Tahiti Survival Kit

Flying times to Tahiti

Los Angeles7 hrs. 30min.
Honolulu5 hrs.
Vancouver10 hrs. 30min.
Auckland5 hrs.
Sydney8 hrs.

International Gateways

Papeete

Climate

Spring-September to NovemberAverage 78F
Summer -December to FebruaryAverage 80F
Autumn - March to MayAverage 82F
Winter - June to AugustAverage 77F

Tahiti offers visitors a tropical climate with an abundance of sunshine. The temperature is consistently pleasant with a cooling effect from trade winds of the Pacific. The lagoon waters average a constant 78F providing perfect weather to enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities and water sports.

Time Difference

www.timeanddate.com

What to pack?

Casual, informal clothes like golf shirts or T-shirts, shorts and slacks for men. For women, lightweight summer dresses, skirts blouses are ideal. Beachwear and boat wear are common and pack a light jacket for the cooler evening temperatures. Sandals, sneakers and boat shoes are fine. If cruising through Tahiti and the Islands of Gauguin, a jacket will be required for dinner.

Population

Tahiti encompasses 118 islands, dotted across the Pacific in five main Island Groups; The Society Islands (the most well known, comprising the islands of Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa and Maupiti); The Tuamotu Group, The Marquesas, The Austral Archipelago and The Gambier Archipelago. There are approx. 220,000 people who live in Tahiti and the surrounding Islands.
http://travel.state.gov/french-polynesia.html

Entry Requirements

A valid passport is required for entry into Tahiti. US citizens may stay for up to one month without a visa. Canadian visitors are entitled to a one-month stay without a visa. French Nationals need only a National Identity Card. However we still recommend that all travelers carry a passport valid for more than six months beyond intended return date. For current visa information please contact the Tahitian consulate or Embassy closest to you.
http://travel.state.gov/french-polynesia.html

Language

French and Tahitian are the official languages. English is also widely spoken.

Customs

There are regulations and concessions covering personal effects, prohibited goods, alcohol, tobacco, sporting equipment and other goods being brought into Tahiti. Please be advised that Tahiti imposes severe penalties on those found carrying narcotics and other controlled substances.

Vaccinations

If you are traveling from the United States or Canada directly into Tahiti, no vaccinations are required. If you plan to make a stopover enroute to Tahiti, please check the requirements with the nearest Australian Consulate or Embassy.
http://travel.state.gov/french-polynesia.html

Currency/Banks/ATM

The local currency is the French Pacific Franc - XFP

Currency: Notes are: 500, 1,000, 5,000 and 10,000 francs
Coins are: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 francs

Business hours are generally from 7.30am–11.30am then 1.30pm-5.00pm  Monday to Friday.   

Most businesses are closed on Sunday.

Religion

Predominantly Protestant or Roman Catholic and plays an important part in the every day lives of Tahitians. Travelers are welcome to join in their celebrations, although should adhere to their customs with men wearing long pants and dresses for women.

Tipping

Tipping is NOT a custom in Tahiti. Observation of this custom is appreciated.

Voltage

The electrical current in Tahiti can be either 110 volts or 220 volts, AC 50Hz and varies from island to island and your accommodation facilities. Please check before plugging in any personal appliances you may have.

Food

Tap water is safe to drink in Papeete, please check with your local resort if you are branching to less populated areas. If in doubt supplies of local bottled mineral water as well as French mineral waters is readily available. Food has a delightful French, Mediterranean influence and all palates are certainly catered for.

Health Services

Doctor’s dentists and hospitals have modern equipment, highly trained staff and extensive facilities. Visitor’s health care costs are not covered by the Tahitian Health Scheme. For this reason insurance is strongly recommended (please ask your travel consultant).

Departure Tax

There is no airport departure tax.

Telephone information

Country Code (689)

Helpful telephone numbers you may need in Tahiti:

Emergency Police 17

Fire 18 

Ambulance 15