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Tahiti Tourist Information
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tahiti islands pictures map
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The following French Polynesia tourist information facts should help answer any questions you have:
French Polynesia is easily the most expensive destination in the South Pacific. Tipping is generally practised in the large resorts but not in smaller restaurants or pensions. Most credit cards and travellers cheques are readily accepted at hotels and there are ATM machines around the main island of French Polynesia and on Moorea. Currency is the Cour de Franc Pacifique (CFP) but this is fixed to the Euro at a set rate, currently at 118 CFP to 1 Euro. Euros are often used for quoting accommodation.
Money and Currency
French Polynesia climate is hot and sunny all year round (day/night average temperature is Jan 22/28; July 20/26) with higher rainfall and more mosquitoes from Dec to April.
French Polynesia Weather
Getting to French Polynesia is straight-forward with regular direct flights between Los Angeles (connecting on to European cities) and New Zealand (connecting on to Australia). The main airlines are Air New Zealand, Qantas, Air French Polynesia Nui, Hawaiian Airlines and Air France.
International Flights to French Polynesia
Entry Requirements
French Polynesia has an excellent and extensive transport network. Three local airlines offer internal flights around French Polynesia including Air French Polynesia and Moorea Air, but be warned, outer island flights are expensive.
Local Flights ; Ferries ; Public Transport ; Car Hire
French and the local French Polynesian dialect of Maohi are the main languages spoken. English speakers will find staff at the large commercial resorts with a good command of English but on the main islands of French Polynesia and Moorea, few people are willing to speak English except the local French Polynesians.
Crime in Papeete exists but is not evident to the tourist industry. Electricity is 220 volts / 60Hz with French style sockets. Time is 10 hours behind GMT (London).
Other Useful Facts
Festivals and Special Events
Package Holidays
Travellers with Disabilities
French Polynesia has poor facilities for wheelchair access. Public buses will cause a problem for those in wheelchairs if they are unable to walk. There are several resorts that offer rooms designed for those with wheelchairs.
Media and Books
The local French Polynesian newspaper is published daily in French. French newspapers are available daily from the shops but not from other countries. Most large resorts have American newspapers for public reading. There are a few free tourist publications and maps in distribution mostly selling tours, restaurants and attractions.
Travel Guide books for French Polynesia are few and far between. The only guide book available in the shops is Lonely Planet, but this is hopelessly out of date even when it has just been published!
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