PASSPORTS	WHAT TO BRING	GROCERIES
MONEY	CLOTHING	FOOD
HEALTH/MEDICAL		TELEPHONE

Paasport REQUIREMENTS: U.S. and Canadian citizens need a passport to Tahiti. Make sure that your passport is valid for three months after your last day in the Tahitian islands. Citizens of other countries should check with the nearest French Consulate for specific regulations. It is solely the traveler'’s responsibility to make sure that all needed paperwork and documentation is complete and up to date for valid entry into Tahiti. TAHITIAN CURRENCY The Pacific French Franc (CFP) is the currency used in French Polynesia but the dollar and the Euro dollar can be also used. You will get the best exchange rates when you pay by credit card. Nad, as in most countries, a higher exchange rate is given for traveler checks than for cash. If you need to change U.S. dollars do it in the bank for a better rate. Many Tahitian hotels, restaurants and shops will accept U.S. dollars but you will not get a good rate of exchange. The US Dollar has been running: US $1 = 1.22 CFP Click here to return to top of page HEALTH SITUATION: Tahiti is a French protectorate and health standards in Tahiti are on par with those found in the US and Western Europe. U.S. and Canadian citizens arriving from North America do not need special shots or inoculations for entry into Tahiti. Click here to return to top of page NO TIPPING: Tipping was contrary to Tahitian customs of hospitality. There are no hidden service charges in tahiti. Prices quoted on menus, hotels or shops are all inclusive and in most cases you do not tip. However due to American influence a couple of the restaurants on the main island now expect tips. WHAT TO BRING: Bring sunscreen, batteries, flashcards, film, etc. These items tend to be very expensive in Tahiti . Everything of that nature is imported plus there is an additional value-added tax...so you are better off bringing such items with you for your Tahiti vacation. Bring an inexpensive disposable underwater camera to take pictures while snorkeling or during ray feeding excursions. Disposable underwater cameras are 5 times the price in Tahiti. The water is so so fantastic and the visibility the best in the world. When that big ray swims right by you in 3 feet of water you will wish you had a little waterproof camera with you. Since this is a tropical climate, bring insect repellant just in case.as mosquitoes can be annoying on occassioin in the interior sections of the Tahitian islands or when you are hiking through coconut groves. Always make a copy of your passport and keep it in a different place than your actual passport. You should do that whereever you travel. If you lose your passport you will have a copy. Don't forget your driver's license, "booties" reef or water shoes (so you do not step on sharp coral), mask and snorkel (many hotels and cruise ships will have loaners but I like to bring my own) . Don't forget your sun glasses, personal medications, hat, etc. CLOTHING: Casual...casual...casual. Tahiti is informal and you do not need to dress up for your Tahiti vacation or Tahiti honeymoon. Lightweight, washable cottons are are great. Light clothing and a hat are a must. Bring sandals. On all the islands you will be most comfortable in flip flops or sandals. Your Tahiti vacation will much more enjoyable if you don't have to put on socks and shoes everywhere you go. But if you forget you sandals you can buy them in Tahiti...for much more that in the states. Men bring shorts, sport shirts, loose shirts. And both sexes, bring a t-shirt that you can snorkle in.... just in case your back starts getting a little red. Woman will feel comfortable in skirts, shorts, sun dresses and Tahitian pareos (wrap-around cloth ). Pareos are brightly colored painted fabrics 2 yards long by 1 yard wide and are worn at the beach and around the hotel pools. Click here to return to top of page GROCERIES: Visit small grocery stores on each island that are usually within walking distance of your hotel. Soft drinks,, cheeses, fresh baguettes, croissants, pastries, snack foods, juices, etc. can be found at very reasonable prices. You can have some great lunches on the beach or in your bungalow with local breads and snacks and save a ton of money. ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT: Most resorts have 110v outlets for electric shavers. For hair dryers, a converter/adapter kit will usually be needed. But major resorts now have hair dryers or can provide one. Resorts may have either 110v or 220v systems. French plugs are used and have two round prongs. But hair in a tropical climate is going to do strange things anyway, so it may not matter if you use a hair dryer or not. Click here to return to top of page FOOD: Resorts will charge higher prices than local restaurants. Expect to pay in the resort something akin to a top restaurant in LA or New York. Moorea, Bora Bora and Tahiti have several good restaurants outside your resort. These local restaurants range in service from small, simple, family owned businesses to large, elegant dining. Restaurants outside the hotels are less expensive than hotel restaurants and many offer excellent food choices. You should really try the local restaurants not only to save money but to sample local and international cuisine. On the outer islands Rangiroa, Manihi, Tikehau and Huahine there is a scarcity of restaurants and the hotel will be your main choice. For a nicer restaurant, as a guideline, expect to pay on Moorea about $70 for a dinner for two, with appetizer, entree, glass of wine, coffee and a dessert. On Bora Bora and about $88 for the same thing. This includes tax and there is no tipping. Click here to return to top of page TELEPHONE: Do not use the hotel phone to call the US. the price will be HORRIBLE!!! Buy a phone card in a shop and use one of the public phone booths which are great. Better yet, don't call. It's Tahiti. Relax. Forget about everything. Enjoy the 82 degree water and the slower pace. See you there. Call FunTahiti.com at 12 800 324-2000 to book your Tahiti package. Click here to return to top of page