10 Things to Know When Visiting French Polynesia: French Polynesia Tips
Dreaming of turquoise waters, overwater bungalows, and lush volcanic landscapes? French Polynesia is calling your name! We’ve visited French Polynesia twice so far, the first time we spent 10 days hopping around four of these breathtaking islands the first time. The second time we visited we spent 2 weeks in French Polynesia. So we’re sharing our favorite French Polynesia tips to help you plan your perfect Polynesian escape.
Currency & Payments: Cash is King
Heads up: cash is super important in French Polynesia. You’ll want to get your hands on some French Pacific Francs (XPF). You can exchange currency at the Tahiti airport for good rates. Plus, they’re open late to meet those international flights!
Thinking of using your credit card? Most places accept them, but usually only for purchases over 2000-2500 XPF (about $20 USD). And a word to the wise: American Express (AMEX) isn’t widely accepted here.
Don’t stress if you need more cash. You can find ATMs and banks around, but exchanging cash at the airport might save you on those pesky fees. Just remember, there’s a $1000 USD limit per person (per passport) for exchanges at the airport.
Breakfast Is Not Always Included
Here’s a surprise for some travelers: breakfast isn’t usually included in your hotel or accommodation cost. This is pretty common due to the French influence. What are your options for breakfast then? You can always pay extra at your hotel or resort. Or, you can do what we did: hit up a grocery store and make your own!
Here’s a pro tip: grab some lunch meat (like chorizo or pepperoni) and baguettes. Baguettes are everywhere, and make for a quick and yummy breakfast!
Grocery Store Hours: Plan Ahead
Most grocery stores close earlier than you might expect. For example, the one near the Linareva Resort in Moorea closes at 6:30 PM. The store in Papeete (Tahiti) near the airport closes at 8:00 PM. Be sure to plan your shopping trips accordingly! Also, make sure to grab bottled water. Tap water safety can be inconsistent in French Polynesia, so stock up!
Restaurant Hours: Going Early Can Be Beneficial
Restaurant hours are also different than in America. Many places have a lunch service from 11 AM to 2 PM. Then, they reopen for dinner from 6 PM to 9 PM. What happens if you’re hungry in between?
Pack some snacks, especially when traveling between islands. You don’t want to arrive during those off-peak hours with nothing to eat! Remember, hours can vary from island to island, so do a little research.
Getting Around: Restaurant Pick-Up Services
Don’t want to rent a car? Some restaurants offer pick-up and drop-off services, especially on islands like Moorea. This can be super convenient! Check with the restaurant to see if they offer this, as it may depend on how far away you’re staying.
Digital Disconnect: Wi-Fi Realities
Let’s talk Wi-Fi. Be warned: it can be unreliable in many places. We found the best Wi-Fi at the Hilton near the airport, most likely because it is a resort. We stayed at a lot of pensions and guesthouses, so the wifi is not as strong. If the connection is spotty, try limiting the number of devices connected at once.
Also, don’t count on using Wi-Fi at restaurants. Most don’t offer it to customers.
Cell Service and Wi-Fi Solutions:
If you’re wanting to stay connected while in French Polynesia, what are your options for staying connected?
- Cell Service: We use Verizon’s Travel Pass. It’s $10 a day and includes 0.5 GB of data. The good news is you can rack up free Travel Pass days!
- Tahiti Wi-Fi: Need reliable Wi-Fi? Consider renting a portable Wi-Fi hotspot through Tahiti Wi-Fi. It costs $8-$20 a day, depending on how much data you use.
Footwear Essentials: Pack Your Water Shoes
Water shoes are a MUST. These are the water shoes we recommend. Most of the beaches often have rocks and coral. Water shoes will protect your feet and make it easier to get in and out of the water. If you’re staying in an overwater bungalow, bring them! The water is shallow, and there’s often coral on the bottom. Tip learned the hard way, by stepping on some coral the first day at our overwater bungalow.
Locals might be able to walk barefoot. But, trust me, you’ll want the water shoes.
Island Hopping on Sundays and Holidays: Be Prepared
Keep in mind travel restrictions on Sundays and French holidays. Many businesses close, and taxis can be hard to find. On one Sunday, we arrived back at the Tahiti ferry terminal, and we had a hard time finding a taxi. We recommend booking your transfers or taxis in advance if you’re traveling on a Sunday!
On French holidays, alcohol sales are often restricted after 12 PM. Also, research Tahitian holidays and school breaks, because these can also affect business hours.
Towel Troubles: BYOT (Bring Your Own Towel)
Staying in an Airbnb, guest house, or pension? They probably won’t have extra towels for swimming. We recommend packing a travel towel! You don’t want to end up using the same two towels for everything. Larger hotels like the Hilton or InterContinental will have extra towels.
Speak a Little French: A Little Bit Goes a Long Way
Learn some basic French phrases! While many people at resorts speak English, it’s less common on smaller islands like Huahine or Tikehau. While in Huahine, we were the only English speakers on the lagoon tour.
French Polynesia has both Tahitian and French languages. Learning a few phrases in either language is a sign of respect and makes communication easier. For example “Ia ora na” is hello in Tahitian.
Ready for Paradise?
With these French Polynesia tips in mind, you’re well on your way to planning an unforgettable trip to French Polynesia!
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