Posted by on 01 Nov 2019
, in Islands
TRAVEL TIPS
Tahiti and Her Islands lie in the South Pacific. It consists of 118 beautifully crafted islands that comprise The Islands of Tahiti. Tahiti is in the Society Islands, together with Bora Bora, Raiatea, Taha’a, Huahine and Moorea. The capital is Papeete and the International Airport is Fa'a'ā International Airport.
Air Tahiti Nui is a domestic airline which links all five archipelagos: Society, Tuamotu, Marquesas, Austral and Gambier. Travel between some islands can be made by high-speed catamaran.
DOCUMENTATION
Note that your australian passport should be valid at least 6 months after your departure from French Polynesia. Australian passport holders do not need a visa for a stay as a tourist of up to three months.
ACCOMMODATION
For a romantic stay or dream honeymoon, stay in an overwater bungalow. You won’t regret it! Some of the bungalows have private deck with stairs directly to the water below and Glass floor sections so you get a nice view of the sea life.
If you want cheaper options, you can stay in pensions, self-catering cottages and campgrounds. Nothing luxurious or flashy, just a simple life in the green hills or near the ocean.
CURRENCY AND SERVICE
The local currency is the French Pacific Franc (CFP or XPF). There are hotels and financial institutions that offer exchange services. Numerous ATMs and banks are available in Tahiti. It is recommended that you exchange your home currency in French Pacific francs upon arrival at Tahiti International Airport or at any bank in Papeete. There is also money exchange machine for US dollars in Faa’a International Airport.
Tipping is not always expected in French Polynesia. The price given is the price you are expected to pay. However, if you receive a really good service, tipping is appreciated. The prices in the menu are all inclusive so there are no hidden costs.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
It is good to visit French Polynesia all year round but there are still some months that are better than others. The best time to visit Tahiti is in May to October as this is the dry season, with temperatures around 27 °C (80°F), dropping slightly in the evening. The hottest months are February and March while the coolest are July and August 24°C (76°F). Book your flights before July as this is the busiest month because of the Heiva Nui festival.
LANGUAGE
The main languages spoken are Tahitian and French. English is spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants.
