The island of Tahiti and the capital city of Papeete
are located in the Society Islands, an archipelago
that includes the high-rising islands of Moorea,
Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a, and Bora Bora. Other dramatic
island groups are the Tuamotu Atolls with the slender
coral wreaths of Rangiroa, Manihi, Tikehau, and
Fakarava and the Marquesas - with the massive mountains
on the 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 by air from Los Angeles (LAX).
From North America, nonstop flights depart LAX nearly
every day on Air Tahiti Nui and Air France. Nonstop flights from Honolulu (HNL) to Papeete (PPT) are also available weekly on Hawaiian Airlines.
What
Is the Time Difference?
The islands are just two hours behind Pacific Standard
Time. 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 airport or at their hotels. 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 (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,
but English is 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 in Polynesian culture and
is not expected. However, tipping is welcomed for
exemplary service.
What Are the Seasons
and Climate?
Cooled by gentle ocean breezes, 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 with plenty of film.
Is the Water Safe to Drink?
Tap water is good in most hotels and restaurants.
Bottled water is also available everywhere in stores,
markets, and hotels
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. A converter/adapter is often
required for appliances you bring, including computers.
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 the type of phone you have and your
service provider. Visit: www.vini.pf
for more information.
There are also rental options.
Do Rooms Have Air Conditioners?
Many do, particularly on the islands of Tahiti,
Moorea, and Bora Bora. Most bungalows are cooled
by ceiling fans that draw in the fresh trade winds.
Do I Bargain When Shopping?
Bargaining and haggling over prices in markets
and stores is not customary.
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
hand dyed 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
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. Both
operating frequently in Papeete and around the
island. Le Truck also operates on most other islands.
Taxis can be hired at most hotels, airports, and
ferry terminals. For scenic tours around the islands,
try escorted excursions by boat, 4x4 safari, bus,
or helicopter.
What Activities Are There
to Do?
Tahiti is the perfect place to do everything or
nothing at all. Popular activities include 4x4
safaris, nature hikes, scuba diving, snorkeling,
canoeing, sailing, jet skiing, wind-surfing, surfing,
bike riding, tennis, golf on the island of Tahiti,
horseback riding, deep-sea fishing, shopping,
circle-island tours, helicopter tours, museums
stops and archaeological tours.
Can I Rent a Car?
Rental cars are available at most aiports 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?
If you are an experienced sailor, yacht and sailboat
charters are available on most of the major islands
for short- or long-term voyages. Some can 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
and are famous among divers for the large marine
life, drift dives, warm and pristine waters, and
uncrowded dive sites. The clear lagoons, coral
gardens, underwater passes, and oceanic drop-offs
all create an 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 and from
the cruise ships. If you are already a PADI, NAUI,
or SSI member, your certification is recognized.
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