FAQ

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How Long Does It Take to Get There?

From the UK, you can travel to Tahiti and Her Islands via Los Angeles or New York. The flight time between Papeete's Faa'a Airport (PPT) and Los Angeles is around 8 hours by air with Air New Zealand, Air Tahiti Nui. From New York (JFK) is around 10 hours with Air Tahiti Nui.

When do I need to change my money?
It is recommended that you exchange your money at the Airport or at your hotel, also most of Credit Card (MasterCard, Electron, Solo) are accepted in all the tourist area. Except in the less visited islands. The currency is the French Pacific Franc (XPF).

Do I need a passport/visa?
It is advisable to be in possession of a passport valid for six month longer than their return date, in case of an unforeseen or extended stopover in the United States.

Language
French and Tahitian are the two official languages, English is also widely spoken particularly in tourist areas.

What About Tipping?

Tipping does not reflect the Polynesian culture, it is not neccesory.

What is essential to pack?

Sunscreen, brimmed hats, sunglasses, camera, anti-mosquito lotion

Health?

No vaccinations are required except for passengers from high-risk countries. On the other island of Tahiti, good sanitary facilities and health services are available. The cities of Papeete Taravao and Uturoa have fully equiped hospitals. Other tourist islands at least possess a hospital or a clinic.

Electricity?

Electricity: 110 or 220 volts (60Hz) depending on the island and type of accommodation.

How Do I Use the Telephone in Tahiti?

Direct dialing international calls is available in most hotels and phone booths. Phone cards are easily purchased in Tahiti. When calling from the Great Britain to Tahiti, dial 00 and then the country code of 689 along with the local number. Your mobile phone with a U.K. network will not work in Tahiti.

Visit: www.vini.pf there are also rental options.

Do Rooms Have Air Conditioners?

Many do, particularly on the islands of Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. Most bungalows are cooled by ceiling fans that draw in the fresh trade winds.

Do I Bargain When Shopping?

Bargaining and haggling over prices in markets and stores is not customary.

How Do I Get Around?

The most inexpensive and common form of transportation is the public bus system. On Tahiti there are now two types of buses: the open-air trucks called Le Truck and the RTC large white coaches. Both operating frequently in Papeete and around the island. Le Truck also operates on most other islands. Taxis can be hired at most hotels, airports, and ferry terminals. For scenic tours around the islands, try escorted excursions by boat, 4x4 safari, bus, or helicopter.

What Activities Are There to Do?

Tahiti is the perfect place to do everything or nothing at all. Popular activities include 4x4 safaris, nature hikes, scuba diving, snorkeling, canoeing, sailing, jet skiing, wind-surfing, surfing, bike riding, tennis, golf on the island of Tahiti, horseback riding, deep-sea fishing, shopping, circle-island tours, helicopter tours, museums stops and archaeological tours.

Can I Rent a Car?

Rental cars are available at most aiports for drivers over 21 years of age with a valid driver's license. Major credit cards are usually required for drivers under 25. Because of the small size of many islands, and the uniqueness of many circle island tours, you may find renting a car unnecessary.

Can I Charter a Boat?

If you are an experienced sailor, yacht and sailboat charters are available on most of the major islands for short- or long-term voyages. Some can come complete with a captain and crew. Fishing boats can also be chartered for deep-sea fishing for big species.

What Kind of Diving Can I Expect?

The islands of Tahiti offer world-class diving and are famous among divers for the large marine life, drift dives, warm and pristine waters, and uncrowded dive sites. The clear lagoons, coral gardens, underwater passes, and oceanic drop-offs all create an abundant aqua-culture with infinite sealife.

Can I Learn to Dive in Tahiti?

If you have at least one week, you can enroll in a complete certification course or take a shorter resort course at many of the resorts and from the cruise ships. If you are already a PADI, NAUI, or SSI member, your certification is recognized.