Interesting Facts:

• While one hotel in Hawaii has as many as 2,000 rooms, French Polynesia combined has about 4,300 rooms in total.
• Hawaii has more visitors in 10 days than Tahiti has in one year.
• Tahiti has more hours of sun each month than Honolulu, Dallas, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle or Toronto.

Getting There

Tahiti honeymooners complete their journey in just about eight hours from Los Angeles, California (only Two and a half hours more than flying to Hawaii).

Entry Requirements

For a stay of up to one month, citizens of the U.S. and Canada will need a valid passport and proof of sufficient funds and onward passage. Passports should be valid for at least six months after the date of entry. Reconfirm travel document information with your carrier before departure.

Yellow-fever certificate is required if arriving from an infected area. Contact health authorities for the latest information.

Luggage Weight Allowances

International flights - baggage limit per passenger:

• For first-class or business-class passengers: 66 lbs.
• For economy-class passengers: 44 lbs.
• Carry-on bag: cannot exceed total measure of 45 inches (H + W + L)
• Small handbag, portable computer, camera bag… : less than 15 lbs.

Domestic flights - baggage limit per passenger:

• If not connecting with an international flight within seven days: 22 lbs.
• If connecting with an international flight within seven days: 44 lbs.

No Tipping

Tipping is not customary in Tahiti. Consider this savings when comparing Tahiti with other destinations.

Clothing

Tahiti is very informal. Lightweight, washable cottons will serve well. Men will be comfortable in shorts, slacks for dinner, sport shirts and sandals, while ladies may wear shorts, skirts and sun dresses. We recommend at least two swimsuits per person, comfortable rubber-soled shoes for walking on coral (a necessity on the shark feeding excursion), a hat or visor, sunglasses and a waterproof bag to protect your camera equipment from salt and spray.

Sports Activities

Snorkeling, diving, tennis, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing, outrigger canoeing, para-sailing, horseback riding, biking, hiking and climbing are activities available on most islands in French Polynesia. Game fishing is also widely available, though true aficionados recommend December through July as the best months for this sport. Golfers will find a spectacular course on the island of Tahiti; there are no other courses in French Polynesia at this time. Many hotels offer snorkeling equipment free, but it is advisable to pack your own snorkel, fins and mask (and regulator if you are a serious scuba diver).

Time Difference

Tahiti is in the same time zone as Hawaii, making it two hours behind the West Coast during Pacific Standard Time, and three hours behind during Pacific Daylight Time.

Language

While each island group has its own native language, French and Tahitian are the official languages of French Polynesia. Early missionaries chose to work in Tahitian, thus spreading the language to about 100 islands. English is also widely spoken.

Currency

French Polynesian currency is called the French Pacific franc (CFP). The rate of exchange is fixed to the French franc (FF).

The best place to exchange money is at the Faa'a International Airport upon arrival, or at Westpac or Socredo banks. Always ask whether the price being quoted is U.S. or CFP dollars.

American currency is accepted throughout the islands; however, you are likely to receive change back in CFP dollars. Other foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and some hotels.

Automatic teller machines are easy to find on the more populated islands. Should you wish to use your ATM card, check with your bank before you leave to ensure that your card's PIN number is valid for use in French Polynesia. Four-digit pin numbers are commonly used overseas; any pin numbers with more or less digits might be refused. You may be charged for ATM transactions.

Most major establishments in French Polynesia accept travelers' checks.

Most establishments accept major credit cards like MasterCard, Visa, or American Express. As in your home country, any credit-card cash advance usually carries a set charge along with interest beginning the day you receive the money.

Time Zone

French Polynesia is two hours behind Pacific Standard Time (GMT/UTC minus 10 hours), which is the same time zone as Hawaii. The Marquesas are 30 minutes behind the rest of French Polynesia. The islands fall east of the international date line, marking the days the same as that of the United States, but a day behind Australia and Fiji.

Phone Code

The country code for French Polynesia is 689. This does not need to be dialed when phoning from island to island.

Electricity

Voltage: 220V AC Electrical Plugs - Plugs are a European standard and have two round prongs. Heavy-duty plugs have a third round prong.

Electrical Conversion

If you come from the United States, you should bring a small converter.