Passports and Visas
US
visitors do not require a visa for Tahiti & her Islands for stays of
less than one month. All visitors are required to have a valid
passport, proof of onward passage and adequate financial means of
supporting stay.
For
visitors wishing to stay in Tahiti more than one month, a visa is
required from the French consulate.
Customs
There are
strict laws prohibiting or restricting the entry of drugs, steroids,
weapons, firearms, protected wildlife and associated products. If you
are unsure about anything declare it to Customs upon arrival.
Tax Free/ Duty Free
In
addition to personal effects, the following are allowed into Tahiti
duty-free: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 grams of
smoking tobacco, 50 grams of perfume, 500 grams of coffee, 100 grams of
tea and 2 liters of spirits.
Departure tax
There is no departure or airport tax.
Practical Information
Language
The
official languages of French Polynesia are Tahitian and French, but
numerous other tongues are spoken as well. Paumotu (the language of the
Tuamotu Islands), and Mangarevan (spoken in the Gambiers) are both
native tongues. These languages belong to the great Malayo-European
language family, which also includes the languages of Malaysia,
Indonesia, Madgascar and the original languages of Taiwan.
English is
widely spoken.
Time Differences
Tahiti is -5 EST/-2PST and currently do not operate daylight saving at
this time.
Currency & Banking
The
currency used in French Polynesia is the French Pacific franc, or CFP.
Notes come in denominations of 500, 1000, 5000 and 10,000, and coins in
denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100.
Currency
exchanges are available in Papeete and at Faaa International Airport in
Tahiti that is open for all arriving passenger flights. Travelers'
checks are easily cashed at banks and hotels.
Visa
credit cards are accepted (banks will give you a cash advance), as are
American Express. MasterCard is accepted in some areas. On many of the
smaller islands, credit cards are not accepted. Though ATMs are a
growing presence in Tahiti, there is no guarantee yours will work here.
Taxes
An 8
percent tax is added to the cost of a room in the hotels of French
Polynesia.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected.
Electricity
Most of
the hotels use 110 or 220 volts, a.c. 60 cycles. Power outlets for all
shavers and other appliances are a convenience provided in most hotels.
A converter/adaptor for other appliances is usually available upon
request
Health & Safety
Insurance
Before
your visit you should arrange sufficient medical and travel insurance.
Ensure the policy is adequate to cover costs for ambulance or helicopter
rescue, emergency surgery, or transportation home We offer comprehensive
travel insurance policies to cover every eventuality – ask your Aspire
Down Under consultant for more details.
Vaccinations
No
vaccinations or health certificates are required unless visiting from an
infected area for cholera, yellow fever and the plague as defined by the
World Health Organization.
Water
Tap water in the
hotels and restaurants is safe to drink. Elsewhere, it is advisable to
drink boiled or bottled water unless the water is known to be treated.
Bottled water is widely available.
Weather Safety
The
sun can be strong all year round, be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat.
Beach Safety
Tennis
shoes or plastic sandals are recommended when walking on the reefs and
in the lagoons of Polynesia
Driving in Papeete
Driving is
on the right side of the road. All visitors must hold a current US
drivers license.
