Captivating Tahiti and her 118 attendant islands and atolls, all
radiating with iridescent green and turquoise, make up the country
of French Polynesia, a French overseas territory that is spread
across an area of the South Pacific that is as big as western
Europe.
The earliest explorers thought they had found paradise on earth
when they came across these picture-perfect islands, and today's
travellers are no less entranced by the volcanic mountain peaks
clothed in lush tropical vegetation and exotic flowering plants,
the coral reefs, warm waters, white sand beaches and stunning
turquoise lagoons. Add to this the warm hospitality offered by the
friendly locals, a collection of world-class resorts, spas, fine
restaurants, nightclubs, vibrant markets and enticing boutiques and
one would imagine the islands would be over-run with exuberant
vacationers. It is surprising then, to discover that there are more
hotel rooms in a typical Las Vegas hotel than on all the islands of
French Polynesia, and that Hawaii receives more visitors in 10 days
than Tahiti does in a year. This means it is possible to tuck a
tiare (Tahiti's national fragrant white flower) behind your ear,
pack your pareu (sarong) and swimsuit, and head off to find your
own idyllic piece of Polynesian paradise, which will doubtless have
a melodic ancient name meaning something like 'island of the long
sky' or 'place of the double rainbow'.
General Information
Communications
The international dialling 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.
Emergencies Emergencies: 15
Language(s) Spoken French and Tahitian are the official languages; English
is widely spoken.
Duty Free
Travellers arriving in Tahiti do not have to pay customs duty on
400 cigarettes, 1 litre of alcoholic spirits or 2 litres of still
wine, a reasonable amount of perfume and eau de toilette for
personal use, and items valued up to CFP5,000 (for adults) or
CFP2,5000 (children under 15 years) for gifts or personal use. The
import of food, weapons or drugs is prohibited.
Time Zones
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.
Tourist Office
Tahiti Tourisme, Papeete, Tahiti: +689 505 700 or
www.tahiti-tourisme.com
Customs
The culture in Tahiti and French Polynesia is relaxed and
welcoming, with hospitality and generosity considered important
values. People greet each other with a handshake or kiss on the
cheek, and it is considered impolite not to greet everyone in the
room unless there is a large group. Guests should remove their
shoes when entering someone's home.
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.
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.
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.
Real-time currency conversion provided by webserviceX.net
Passport
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.
Entry requirements
Canadians require a passport valid for three months after
intended travel. No visa is required for a stay of up to three
months in any six month period.
US
citizens require a passport valid for three months after
intended travel. No visa is required for a stay of up to three
months in any six month period.
British
nationals require a passport valid for three months
after intended travel. No visa is required for a stay of up to
three months. Visa extensions can be obtained from the relevant
authorities two months after arrival.
Canadians
require a passport valid for three months after
intended travel. No visa is required for a stay of up to three
months in any six month period.
Australians
require a passport valid for three months after
intended travel. No visa is required for a stay of up to three
months in any six month period.
South
Africans require a passport valid for three months after
intended travel. A visa is required for South African citizens
wishing to travel to Tahiti and French Polynesia.
Irish
citizens require a passport valid for three months after
intended travel. No visa is required for a stay of up to three
months. Visa extensions can be obtained from the relevant
authorities two months after arrival.
New
Zealand nationals require a passport valid for three months
after intended travel. No visa is required for a stay of up to
three months in any six month period.
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.
Safety
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.
Emergency Phone Number: Emergencies: 15
Climate Info
French Polynesia enjoys tropical, warm and humid weather all
year round, averaging eight hours of sunshine per day over a year.
The islands experience a rainy season, generally between late
October and early March, when cloudy skies and brief heavy rain
showers can occur. The rest of the year rain is rare and
temperatures constantly high, tempered sometimes by refreshing
breezes. The water temperature ranges from 79°F to 84°F (26°C to
29°C) making for extremely pleasant bathing all year round.
The airport is located about three miles (6km) from
Papeete on the island of Tahiti.
Time Difference:
GMT -10.
Contacts:
Tel: +689 866 096.
Getting to the city:
In the parking lot opposite the terminal building, passengers
can hop aboard 'Le Truck', an open-top taxi-van, providing public
transport in Tahiti and ride into town for a fare of around US$1.
Taxis are available but cost around US$10 for the trip into town.
It is worth making sure that the fare is agreed on up front before
setting off in a taxi.
Car rental:
Several car rental agencies operate at the airport, including
Hertz, Avis, Tahiti Rentacar and Europcar.
Airport Facilities:
There is a bureau de change, post office and bank, opening hours
coinciding with the arrival of flights. The airport has two
restaurants, a duty free shop, tour operator desks, gift shops,
pearl boutiques and a colourful local handcraft market operating in
front of the terminal building. Baggage storage facilities are
available.
The vibrant heart of Papeete is its fascinating public market,
where for more than 150 years traders have touted a vast array of
exotic goods from Tahitian arts and crafts, to fragrant oils,
flowers, fruit, straw hats, seashell jewellery and pareus
(sarongs). The market is particularly colourful an....
The vibrant heart of Papeete is its fascinating public market,
where for more than 150 years traders have touted a vast array of
exotic goods from Tahitian arts and crafts, to fragrant oils,
flowers, fruit, straw hats, seashell jewellery and pareus
(sarongs). The market is particularly colourful and lively in the
late afternoon when the day's catch is brought in from the fishing
boats, and on Sunday mornings when the island families
traditionally do their weekly shopping.
Address:Two blocks from the Papeete waterfront, opposite the
cruise-liner dock
The famous French painter, Paul Gauguin, spent the last 12 years
of his life in Tahiti and fittingly, the island sports a museum
dedicated to his life and work. Among the exhibits Visitors
expecting to see original versions of his iconic Tahiti-period
paintings will be disappointed although there a....
The famous French painter, Paul Gauguin, spent the last 12 years
of his life in Tahiti and fittingly, the island sports a museum
dedicated to his life and work. Among the exhibits Visitors
expecting to see original versions of his iconic Tahiti-period
paintings will be disappointed although there are some original
sculptures, engravings and gouaches. The gift shop sells excellent
prints. While in the area, a visit to the adjacent Harrison W.
Smith Botanical Gardens is well worthwhile.
Cultured pearls, particularly the famed Tahitian black pearl,
are French Polynesia's main export and the best buy for visitors to
the islands. If you are planning to shop for pearls it is wise to
first stop by the Pearl Museum in Papeete where you can find out
all about these 'gems of the sea' and ....
Cultured pearls, particularly the famed Tahitian black pearl,
are French Polynesia's main export and the best buy for visitors to
the islands. If you are planning to shop for pearls it is wise to
first stop by the Pearl Museum in Papeete where you can find out
all about these 'gems of the sea' and learn to judge their
quality.
Address:Vaima Center, Rue Jeanne d'Arc, Papeete
Telephone:452 122
Opening Time:Open Monday to Saturday 8am to 7pm, Sunday and public
holidays 9am to 7pm
