Tahiti Travel Guide
French Polynesia's prominent main island of Tahiti looks over her surrounding sister islands as a proud queen might, her soaring interior mountains sheltering deep valleys, plummeting waterfalls, and crystal streams flowing down to the rugged coastline of black and white sand beaches and blue lagoons. Tahiti is actually made up of two islands, Tahiti-Nui and Tahiti-Iti, joined by a narrow isthmus.
Most holidaymakers will begin their island holiday in Papeete, Tahiti's capital and the commercial hub of French Polynesia. This small, busy city has a French flavour and laidback atmosphere, and is worth exploring for its vibrant Central Market, pearl shops, attractive waterfront, and selection of excellent restaurants.
Another must for visitors is to take a round-the-island tour along the 73-mile (117km) road encircling the island, passing historic monuments, museums, beaches, ruined temples, waterfalls, gardens, and some beautiful, dramatic scenery. The island's best white-sand beaches are between Punaauia and Papara, but many visitors get more of a thrill out of visiting the famed black-sand beaches on the east coast, particularly the renowned Pointe Venus.
Besides enjoying the seaside, Tahiti also offers some interesting sightseeing, including magnificent botanical gardens, museums, archaeological sites, the tomb of the royal family Pomare, a lake containing unique eels, lava tubes, and a host of other unusual experiences.
Tahiti is most famous for its surf, boasting some of the best reef breaks and barrels in the world. The waves tend to be very heavy and powerful and the shallow reefs can be dangerous, so only confident and experienced surfers should test their mettle here. For those who do have what it takes, the most popular surf spots include the iconic Teahupo'o; Taapuna, which is conveniently located near Papeete; and the black-sand beach at Papara.
Things to do in Tahiti
Tahiti Climate and Weather
Like all of French Polynesia, Tahiti enjoys tropical, warm, and humid weather all year round, averaging eight hours of sunshine per day over a year. The islands experience a rainy season, generally between late October and early March, when cloudy skies and brief heavy rain showers can occur.
The rest of the year rain is rare and temperatures constantly high, tempered sometimes by refreshing breezes. The water temperature ranges between 79F and 84F (26C to 29C) making for extremely pleasant bathing all year round.
The best time to visit Tahiti is between May and October, technically the winter months, when the weather is warm and sunny and rain is less likely. Some travellers may find the summer months uncomfortably hot and humid but they are somewhat less crowded.
Tahiti and French Polynesia travel info
Electricity
The electric current in most hotels is 220 volts, 60Hz. European-style two-pin plugs with a round pin plug are in use.
Language
Though French is the official language,Tahitian is widely spoken. English also has a fairly strong presence.
Money
The unit of currency in French Polynesia is the French Pacific Franc (XPF), divided into 100 centimes. The exchange rate is fairly stable as it is linked to the Euro. Apart from Maupiti, all the main islands in the Society group have at least one banking agency, while only Rangiroa has permanent banking services in the Tuamotus. There are Banque Socredo agencies on 'Ua Pou, Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa in the Marquesas, and some banking services on Rurutu and Tubuai in the Australs group. Banks are the best place to change foreign currency, though rates of exchange are not as good at hotels. Travellers will find ATMs on main islands; hotels and restaurants on main islands accept credit cards.
Tipping
Tipping in Tahiti and the islands is not required or expected, as it's seen as contrary to the local custom of hospitality. Generally prices quoted are all-inclusive.
Health
A yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers to French Polynesia arriving from an infected area. Vaccinations for hepatitis A and hepatitis B are recommended, and those staying long-term and eating outside of major hotels and restaurants may also want to consider a vaccination for typhoid. Malaria is not a concern but cases of dengue fever are on the rise so precautions against mosquito bites should be taken.
Tap water in hotels and resorts should be safe to drink, but bottled water is also available throughout the islands. Tahiti has decent medical facilities and there are a few private doctors and clinics in the outer islands but healthcare options are limited outside of major cities. The only decompression chamber is at Papeete. Comprehensive medical insurance is recommended for all travellers.
Safety
Visits to French Polynesia are usually trouble-free. The crime rate is low, but sensible precautions should be taken with valuables. Tropical storms and cyclones can occur between November and April.
Local customs
The culture in Tahiti and French Polynesia is relaxed and welcoming, with hospitality and generosity considered important values. People greet each other with a handshake or kiss on the cheek, and it is considered impolite not to greet everyone in the room unless there is a large group. Guests should remove their shoes when entering someone's home.
Doing business
Business etiquette is relatively informal in Tahiti and French Polynesia. French is the main language of trade, though English is often understood in more popular tourist areas and main urban centres. Business hours are generally 8am to 12pm and 1.30pm to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Duty free
Travellers aged 18 or over who are arriving with goods purchased in the EU do not have to pay customs duty on 800 cigarettes, 200 cigars or 1 kilogram of tobacco; 90 litres of wine, 110 litres of beer or cider and 10 litres of alcoholic spirits. Passengers arriving from non-EU Member States do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacoo; 4 lites of wine, 16 litres of beer or cider and 2 litres of spirits.
Communications
The international dialling code for French Polynesia is +689 and the outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). WiFi is available in the larger hotels and resorts; travellers can purchase local SIM cards for unlocked phones.
Passport & Visa
All foreigners entering French Polynesia must hold return tickets or documents for onward travel and proof of sufficient funds. Although French Polynesia doesn't officially require it, it's recommended that passports have six months of validity remaining prior to travel.
Entry requirements
US citizens require a passport valid for six months after intended travel. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.
UK citizens require a passport valid for three months after intended travel. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.
Canadians require a passport valid for three months after intended travel. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months in any six month period.
Australians require a passport valid for three months after intended travel. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
South Africans require a passport valid for three months after intended travel. A visa is required for South African citizens wishing to travel to Tahiti and French Polynesia.
Irish citizens require a passport valid for three months after intended travel. No visa is required.
New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for three months after intended travel. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
Useful contacts
Tahiti Tourisme, Papeete, Tahiti: www.tahiti-tourisme.com
20 (Police), 120 (Fire), 15 (Ambulance)Embassies / consulates in other countries
Embassy of France, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 944 6000.
Embassy of France, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7073 1000.
Embassy of France, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 1795.
Embassy of France, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6216 0100.
Embassy of France, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 425 1600.
Embassy of France, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 277 5000.
Embassy of France, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 4 384 2555.
Embassies / consulates in Tahiti and French Polynesia
United States Embassy, Suva, Fiji (also responsible for French Polynesia): +679 331 4466.
British Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for French Polynesia): +33 1 4451 3100.
Canadian High Commission, Wellington, New Zealand (also responsible for French Polynesia): +64 4 473 9577.
Australian Consulate-General, Noumea, New Caledonia (also responsible for French Polynesia): +687 272 414.
New Zealand High Commission, Alofi, Niue: +683 4022.