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What Is Tahiti?
Tahiti is the common name for French Polynesia, a South Pacific territory of France consisting of several groups of beautiful tropical islands.
Tahiti is also the name of the largest of the 118 islands and atolls that constitute French Polynesia.
The island of Tahiti and the capital city of Papeete
are located in the Society Islands, an archipelago that
includes the high-rising islands of Moorea, Huahine,
Raiatea, Taha'a, and Bora Bora. Other dramatic island
groups are the Tuamotu Atolls with the slender coral
wreaths of Rangiroa, Manihi, Tikehau, and Fakarava and
the Marquesas - with the massive mountains on the islands
of Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa.
Where Is Tahiti & Her Islands
and
How Long Does It Take to Get There?
The islands are located south of the equator, in the
same time zone as Hawaii, and halfway between California
and Australia. Papeete's Faa'a Airport (PPT) is under
8 hours by air from Los Angeles (LAX). From North America,
nonstop flights depart LAX nearly every day on Air Tahiti
Nui, Air France, or Air New Zealand.
What Is the Time Difference?
The islands are just two hours behind Pacific Standard
Time. During Daylight-Saving Time (April to late October)
they are three hours behind. Time in the Marquesas is
half an hour ahead of the rest of the islands.
Will I Need to Exchange Money?
Upon arrival most visitors exchange some money at the
airport or at their hotels. Since most credit cards
are readily accepted in all tourist areas, it is not
necessary to exchange large amounts. The currency is
the French Pacific Franc (XPF).
Will I Need a Passport/Visa?
A valid passport and a roundtrip or return ticket
are required for all visitors entering Tahiti. Visas
are not required for North American citizens for stays
of less than one month.
Is English Spoken?
French and Tahitian are the official languages, but
English is spoken and understood in tourist areas. Brushing
up on a few basic French phrases and learning Tahitian
greetings are appreciated.
What About Tipping?
Tipping is not customary in Polynesian culture and is
not expected. However, tipping is welcomed for exemplary
service.
What Are the Seasons and
Climate?
Cooled by gentle ocean breezes, the climate is ideal.
Being tropical but moderate, the climate features sunny,
pleasant days and an average yearly air and water temperature
of 80∞F. Summer is from November through April,
when the climate is slightly warmer and more humid.
Winter is from May through October, when the the climate
is slightly cooler and dryer.
What Should I Wear?
The climate and lifestyle on the islands call for casual
and comfortable clothing. Pack loose-fitting, natural
fabrics and plenty of shorts. Pareus and swimsuits
can be worn during the daytime at the resorts, while
casual shirts and walking shorts provide the most comfort
during island explorations. For dinner, casual slacks
and sport shirts are the best choice for men while
cool sundresses are most appropriate for women.
What Are the Essentials to Bring?
Sunscreen, brimmed hats, sunglasses, swimsuits, reef-walking
shoes, bug repellent, prescription medicine, and a camera
with plenty of film.
Is the Water Safe to Drink?
Tap water is good in most hotels and restaurants. Bottled
water is also available everywhere in stores, markets,
and hotels.
Do I Need Health Certifications?
No shots or certifications are required from North
America. Regardless of the traveler's nationality,
entry from an infected area of the world as defined
by the World Health Organization requires certifications.
What Is the Voltage?
Hotels use either 110 or 220 volts, depending on the
location. A converter/adapter is often required for
appliances you bring, including computers.
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 U.S. to
Tahiti, dial 011 and then the country code of 689
along with the local number. Your cell phone with
U.S. service will not work in Tahiti. There are rental
options, however.
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.
What Kind of Shopping Is There?
What Souvenirs Should I Buy?
Among Tahiti's most popular products are black pearls, tiare and
coconut soaps, monoi oil,
vanilla beans, shell leis, wood carvings,
woven hats and baskets, and the colorful hand dyed pareu fabric
worn by the island natives. The Papeete public market
is a favorite with visitors. Shops usually open about
7:30am and close at 5:30pm (Noon on Saturdays) but
there is always a long lunch hour. Except in hotels,
all shops are usually closed on Sundays.
.
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, and it is generally quite expensive.
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.
What are the Entry Requirements for Tahiti?
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Tahiti Entry Requirements
Every visitor to French Polynesia must have:
1. A valid passport.
2. A return airline ticket to their resident country or to at
least two more continuing destinations.
3. Sufficient funds to cover their planned stay.
For stays of up to one month, there are no visa requirements
for citizens of the U.S., Canada, or Mexico. A foreigner with
a residence card for the U.S. is not exempt from the above requirements
and should consult the French Consulate based in the U.S. for
information.
Citizens of European Union countries do not need a visa for
stays of up to three months; citizens of other countries should
consult the French Consulate.
As entry requirements are subject to modification without notice,
it is advisable to check with your travel arranger before departure.
Contact one of the French Consulates in North America for further
details and visa information.
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