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.

French Polynesia is readily accessible by air from most parts of the world; Qantas, Air New Zealand, Air France, Hawaiian Air, AOM French Airways, Corsair all have flights from the United States to Tahiti. All international air traffic comes through Faaa Airport in Papeete. There is no departure tax in French Polynesia.

Most flights are overnight flight (7 ½ hrs. from L.A.) with excellent service and food

TRANSPORTATION

Getting around the islands of French Polynesia can be done by boat or air.  Air Tahiti services a number of the islands with 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. Huge catamarans run between Tahiti and Moorea, and the trip takes about 30 minutes. The very modern Ono-Ono Ferry services the rest of the Society group. Luxury cruises are also available.

Tahiti and the developed islands operate a local-bus service known as le truck which is cheap and reliable. Taxis are available for hire, but can be expensive. 4WDs can be hired if you want to head inland on some of the "roads". Bring a driver's license in case you want to rent a vehicle. Rental cars and scooters are available in the Society Islands (where they are most needed). For the other islands, like the Tuamotu and the Marquesas islands, you will not need one. If available, check the rental office at the local airport/harbor. Get a brochure with prices if you are not sure about renting a vehicle. There are usually booths in the major hotels where you can also rent a car/scooter.

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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

U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a valid passport. A return airline ticket is also required. Citizens of other countries should consult their travel agent or the French Consulate. It is solely the passenger’s responsibility to ensure that all documents needed are complete and current.

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TAXES AND TIPS

There are no sales taxes or other hidden service charges in French Polynesia, and this is one part of the world where you do not tip - Polynesian hospitality simply doesn’t allow it.

Tahiti is in the same time zone as Hawaii, making it two hours behind the West Coast during Pacific Standard Time, and three hours behind during Pacific Daylight Time

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CLIMATE

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. The average ocean water temperature is in the low 80’s.

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HEALTH CERTIFICATION

Certificates of inoculations against cholera, yellow fever and the plague are required for visitors arriving from an infected area as defined by the World Health Organization.

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.

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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. 

The Pacific French franc (CFP) is the currency used in French Polynesia. It is different from the French franc. Banks are located at Tahiti’s International Airport and on many islands. Traveler checks and U.S. dollars are also widely accepted. Generally a higher exchange rate is given for travelers’ checks than for cash. Hotels also exchange money but give a less favorable rate than banks. U.S. currency may be accepted in most hotels, restaurants and other large establishments.

The average value of the CFP in relation to the US Dollar is: US$ 1=115 CFP

CREDIT CARDS

Most major credit cards including American Express, Visa and Master Card are accepted at featured hotels and most restaurants and shops. It is always best to confirm current policy directly with each establishment.

 NO SALES TAX OR TIPPING

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ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Most hotels have 110v outlets for electric shavers. For other appliances such as hair dryers, a converter/adapter kit will usually be needed. Hotels may have either 110v or 220v systems. It’s wise to always inquire at the hotel desk about the compatibility of your appliances before you attempt to use them.

CLOTHING

Casual, informal dress is standard in Tahiti. Lightweight, washable cottons are suggested for greatest comfort. Men are most often dressed in shorts (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). We also recommend taking along a couple of swimsuits each, rubber-soled shoes for walking on coral, hat or sun visor, sunglasses, and waterproof bag.

The standard attire for men even at dinner parties is simply slacks and shirt. Women usually wear comfortable dresses in the evenings and normal resort wear around the hotels. 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 evening wear. 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.

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DINING

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.

There is no sales taxes on anything you buy or rent, and there is no tipping. The legal age for drinking alcohol in French Polynesia is 18. Buy all your drinks (water, sodas, etc.) at a local store since hotels will charge you a higher price for drinks, even for a bottle of water. Most hotels offer a small fridge in their rooms, take advantage of it and do your "groceries" at a local store. For snacks, fresh baguettes are available daily, and you can make your own sandwiches for lunch or a late evening snack.

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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).