The island of Tahiti and the capital city of Papeete
are located in the Society Islands, the archipelago
that includes the high-rising islands of Moorea,
Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a, and Bora Bora. Other often-visited island groups are the Tuamotu Atolls of Rangiroa, Manihi, Tikehau, and
Fakarava and the Marquesas islands of Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa.
Where Is Tahiti
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 from Los Angeles (LAX) or 12 hours from New York JFK. Nonstop flights depart daily from LAX , two-three times a week from JFK, and weekly from Honolulu.
What
Is the Time Difference?
The islands are just two hours behind Pacific Standard
Time and in the same time zone as Hawaii. 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 Fa'a Airport, at their hotels or on their cruise ship. 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, referred to as CPF or 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, while English is widely 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 or expected in Tahitian culture. However, tipping is always welcomed for
exemplary service.
What Are the Seasons
and Climate?
Cooled by the gentle breezes of the South Pacific, 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. Click here for
the Weather Report
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.
- If your camera or other devices require batteries, and you think they may not last the whole trip, it is best to bring spare batteries with you as they can be difficult to find and expensive in the islands.
- If you use non-digital cameras, be sure to bring many rolls of film with you as it is more expensive in the islands. You are allowed to bring up to 10 rolls duty-free.
Is the Water Safe to Drink?
Yes, on the main islands, but bottled water is available in hotels, resorts, restaurants, and shops.
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. Converter/ adapters are sometimes required for appliances and computer.
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 may not work in Tahiti
depending on your
service provider. Phones can also be rented, visit: www.vini.pf
for more information.
There are also rental options.
How Do I Get Online?
There are many options including dial-up, broadband, Wi-Fi, DSL in each room, and cyber cafés.
Do Rooms Have Air Conditioners?
Many do, particularly on the main islands of Tahiti,
Moorea, and Bora Bora. Other bungalows are cooled
by ceiling fans that draw in the fresh breezes.
Do I Bargain When Shopping?
Bargaining and haggling over prices with Tahitian is not customary; the price marked is normally the price paid.
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
handmade 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, operating on most islands,
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. Taxis can be hired within the primary towns, at most hotels, airports, and
ferry terminals. Car can also be rented from the airports on the primary islands although many visitors find they are unnecessary. For scenic tours around the islands,
try escorted excursions by boat, 4x4, bus,
or helicopter.
What Activities Are There
to Do?
Tahiti is the perfect place to do everything or
nothing at all. Some of the most popular activities include the world-class spas, shopping, 4x4 excursions, nature hikes, scuba diving, snorkeling,
canoeing, sailing, jet skiing, wind-surfing, surfing,
bike riding, tennis, golf,
horseback riding, deep-sea fishing, circle-island tours, helicopter tours, and tours of museums and historical sites.
Can I Rent a Car?
Rental cars are available at most airports 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?
Yacht and sailboat
charters are available on most of the major islands
for short- or long-term voyages. Some even 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. The clear lagoons, coral gardens, underwater passes, and oceanic drop-offs all create 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. If you are already a PADI, NAUI,
or SSI member, your certification is recognized.
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