Travel information
How to get to Tahiti and her islands?
Tahiti-Faa’a International Airport, built on the lagoon, is located 5 km west of Papeete, close to the major hotels. The domestic terminal (Air Moana and Air Tahiti) is located inside the terminal. For more information, visit: www.tahiti-aeroport.pf
BY PLANE:
Scheduled flights: Air Moana and Air Tahiti regularly serve nearly 46 islands from Tahiti and provide service between Tahiti and Moorea (10-minute flights).
BY BOAT:
Catamarans and ferries sail from Tahiti to Moorea several times a day.
Planning your trip
How many hours difference ?
Tahiti & Her Islands is 10 hours GMT, i.e. -12 hours in summer or -11 hours in winter from Paris, 2 hours from the USA/Pacific coast, 19 hours from Tokyo and Sydney and 22 hours from Auckland.
GSM Coverage
We advise you to check with your operator to find out how to access the local network. If this operator is not included in the international coverage of the Polynesian operator Vini, you can buy a card locally (at Faa’a airport or in Papeete), the Vini Card, which comes with a Sim card to be inserted in your phone.
Internet
Not all hotels have in-room Internet connections. Book a Tahiti Wifi box for the duration of your stay. www.tahitiwifi.com
Entry Formalities
Information available at: www.polynesie-francaise.pref.gouv.fr
Health
Health facilities and services are available on the island of Tahiti. Papeete, Taravao (Tahiti peninsula), Moorea and Uturoa (Raiatea) have fully equipped hospitals and clinics. The other tourist islands have at least one infirmary or dispensary.
See entry requirements at: www.TahitiTourisme.Travel
Customs
Customs declaration: all goods transported must be declared, and the corresponding duties and taxes must be paid at the customs office. However, it However, it is possible to benefit from duty-free allowances (i.e. no payment of duties or taxes) on goods (purchases or gifts) listed in the table on www.douane.gouv.fr
Currency Exchange / Purchasing
1 Euro = 119.38 F CFP
1 £ = 141.03 F CFP
1 US Dollar = 112.73 F CFP
1 NZ Dollar = 72.81 F CFP
1 AU Dollar = 80.77 F CFP
1 CAN Dollar = 87.99 F CFP
100 Yen = 86.82 F CFP
(Currency rates given for information only, updated updated on May 04, 2022). The official currency is the Pacific franc (CFP or XPF), divided into 100 centimes. Bills of 10,000, 5,000, 1,000 and 500 CFP; coins of 200, 100, 50, 20. CFP is not available in Europe or the USA. Currency exchange is available at local banks or at the airport. Cash withdrawals can be made at Tahiti Faa’a airport and at numerous ATMs on the main islands (usually located inside the bank – withdrawals are not possible at night). Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in shops. French traveller’s cheques in euros, however, are regularly refused because of the high charges associated with them… Banks are generally open from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to midday and from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm (but these times may vary from one establishment to another). In Maupiti you won’t find an ATM, you won’t be able to withdraw cash on the main island and you won’t be able to pay by credit card in the guesthouses. We strongly recommend that you bring some cash with you before you arrive on this island at the end of the world!
Exchange counters: banks, airport and hotels. Please note that some atolls and remote islands do not have exchange offices. Credit cards are accepted in most establishments, except on remote atolls.
How to pack for Tahiti and Her Islands?
When packing your bags, the first thing to look for is light, comfortable clothing for the whole family. Polynesia enjoys a warm, sunny climate most of the time, so it’s essential that you feel comfortable. However, it’s a good idea to also pack a cardigan or a few sweaters, as the weather can sometimes get wetter and cooler. Above all, be sure to include comfortable outfits to make the most of your excursions in the best possible conditions.
Don’t forget to add swimsuits and pareos to your list, so you can make the most of the beach. Finally, don’t forget to pack a pair of plastic sandals for easy movement in the water without the risk of injuring yourself on coral or rocks. A straw hat or cap will also be useful to protect you from the sun and avoid sunstroke, along with a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s sometimes intense rays.
Don't forget:
- Valid passports.
- Driving license.
- Eco-responsible sun protection.
- Mosquito repellent.
- A pair of flip-flops.
- Beach towels.
- Sunglasses.
- Hat or cap.
- A pair of sneakers.
- Aloe Vera gel.
- Acupressure bracelets or homeopathy if you’re seasick.
- Your Gropro or camera.