|
 GETTING THERE |
TRANSPORTATION |
| HEALTH/MEDICAL |
CURRENCY |
| CLIMATE |
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS |
| TOURIST OFFICE |
OTHER INFORMATION |
| LANGUAGE |
LOCATION
Tahiti is in the same time zone as the Hawaiian Islands and is south of the Equator. The islands are approximately mid way between Los Angeles, California and Sydney, Australia.
GETTING TO TAHITI
French Polynesia is readily accessible by air from most parts of the world; Air Tahiti Nui, Qantas, Air France, Hawaiian Air all offer flights from the United States to Tahiti. All international air traffic comes through Faaa Airport in Papeete.
The primary international airline carrier is Air Tahiti Nui with flights departing from Los Angeles or New York, JFK Airport. Flying time from Los Angeles is approximately 8 hours or 13 hours from New York.
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TRANSPORTATION IN TAHITI
Transportation Between the Islands of Tahiti:
Air Tahiti which is a sister company to Air Tahiti Nui, services 46 islands from Tahiti regular flights. Inter-island boats run regular routes between all of the island groups and can be a great way to travel within the region. A few of the islands such as Moorea and Huahine can also be reached be reached by large catamaran or express ferries. Travel time between Tahiti and Moorea by ferry is approximately 30 minutes.
Transportation on the Islands of Tahiti:
Tahiti and the developed islands operate a local-bus service known as Le Truck which is inexpensive and reliable. Taxis are available for hire, but can be expensive. Rental cars and motor scooters can be rented in the Society Islands (where they are most needed). Rental cars are not needed on the Tuamotu Islands as there are few roads. For travelers to the Marquesas Islands, a vehicle with four wheel drive is recommended and readily available to rent to get around the island.
On the Society Islands, well-known rental car companies have their counters in the airport or close to the ferry dock. One can usually also rent cars through the concierge at major hotels. Rental car inventories include some cars with air-conditioning and automatic transmission. Due to the limited number of rental cars on each island, it is recommended to reserve the car prior to arrival in Tahiti.
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LANGUAGE
Tahitian and French are the main languages spoken throughout French Polynesia.
English is spoken at all major hotels, shops and restaurants. Tahitians truly appreciate visitors who try to learn a few of their words. They enjoy helping and you can expect a big smile and hearty laugh as they teach you.
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR TAHITI
All travelers must present a valid passport to board a flight to French Polynesia. Your first and last name on your passport must match your international air tickets. You will also be asked to present your passport to clear "Customs" in French Polynesia and upon return from French Polynesia. Your passport must be valid for 180 days beyond your return date. U.S. and Canadian citizens only need a valid passport and do not need a VISA to enter French Polynesia. Citizens of all other countries may need a VISA in addition to a valid passport and should consult the nearest French Consulate or French Embassy as early as possible. It can take several weeks to obtain a VISA. It is solely the passenger’s responsibility to ensure that all needed documents are complete and up to date for valid entry into the country.
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TIME DIFFERENCE
Tahiti is in the same time zone as Hawaii, two hours behind the West Coast during Pacific Standard Time, and three hours behind during Pacific Daylight Time
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CLIMATE IN TAHITI
French Polynesia enjoys warm, tropical weather year-round. Cooled by the gentle breezes of the Pacific, the climate of these islands is sunny and pleasant. Because Tahiti and her islands are below the Equator, the seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere. Roughly speaking, there are two seasons: from November through May the climate is warmer and humid, with daily temperatures of about 85 degrees F and from June through October the climate is cooler and drier with daily temperatures of about 82 degrees F. The year-round low is about 70 degrees F. Most of the rain falls during the warmer season, but there are also many lovely sunny days with refreshing trade-winds during these months. Tropical rain showers are usually short in duration. The average ocean water temperature is in the low 80’s.
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HEALTH CERTIFICATION
As a French protectorate, health standards in Tahiti are on par with those found in Western Europe. For U.S. and Canadian citizens arriving from North America there are no special shots or inoculations needed for entry into Tahiti. Visitors arriving from other countries that have infections of cholera, yellow fever, and/or the plague as defined by the World Health Organization may be asked to present certificates of inoculations to gain entry. Tap water in hotels/restaurants is generally safe to drink. A local mineral water "Eau Royale" and many other bottled waters are widely available.
MEDICAL CARE
French Polynesia enjoys a high standard of health, with excellent medical and dental services, pharmacies, private clinics and a large government hospital in Tahiti. The outer islands have hospitals or dispensaries, and a few private practitioners. All the islands maintain hygienic controls to combat potential epidemics of tropical diseases, such as the dengue fever.
There are no snakes, poisonous spiders or fearsome animals in these islands, and hotels and dispensaries on each tourist island and atoll keep first aid supplies on hand to treat coral cuts, sunburn and the extremely rare case of poisoning, when the barefoot swimmer steps on the toxic spines of the stonefish.
A good sun screen is essential (sun block is suggested for the first few days) to prevent burning. As in all tropical locales, French Polynesia has its share of mosquitoes; the hotels do their part to keep this problem to a minimum, but is still wise to pack an insect repellent. Medications, even aspirin, should be brought from home, as pharmacies are not always convenient to the hotels.
WATER
Tap water in hotels and restaurants is generally safe safe to drink. A local mineral water « Eau Royale » and all sorts of French mineral waters are available.
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CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE
The Pacific French Franc (CFP) is the currency used in French Polynesia. It is not valued the same as the EURO. The average value of the CFP in relation to the US Dollar fluctuates between 70-90 CFP for $1 US.
Normally, the best exchange rates are received when you pay by credit card. Most major credit cards including American Express, Visa and Master Card are accepted at hotels and most restaurants and shops on the larger islands. It is always best to confirm current policy directly with each establishment. Traveler checks are widely accepted. Generally, a better exchange rate is given for traveler checks than for cash. Banks will provide the best rate for currency or traveler’s check exchange. Banks are located at Faaa Airport and on most islands. Hotels also exchange currency and traveler checks but may give a less favorable rate. U.S. currency may be accepted as direct payment in hotels, restaurants and large shops, but will get a low rate of exchange. There are a few ATM machines available on the main islands of Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora, which you may use with your debit or major credit cards.
Please note that some credit card issuers may charge a fee for any transactions outside of the U.S., so you should contact your provider to verify any charges you may incur for using your credit card in French Polynesia.
TIPPING IS NOT NECESSARY
Historically, tipping has been contrary to the Tahitian custom of hospitality. While tipping is still not a common practice, it is beginning to be seen in some restaurants and hotels on the larger islands of Moorea, Bora Bora, and Tahiti. Still, there are no hidden service charges, prices quoted on menus, hotels, or shops are all inclusive, and you need not tip.
We always recommend tipping as a show of your appreciation if you receive exemplary service from a tour provider, restaurant server, or from hotel staff. It is greatly appreciated.
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ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Most hotels have 220v systems. So, for appliances such as hair dryers, a combination electrical converter and adapter kit will usually be needed. French Plugs are used and have two round prongs. It’s wise to always inquire at the hotel desk about the compatibility of your appliances before you attempt to use them.
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WHAT TO BRING
CLOTHING:
Casual, informal dress is standard in Tahiti and her islands. Clothing should be light, even in the evenings which remain pleasantly mild.
Men are most often dressed in shorts (possibly slacks for dinner), sport shirts or T-shirts, sandals or tennis shoes.
Woman can wear everything from shorts to skirts to sun dresses to pareos (wrap-around cloth garment). Pareus or pareos are brightly colored and versatile hand blocked or painted fabrics 2 yards long by 1 yard wide, and are worn at home, at the beach or around the hotel pools. Some are elegantly tied for eveningwear. Pareus are not recommended for downtown Papeete, as the city is rather cosmopolitan in dress code. Bathing suits and short shorts are also out of place in Papeete.
You will also find that outside of Papeete, shoes are seldom worn by the locals or visitors. Instead, sandals and flip flops tend to be the norm for this casual environment. If you plan on hiking, some walking shoes or closed sandals are advisable. Additional hard sided reef shoes or aquasocks are recommending for guests walking along or swimming in areas with coral reefs around the islands.
We recommend taking along a couple of swimsuits each, a hat or sun visor, sunglasses, and a waterproof bag. You may need a light plastic rain-coat or an umbrella for the odd tropical downpour.
TOILETRIES AND ACCESSORIES
Sunscreen, oils and lotions tend to be very expensive in French Polynesia. A bottle of sunscreen can easily cost $25+ in store. We suggest you be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen with you. It is also suggested you bring insect repellant as a precaution against mosquitoes, which can occasionally be annoying in the interior sections of the islands. Aspirin, band-aids, other personal medications, as well as a driver’s license (if you decide to rent a car) are also handy to have with you.
You may want to purchase a disposable underwater camera to take pictures while snorkeling or during a shark feeding excursion. These disposable underwater cameras can be purchased for around $8 in most chain stores in the United States or Canada. However, these cameras cost as much as $40+ in French Polynesia. It is also a good idea to bring plenty of extra batteries, memory cards or film for you camera, which are also expensive to purchase locally. Reef or water shoes, mask and snorkel equipment (most hotels and cruise ships will have loaner masks and fins) can also be handy to have along.
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DINING
Dining in French Polynesia does not mean to have a quick meal, it is considered an experience that must be savored and enjoyed. Therefore the service in most restaurants in French Polynesia is much more relaxed than in the US.
With the exception of a more cosmopolitan Papeete, you won’t find much in the way of fast foods on the islands. However, you will discover a palate-pleasing variety of native dishes and Chinese, French, and American cuisine. You’ll delight in the abundance of seafood, tropical fruits, and fresh vegetables. You can eat at fine restaurants or outdoor cafes, partake of Polynesian feasts and beach barbecues, and even arrange gourmet picnics on secluded motu. Please refer to the Islands page of our web site for additional information regarding restaurants on each island.
On Manihi, Rangiroa, Tikehau, Huahine and Tahaa there are virtually no restaurants outside the hotels. However, Moorea, Bora Bora and Tahiti each have several good restaurants located outside the hotels. These restaurants range in service from small, simple, family owned businesses to large, elegant dining. In many cases the restaurants outside the hotels will be less expensive than hotel restaurants and offer excellent food selections. We encourage you to try some of the local restaurants, not only to give you a wider selection of atmosphere and food, but also to make it easier on your wallet!
Breakfast can range from $5-$10 per person for croissant and coffee to $27-$35 per person for a large buffet breakfast. A nice dinner with appetizer, entree, glass of wine, coffee and dessert will cost about $65 per person on Moorea or Tahiti and about $85 per person on Bora Bora. The price includes tax and there is no tipping. There are many less expensive options available for dinner as well, but these prices will serve as a guideline when going for a good dinner at a "popular" restaurant.
There are small grocery stores on each of the main islands (Bora Bora, Tahiti, Moorea, and Huahine). You may purchase soft drinks, fresh baguettes, cheeses, croissants, pastries, snack foods, juices, etc. at prices that are not much higher than in North America. After a few days of expensive hotel breakfasts and paying $5 for bottled water at your hotel, you may wish to visit these stores to stock up on items that would allow you to prepare your own simple “in room” breakfast or lunches and help spare your wallet. Most hotels offer a small fridge in their rooms where you may store your items.
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TOURISM AND INFORMATION CENTER IN TAHITI
The main tourist office is in the center of Papeete, on the waterfront opposite the Vaima Shopping Center. It is very easy to find. They have maps, brochures, and accommodation information for most islands and and are very helpful (in excellent English). Please refer to the Islands page of our web site for information regarding the local tourist office of each particular island.
The address of the Tahiti Tourist Office is Fare Manihini ( 689 / 42-96-26), Boulevard Pomare, BP 65, Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia. For their US (LA) office, call : (310) 414 - 84 84.
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BUSINESS HOURS
Offices and shops are usually open Monday - Friday from 7:30 am to 11:30 am and from 1:30 pm to 5-6 pm and Saturdays from 7:30 am until 1130am. Most retail shops and some restaurants are closed on Sundays.
POST OFFICE
The French Polynesian postal system is on par with any standards. The mail delivery is efficient, but count on one week to ten days for mail to and from the US. The main post office is very modern and located on the waterfront boulevard. It offers all types of services including photocopying, fax and telegrams as well as "poste restante" where you can have your mail delivered. Additionally, you will find international card operated phone booths available at most post office locations. Hours are 7:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays and 8:00 to 11:00 am on Saturdays.
PERSONAL SAFETY
Tahiti is very safe by any standard, and violent crime is a rarity. Robbery and theft can happen, but you need not be concerned.
Nearly all hotels have in-room safes for you to store valuables, jewelry, cash, cameras, passports and wallets. As with any travel destination, don’t leave valuables unattended in your room, bungalow or car. Always use a hotel safe or in-room safe for added security.
LAUNDRY AND DRY-CLEANING
All the first-class hotels in Tahiti and her Islands have laundry service. Dry cleaning services are offered on the main islands of Tahiti and and Moorea.
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TELEPHONE SERVICE
The telephone system in Tahiti is excellent and very easy. There are many public phones all over town and most of them are operated with phone cards ( telecarte ) which can be purchased at the airport coffee shop, in some bars (bar- tabacs), at some magazine stands and of course at the Poste Office. You will find these phones everywhere in French Polynesia, even in the most remote atolls. When dialing direct to Tahiti and Her Islands, dial the proper International Access Code + 689 ( Country Code) + Local Number. The international Access Code if calling from the U.S. is 011.
PLEASE NOTE THAT MANY HOTELS CHARGE VERY HIGH RATES FOR LONG DISTANCE CALLS TO THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA. HOTEL LONG DISTANCE RATES CAN BE AS HIGH AS $14 A MINUTE. You should consider using a public phone or a prepaid phone card that can be purchased in many places throughout the islands
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