Tahiti Honeymoons Tahiti Vacations

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Discover Tahiti

Tahiti and Her Islands lie in the Pacific Ocean, just south of the equator, in the same time zone as Hawaii, only seven and one-half hours by air from Los Angeles, midway between North America and Australia.

Tahiti is the largest of the 115 islands and atolls that comprise French Polynesia. Neighboring islands include Moorea, Tetiaroa, Huahine, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Tahaa and Maupiti. Also easily accessible are the islands of Tikehau, Rangiroa and Manihi in the Tuamotu Archipelago and the Marquesas Islands in the northern part of French Polynesia.

All passengers entering French Polynesia must be in possession of a valid passport and outbound ticket. Citizens of the USA and Canada can stay for up to 30 days without a VISA.  All others, please make sure that you fulfill all of the entry requirements by contacting the nearest French Consulate or the Tahiti Tourist Board in Los Angeles at 310-414-8484.

Money and Exchange

Upon arrival in French Polynesia, most visitors exchange some money at the Faaa Airport or at their hotel. Generally, it’s not necessary to change very much since credit cards and U.S. dollars are accepted. Travelers' checks are easily cashed. Many businesses will also take your $ and give you a fair rate of exchange.

The local currency is the Central Pacific Franc or CFP. Notes come in denominations of 500, 1000, 5000 and 10,000, and coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100. The average value of the CFP in relation to the $ US is 90 to 100 CF

Offices and shops are usually open from 8 am to 12 noon and from 1.30 PM to 5 or 5:30 PM. In the suburbs, smaller family corner stores may not close until 10 PM. Shops close at 11 am on Saturdays.

Banking hours are 7:45 AM to 3:30 PM Monday to Friday; the Bank of Tahiti is open on Saturday from 7:45 AM to 11:30 AM. Exchange counters are located at the Faaa International Airport, Papeete.

Tipping

Tipping is not really part of the Tahitian tradition, but if you have been well taken care of, a tip will be appreciated.
All the prices quoted on menus, hotels or shops are all inclusive and you need not add anything for service or tax

The main tourist office is in the center of Papeete, on the waterfront opposite the Vaima Shopping Center. There you’ll find maps and brochures on most islands and accommodations. You’ll find the staff to be very helpful and you’ll have no trouble communicating in English.

The address of the Tahiti Tourist Office is Fare Manihini ( 689 / 42-96-26), Boulevard Pomare, BP 65, Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia. For their US (L.A.) office, call : (310) 414 - 8484.

Telephone

The telephone system in Tahiti is excellent and very hi-tech. There are many public phones all over town and most of them are operated with phone cards (telecarte) which can be purchased at the airport coffee shop, in some bars, at some magazine stands and at the Post Office.

You will find these phones everywhere in French Polynesia, even in the most remote atolls.

From the US to Tahiti dial: 011 + 689 + phone number.
From Tahiti to the US dial: 001 + area code + number.

Time and Date

French Polynesia is 10 hours behind GMT, two hours behind US Pacific Standard Time and 21 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time. Thus, when it is noon Sunday in Tahiti, it is 2 PM Sunday in Los Angeles (+1 hour summer time) and 9 AM Monday in Sydney.

Coming from the US you do not cross the international dateline on your way to Tahiti but you do cross the equator.

The standard current is 220 volts AC with European-style plugs. Many of the resort hotels are wired for both 110 and 220 volts. But just in case, bring an adapter for using appliance you bring with you.

The tap water is safe to drink in hotels, restaurants, etc. Most hotels also offer bottled water.

Tahiti is very safe by any standard and violent crime is a rarity. Robbery and theft does happen occasionally, but you need not be overly concerned. Use common sense and carry your valuables in a safe place such as a moneybelt.

Taxis and buses are available, as well as car, scooter and bicycle rentals. The most common form of transportation is "le truck," which are independently operated open-air shuttle busses that run most everywhere on the islands.

The Society Islands ( Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea ) and the Tuamotu atolls (Rangiroa, Fakarava, Manihi, Tikihau) have a mild tropical climate, mostly sunny and pleasant. The average annual temperature in the Society Islands is 78° F (25° C) with very little variation through the year.

As a result of vegetation and wind factors, high islands are generally a little more humid than atolls, which are more exposed to the cooling influence of the trade winds.

There are supposedly two seasons: the slightly warmer and more humid period between November and March when rains can fall intermittently, and the dryer season (with occasional showers) between May and October. But in fact, there is very little noticeable difference between the months.

In practical reality, the are no seasons in Tahiti and no weather pattern. There will be showers in the "dryer" season and there will be a lot of sunshine in the "rainier" season, which is why these islands are so beautiful and lush.

Rain comes in the form of warm tropical storms that usually arrive quickly, and disappear just as fast. It can rain buckets suddenly in one spot for 15 minutes followed by bright sunshine, while 1/4 mile down the road, it's been totally dry!

Weather considerations should not be a factor in choosing your travel dates.

As far as clothing is concerned, casual is the style, and because of the warm climate clothing should be light, even in the evenings which remain pleasantly mild.

Shorts for men seem to be the standard with cotton shirts, and light dresses for women as well as sandals. You may want to bring a light plastic rain-coat, a windbreaker, or a mini-umbrella for the odd tropical downpour, a hat to shield you from the intense sun, lots of sunscreen, insect repellent, reef or water shoes, mask and snorkel (although many hotels and cruise ships will have loaners you may prefer to bring your own), a supply of photo film (up to ten rolls) including a disposable underwater camera, video tapes, aspirin, band-aids, etc. Also, bring a small flashlight for the late evening walks along the beach.

If you desire, you can bring cigarettes (up to two cartons) and liquor (up to two liters).

No need for any type of inoculation against exotic diseases when going to Tahiti.

French Polynesia enjoys a high standard of health, with excellent medical and dental services, pharmacies, private clinics and a large hospital in Tahiti.

There are NO snakes, poisonous spiders or any land critters that can hurt or sting you.

Opportunities abound for the adventurer. Thrilling jeep tours let you explore the lush interiors of the larger islands. Discover waterfalls and grottos as you hike or mountain bike through the heart of the islands or cycle leisurely around the perimeter of the islands.

Circle island tours are offered on many islands and provide a glimpse of Tahitian lifestyle. Visit ancient maraes (temples) that hold the mysteries of early Polynesians. Lagoonariums offer an opportunity to view sea creatures in their own environment. The Le Marché, the bustling public market place in Papeete, is ideal for finding many wonderful souvenirs including the colorful pareus.

Most visitors enjoy the lagoons as the natives do, swimming and snorkeling in the warm, turquoise waters, or outrigger canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, parasailing, deep sea fishing, jet skiing and water skiing. The Tahitian islands are world renowned for their scuba diving and snorkeling. You can also go on a shark feeding expedition where you’re in the water with reef sharks that are being hand-fed by a guide. You can charter a yacht, perhaps with a captain and chef, to sail among the islands.

Lagoons, passes and outer reef dives offer aqua-culture at its best, with an abundance of all kinds of sea life, from the tiniest, beautifully colored tropical species, to awesome large varieties, such as rays, sharks, sea turtles and more.

The water temperature averages 79° F (26° C) in the winter and 84° F (29° C) in the summer with less than a degree of variation from the surface down to 150 feet (50 m).

Exotic Tahiti and Her Islands have long been referred to as a tropical paradise and are the number one choice of couples from all over the world for their honeymoon or anniversary destination. It’s easy to immerse yourself in the incredible beauty of the islands with their mesmerizing sunsets and sweet aroma of flowers.

"Text from Moon Handbooks: Tahiti
http://www.southpacific.org/tahiti.html by David Stanley (used with permission)."

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