French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of the French Republic, composed of 118 geographically dispersed islands and atolls stretching over the South Pacific Ocean, about half way between South America and Australia.
Weather
Tahiti and her islands have warm tropical year round temperatures with two seasons: The Summer which is from November through March with average temperature about 30°C/85°F and the Winter which is from April through October with average temperature about 28°C/82°F.
To prevent bug bites
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
- Use an appropriate insect repellent (You can buy it on site)
- Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
- Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
Language
The spoken languages are French and Tahitian. English is spoken by many islanders.
Tax/VAT
Tourist Taxes
The following taxes are to be included in your bill:
- A tourist development tax for classified hotels rooms and tourist international cruises only.
- 5% for classified hotels rooms
- 200 XPF per person and per day for international cruises
- A visitor tax only in Papeete, Faa’a, Punaauia, Moorea-Maiao, Bora Bora, Huahine, Rangiroa, Mataiva and Tikehau.
- between 50 and 200 XPF per person per day, depending of the island and loding category
- Children under the age of 12 staying with their parents are exempted.
These taxes are used to protect nature & environment, create public infrastructures, support local events as Hawaiki Nui Vaa’a, Heiva, create panoramic sites…
V.A.T.
The Value Added Tax (or TVA in French) was added in 1998 on all goods and services, including accommodations, food & beverages, room and meal packages, transportation, activities and excursions.
V.A.T. on services is 13%
V.A.T. 2011 on hotels, small boarding houses, food and beverages is 6%
All the restaurant, shops, boutiques, services, activities prices are all tax included
Time zone
The three time zones followed in the country include Tahiti Time Zone (UTC-10:00), Marquesas Islands Time Zone (UTC-09:30) and Gambier Islands Time Zone (UTC-09:00). These time zones have been in effect since 1969.
Currency
The official currency in French Polynesia is the French Pacific Franc (XPF). Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and hotels. Major credit cards such as American Express, Master Card, and Visa are accepted.
Religion
The dominant religion in Polynesia is Christianity, with the majority Protestant and a large contingent of Catholics.
Electricity
French Polynesia is 220 Volts, alternating at 60 cycles per second.
French Polynesia Outlet Shapes
Local food
Fresh local fruits, vegetables and fish are great part of the Tahitian cuisine, that makes it healthy and delicious. Fresh seafood is available daily, caught from the lagoon and the waters of the South Pacific. Typical Menu are raw fish (most of the time red tuna) with coconut milk and Mahi mahi (dorad) with vanilla sauce.