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Frequently
Asked Questions - Tahiti
Visas
There are no visas required for entry into Tahiti for US
citizens provided your stay does not exceed 90 days.
Health
Inoculations are not required when traveling to Tahiti,
although a typhoid vaccine is advised. A yellow fever
vaccine certificate is required for all travelers over 1
year of age who arrive within 6 days from an infected areas.
Currency Exchange
The Pacific
French Franc (CFP) is the currency used in French Polynesia.
It is not valued the same as the EURO. Normally, the best
exchange rates are received when you pay by credit card.
Traveler checks are widely accepted. Generally, a better
exchange rate is given for traveler’s checks than for cash.
Banks will provide the best exchange rate. Banks are located
at Faaa Airport and on most islands. Hotels also exchange
currency and traveler checks but may give a less favorable
rate. US currency may be accepted as direct payment in
hotels, restaurants and large shops, but will get a low rate
of exchange.
ATM
machines are available but do have the reputation of
malfunctioning from time to time.
It is also
a good idea to carry credit cards and/or traveler’s checks.
You will often get a better exchange rate paying by credit
card than paying by cash or traveler’s check. Major credit
cards (American Express, Visa and MasterCard) are accepted
at hotels, most restaurants and shops on larger islands.
However, you may find that credit cards are not widely
accepted on smaller islands such as Huahine, Rangiroa,
Tikehau, and Manihi.
Electricity
The voltage used in Tahiti is 110/220 volts.
US voltage is 120 volts so you can purchase a converter and
transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V
appliances.
Tipping
Historically, tipping has been
contrary to the Tahitian custom of hospitality. While
tipping is still not a common practice, it is beginning to
be seen in some restaurants and hotels on the larger islands
of Moorea, Bora Bora, and Tahiti. Still, there are no hidden
service charges and prices quoted on menus and in hotels or
shops are all inclusive. |
