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> What to Pack

The exotic beauty of French Polynesia begins with breathtaking islands, gentle sea breezes and white sandy, palm-fringed beaches. All of Tahiti’s charms are yours, when you visit any of the beautiful islands of French Polynesia.

Fly Air Tahiti Nui to Tahiti

On flights to Los Angeles, Air Tahiti Nui will operate the flight with their aircraft, although you may have booked with Qantas. You will receive the high standard of service to which you are accustomed when you fly Qantas. 
Inter-island flights: Flights are available between the islands of Tahiti. Please call Qantas Vacations for details.

Climate

Cooled by the gentle breezes of the Pacific, the climate of the islands is sunny and pleasant. There are two seasons: from November through to March the climate is warm and humid; April through to October is cooler and drier. Most of the rains fall during the warmer season, but there are also many lovely sunny days during these months with refreshing tradewinds.
Average temperatures in °F:
Nov-Mar      82°-84°
Apr-Oct       78°-80°

Passport and Visas

All visitors to Tahiti require a valid passport and an outbound ticket. We recommend you check your requirements with a travel agent.

Currency/Travelers’ Checks

Local currency is the French Pacific Franc (CFP). Travelers’ checks are the safest way to take money with you on holidays. All major banks and hotels will cash travelers’ checks and proof of identification will be required. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, shops and other tourist establishments.

Taxes

Government taxes (currently 9%) are included in prices shown. A communal city tax of CFP150 per person per night is also applicable. This has also been included in the price shown unless otherwise stated. 

Language

French is the official language and English is widely spoken in the main tourist areas, restaurants, shops, hotels and resorts.

Tipping

This practice is not customary nor expected in Tahiti. 

Water and Electricity

Most of the hotels use 110 or 220 volts, AC 60 cycles although selected properties – especially on the outer islands – use 110 volts. Power outlets for shavers are provided in most hotels and a converter/adaptor for other appliances is usually available upon request. Please note that most properties use a European-style plug.

Tap water in Papeete and Bora Bora is safe to drink; enquire locally in the other islands. If in doubt use mineral water in sealed bottles. 

Time Zone

French Polynesia is 10 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time, 2 hours behind US Pacific Standard Time, and 20 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.

When it is noon Sunday in Tahiti, it is 2pm Sunday in Los Angeles, 8am Monday in Sydney, 11pm (winter time) - 12pm (summertime) in Frankfurt. The Marquesas Islands are a half-hour ahead of the rest of French Polynesia. When it is noon in Tahiti, it is 12:30pm in the Marquesas.

Business Hours

Shops are open from Monday to Friday 7:30am to 11:30am and from 1:30pm to 5pm/6pm, and even to 8:00pm. Saturdays from 7:30am to 11:30am. Some shops also open afternoons.
Most places are closed on Sunday except for the colorful Papeete market, which is very busy from 5 in the morning. There you can find a wide variety of flowers, food, pareos, hats, mother of pearl, art objects and a variety of souvenirs.

What to Pack

Bring summer clothes, beachwear, sports wear and boat wear, all preferably in cotton. Have something warm available for the evenings which are sometimes cooler (lagoon side, boat trips and in the mountains). Footwear: sandals, sneakers, boat shoes. Essential: swimming costumes, sunglasses, hat, sun block creams (intense reflection off the lagoons) and a powerful anti-mosquito lotion (useful in the islands and in certain seasons).