CRUISING IN THE ISLANDS

Entry requirements
Entry requirements vary depending on your nationality. Please check the applicable requirements before travelling : Tahiti Tourism – Visa & entry requirements

Health
Please refer to the following page for health recommendations and useful information before travelling : Tahiti Tourism – Health information

Currency & payments
The local currency is the French Pacific Franc (XPF). Credit and debit cards are generally accepted at hotels, restaurants and major tourist establishments, but we recommend carrying some cash in XPF, especially when travelling to the islands and more remote areas.
Currency exchange is available at certain authorized exchange offices, including at Tahiti-Faa’a International Airport and selected dedicated exchange facilities. Not all foreign currencies are necessarily accepted, so we recommend checking which currencies are supported before travelling and arranging your currency exchange in advance. Local banks no longer offer currency exchange services to travelers.

What to pack
For a comfortable stay, we recommend bringing a hat, sunglasses, a rash guard or UV-protective clothing, swimwear, suitable sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
We also recommend bringing your own snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel and fins) for greater comfort, although equipment is generally available at hotels and from excursion suppliers.
Please also make sure you have enough batteries, chargers and memory cards for your electronic devices.

Electricity
In French Polynesia, the electrical supply is generally 220 V / 60 Hz, with mainly Type E sockets (French-style outlets). If your devices use a different plug type, please bring a suitable travel adapter.

Wi-Fi & mobile coverage
Mobile and internet coverage can vary depending on the island and location, particularly in more remote areas.

Domestic flights & luggage
Domestic flight schedules may be changed by the airlines without prior notice. Our local team monitor any changes and will adjust the relevant services whenever possible.
Please also make sure to respect the baggage allowance for your flights to avoid any additional charges at check-in.
For late-afternoon or evening returns in Tahiti from remote islands, particularly the Marquesas, Tuamotu and Austral Islands, we recommend allowing one night in Tahiti before any onward connection, particularly before an international flight or a ferry crossing to Moorea. Flights from these archipelagos may be subject to delays, and an overnight stay in Tahiti helps ensure a smoother and more secure onward journey.

International flight changes
Our local teams are informed of any changes to your international flights so that your transfers and/or any other impacted services can be adjusted accordingly when necessary.

Local transportation
Taxis are mainly available in tourist areas and around airports, hotels and city centers. Public transportation is more developed on the more populated islands and may be less frequent or unavailable in more remote areas. We recommend planning your local transportation in advance when necessary.

Punctuality
For transfers and excursions, please be at the meeting point a few minutes before the scheduled departure time. Services operate according to fixed schedules.

Accommodation
Please respect the check-in and check-out times indicated by each accommodation. Early check-in and late check-out are subject to availability and prior confirmation.

Weather & activities
Weather and sea conditions can vary, and some excursions or activities may be modified, postponed or cancelled for safety reasons. Decisions are made by the suppliers according to local conditions.

Drinking water
The quality of tap water can vary depending on the island and location. Tap water is safe to drink in some areas, but we recommend checking locally and, when in doubt, choosing sealed bottled water.

Languages
French and Tahitian are the official languages. English is also widely spoken in tourist establishments.

Local customs
In French Polynesia, using first names and addressing people informally is common and generally reflects a friendly and welcoming culture. Tipping is not mandatory and remains entirely at your discretion, depending on your experience and the quality of service.

Tropical Environment
French Polynesia is a tropical destination, where insects, geckos and other small animals are part of the natural environment. We recommend keeping doors and windows closed when appropriate.

Protect our paradise
Please help protect our exceptional natural environment: do not touch corals or marine life, do not collect sand or shells, and help conserve water and energy.