French Polynesia Travel Tips

Social Conventions
The basic lifestyle of the islands is represented by the simple Tahitian fares built of bamboo with pandanus roofs. Local women dress in bright pareos and men in the male equivalent, but casual dress is expected of the visitor (except in Papeete, where bathing suits and shorts are not considered suitable dress). Traditional dances are still performed mostly in hotels, with Western dance styles mainly in tourist centers. Normal social courtesies are important.

International Travel:

Getting There by Air
Air Tahiti Nui (TN) (website: www.airtahitinui.com) is the only Tahiti-based international carrier.


Air Passes
Visit the South Pacific Pass: valid with Solomon Airlines (IE), Air Vanuatu (NF), Our Airline (Air Nauru) (ON), Qantas (QF), Air Niugini (PX), Aircalin (SB) and Air Pacific (FJ). The pass allows flexible island-hopping within the South Pacific, for up to 40% off normal airfares.

Departure Tax
None.

Main Airports
Papeete (PPT) (Faaa), on Tahiti, is 6km (4 miles) from the city (journey time - 15 minutes). To/from the airport: Le Truck buses run regularly. Metered taxis are also available, but are expensive. Facilities: Bank/bureau de change, post office, duty-free shop, left luggage, news-stand, restaurant, bar, light refreshments, car hire, cyber point and tourist information.

Getting There by Water
Main ports: Papeete. The port is served by cruise lines.

Overview
The following items may be imported into Tahiti by passengers 17 years and over without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 200g of tobacco.
• 2l of still wine and 1l of spirits over 22% or 2l of spirits up to 22%.
• 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette.
• Goods up to a value of XPF5000 (XPF2500 for passengers up to 15 years of age).

Note: All baggage coming from Fiji and Samoa is collected for compulsory fumigation on arrival in Papeete; allow two hours.

Prohibited Imports
All food products of animal origin. Plants, fruit, weapons, ammunition and drugs may not be imported.

Internal Travel:

Getting Around By Air
Domestic flights run by Air Tahiti (VT) (website: www.airtahiti.aero) connect Tahiti with neighboring islands (Bora Bora, Huahine, Maupiti, Moorea and Raiatea) and remote archipelagos (Tuamotu East and North with Manihi, Rangiroa, Takapoto and Tikehau; Austral Islands of Rurutu and Tubuai; Marquesas Islands of Hiva Oa and Nuku Hiva).

Getting Around by Water
There are inter-island connections on the many ferries, catamarans, copra boats and schooners that make regular trips throughout the islands. Daily connections exist between Bora Bora, Huahine, Moorea, Papeete and Raiatea. Yacht and sailboat charter is available at most of the major islands. Some come complete with a captain and crew.

Getting Around by Road
Traffic drives on the right.

Bus: Open-air buses, known as le truck, and RTC white coaches operate frequently in Papeete and the other islands, offering an inexpensive method of travel. Le truck leave from the central market in Papeete town center, traveling to all destinations. No schedule is operated. Bus stops along the way are indicated by blue signs illustrating le truck, from where a wave of the hand will prompt them to stop.

Taxi: Available in Bora Bora, Huahine, Moorea, Raiatea and Tahiti.

Car hire: Major and local agencies hire out cars on the main islands.

Documentation: A national driving license is sufficient.


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