Currency
French Pacific Franc (CFP Franc) = 100 centimes. Notes are
in denominations of CFP Franc10,000, 5000, 1000 and 500. Coins
are in denominations of CFP Franc100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and
1. Tahiti and Her Islands are part of the French Monetary
Area, but are not tied to the French Franc. 1 FFr is approximately
CFP Franc18.
Currency Exchange
Exchange facilities are available at the airport, major banks
and at authorised hotels and shops in Papeete.
Credit cards
American Express is the most widely accepted, while Visa,
Diners Club and MasterCard have more limited use. Check with
your credit card company for details of merchant acceptability
and other services which may be available.
Travelers cheques
The recommended means of importing foreign currency. To avoid
additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to
take travelers cheques in US Dollars.
Duty Free
The following items may be imported into Tahiti by passengers
17 years and over without incurring customs duty:
a)200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of
tobacco.
b)2 liters of spirits over 22%, or 1 liter of spirits over
22% and 2 liters of still wine.
c)50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette.
d)And goods up to a value of CFP Franc5000.
Custom Items
Plants, fruit, cats, dogs, weapons, ammunition and drugs may
not be imported. All baggage coming from Brazil, Samoa and
Fiji is collected for compulsory fumigation on arrival in
Papeete; allow two hours.
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. Traditional dances
are still performed mostly in hotels, with Western dance styles
mainly in tourist centers. Normal social courtesies are important.
Tipping
In general not practised but tolerated, since it is contrary
to the Tahitian idea of hospitality.
Getting There
By Air:
Tahiti is served by AOM French Airlines, Air Caledonie International,
Air France, Qantas, Air New Zealand, LAN-Chile and Hawaiian
Airlines for longhaul international flights. Air Tahiti Nui
(TN), the first Tahiti-based international carrier, began
operation in November 1998.
By Sea:
The international port is Papeete, on Tahiti, which is served
by Cunard, P&O, Norwegian America, Pacific Cruise and Kyowa
Line.
Getting Around
By Air:
Domestic flights run by Air Tahiti (VT) connect Tahiti with
neighbouring islands (Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Bora Bora,
Maupiti) and remote archipelagos (Tuamotu East and North with
Rangiroa, Tikehau, Manihi, Takapoto; Austral Islands of Rurutu
and Tubuai; Marquesas Islands of Hiva Oa, Nuku Hiva and Ua
Pou).
By Sea:
There are inter-island connections on the main ferries, catamarans,
copra boats and schooners that make regular trips throughout
the islands. Daily connections between other cities are available.
By Road:
a) Bus:
Basic buses, known as trucks, offer an inexpensive method
of travel. They leave from the central market in Papeete town
center traveling to all destinations. No schedule is operated.
b)Taxi:
Available in Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine and Raiatea.
c) Car hire:
Major and local agencies including Hertz, Budget, Tahiti Rent-A-Car
and Avis rent cars on the main islands. An national driving
licence is preferred.
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