatu
The Story of the Vanuatu Vatu
The Vanuatu vatu (VUV) was introduced in 1981, marking the country’s transition from the colonial New Hebrides monetary system to a unified national currency. Designed without subunits, it reflects a practical approach suited to a geographically dispersed island economy. A major transformation occurred between 2010 and 2014, when the Reserve Bank of Vanuatu replaced the entire banknote series with polymer issues, significantly improving durability and security. This shift positioned the vatu among the most technically advanced currencies in the Pacific region.
Design & Symbolism
Modern VUV banknotes are produced by Note Printing Australia on Guardian™ polymer substrate. Their design integrates cultural symbolism with advanced security engineering, featuring transparent windows with detailed imagery of outrigger canoes and volcanic landscapes such as Mount Yasur. Traditional elements including the pig’s tusk and chief’s staff—core symbols of wealth and authority in Vanuatu’s kastom system—are prominently incorporated. Higher denominations include colour-shifting security elements such as G-Switch™, alongside intaglio printing, security threads and multi-tonal watermarks, ensuring both visual clarity and resistance to tropical wear.
For collectors
For collectors, Vanuatu represents a strong combination of structural rarity and material innovation. The non-decimal system sets it apart globally, while the full polymer series offers a coherent and technically advanced collecting field. UNC specimens are particularly desirable due to the difficulty of maintaining pristine condition in humid island environments. Larger denominations such as 5,000 and 10,000 vatu are less frequently encountered in high grade, making them notable pieces within Pacific-focused collections.
The Vanuatu vatu remains the official legal tender, circulating within a small but stable island economy.
