Transportation in New Caledonia
Car Rentals
Driving documents and insurance in New Caledonia
Carry your valid home‑country driver’s license. Many rental agencies in New Caledonia also require an International Driving Permit (IDP) at pickup. You can usually still rent without an IDP, but rental insurance typically treats this as higher risk and may increase your excess/deductible (for example, some companies raise the excess from about 230,000 CFP to about 500,000 CFP if you don’t have an IDP or have less than 3 years’ driving history).
Proof of 3+ years licensed: If the issue date on your current license is less than three years ago but you’ve been licensed longer, bring either an older expired license or an official certificate/letter from your licensing authority showing the original issue date.
How to get a legitimate IDP: Apply before you travel through the authorized issuer in the same country that issued your driver’s license. For example: United States — AAA or AATA; United Kingdom — Post Office (selected branches); Canada — CAA; Australia — your state/territory motoring club (e.g., NRMA/Service NSW, RACV, RACQ, RAA, RAC, RACT); New Zealand — AA. If your country isn’t listed, check your national motoring organization or transport ministry.
Important notes: An IDP is a physical booklet/card that translates your license; it does not replace your license and must be carried together with it. Digital‑only “IDPs” are not accepted. Holders of a French driver’s license generally do not need an IDP in New Caledonia. Always confirm exact terms with your rental company and review the excess/deductible in your booking.
If you’re already abroad, many issuers can process applications by mail — allow extra time for delivery.
There are 19 car rental agencies in Noumea and car rental agencies in Isle of Pines, Lifou, Ouvea, and Mare.
In Noumea Visa Location offers the very best priced car rentals for visiting yachts. They are a short walk from Port Moselle Marina, speak English, and have yacht-friendly pricing for new, well maintained cars.
Cruising yachts need to resupply and that means doing a major food and supply shopping expedition in Noumea. You can get it done in a day with Visa Location Click Here for a detailed shopping plan for the best selection of goodies at the best prices.
New Caledonia Bus Lines
The Taneo metro bus line is well developed in Noumea. You can buy tickets from machines for less than paying when you climb aboard. And you can get a bus pass that can be renewed online and use it the whole time you are in Noumea. The Rocket Travel Guide to New Caledonia has the bus routes and ticket venders overlaid on aerial images of Noumea.
Taxis
If you just need a taxi call 28 35 12 and ask for a driver that speaks English. A note of caution, they are expensive and in our experience, can be unreliable. That's pretty frustrating if you are standing in front of a supermarket with bags of frozen foods.
