Tahiti and French Polynesia Basics

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The Basics

Time: GMT -10 (The Marquesas Islands are half an hour ahead of the rest of French Polynesia).

Electricity: The electric current in most hotels is 110/220 volts AC, 60 Hz. American-style two-pin flat blade plugs and a round pin plug and receptacle with male grounding pin are used.

Money: The unit of currency in French Polynesia is the French Pacific Franc (XPF), divided into 100 centimes. The exchange rate is fairly stable as it is linked to the Euro. Banks throughout the islands are open mainly on weekdays only and are the best place to change foreign currency; rates of exchange are not as good at hotels. There are ATMs on a few of the islands, but shouldn't be relied upon. Most hotels and resorts will exchange travellers cheques in US$ or Euros, and credit cards and US currency is readily accepted on the main islands. Tourism taxes are levied for accommodation and activities.

Currency Exchange Rates
XPF1.00 =	US$ 0.01	£ 0.01	C$ 0.01	A$ 0.01	R 0.09	€ 0.01	NZ$ 0.02

Note: These rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Language: French and Tahitian are the official languages; English is widely spoken.

Entry requirements for Americans: US citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to one month. Extension is possible after arrival.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens, British Overseas Territories Citizens, British National (Overseas), and British Subjects do not require a visa to stay in French Polynesia for up to three months. Other British passport holders require a visa.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians do not require a visa to stay for one month in French Polynesia. Extension is possible after arrival.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australians do not require a visa to stay in French Polynesia for up to three months.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans must obtain a valid visa for entry to French Polynesia.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals may stay in French Polynesia for up to one month without a visa. Extension is possible after arrival.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish citizens may stay in French Polynesia without a visa for up to three months.

Passport/Visa Note: All foreigners entering French Polynesia must hold return tickets or documents for onward travel to two successive destinations. A passport valid for three months after the date of entry is also required. Extensions are possible.

Travel Health: A yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers to French Polynesia arriving from an infected area. Immunisation against hepatitis A is recommended, and the territory is subject to increasing outbreaks of dengue fever. A typhoid vaccine is also suggested for most travellers (except short-term business travellers or cruise ship passengers). Tap water in hotels is safe to drink, but bottled water is also freely available throughout the islands. Tahiti has good health facilities with pharmacies and a large government hospital. There are a few private doctors and clinics in the outer islands. The only decompression chamber is at Papeete. Medical insurance is recommended for travellers.

Tipping: Tipping in Tahiti and the islands is not required - nor expected - as it goes against local custom where hospitality is paramount. All prices quoted are all-inclusive.

Safety Information: Visits to French Polynesia are usually trouble-free. The crime rate is low, but sensible precautions should be taken with valuables. Tropical storms and cyclones can occur between November and April.

Business: Business etiquette is relatively informal in Tahiti and French Polynesia. French is the main language of trade, however English is often understood in more touristy areas. Business hours are generally 8am to 12pm and 1.30pm to 5.30pm Monday to Friday.

Communications: The country code for French Polynesia is +689 and the outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). City/area codes are not in use. There are public phone booths on all the islands, most operated with phone cards called 'Telecartes', available from the airport, some bars, magazine stands and the post offices. A GSM 900 mobile network provides limited coverage on Tahiti. United States cell phones will not operate on the islands. Internet access is available in the larger hotels and resorts and the main tourist islands all have Internet cafes.

Duty Free: Travellers arriving in Tahiti may bring the following goods without paying customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 200g tobacco; 1 litre of spirits with more than 22% alcohol volume or 2 litres spirits with less than 22% and 2 litres of still wine; 50g perfume and 250ml eau de toilette; and items valued up to CFP5,000 (for adults) or CFP2,5000 (children under 15 years) for gifts or personal use. Passengers may not import any foodstuffs, weapons or drugs.