TAHITI FACTS

Tahiti and Her Islands, officially known as French Polynesia, are sprinkled over four million square kilometers ( one and a half million sq. miles) of ocean in the eastern South Pacific.

The total land area of these 118 islands and atolls adds up to only 4,000 sq. km. ( 1,544 sq. miles), and consists of five archipelagoes: the Society Islands, Austral Islands, Marquesas Islands, Tuamotu atolls and the Mangareva Islands.

Papeete is the capital of French Polynesia, is located on Tahiti, the largest island, at 17 degrees 32 min. S. Latitude and 149 degrees 34 min. W. Longitude; 6,520 km (4,050 miles) from California, 5,390 km ( 3,350 miles) from Australia, 9,500 km ( 5,900 miles) from Japan, 8,000 km ( 4,900 miles) from South America and 17,700 km ( 11,000 miles) from Europe

CLIMATE AND WEATHER

Yearly average at Tahiti-Faaa International Airport: 25,9 Celsius, 79 Fahrenheit.  Cooled by the gentle breezes of the Pacific, the climate of these islands is sunny and pleasant.  Roughly speaking there are two seasons: from November through May the climate is warmer and humid, and from June through October the climate is cooler and drier.  Most of the rain falls during the warmer season, but there are also many lovely sunny days during these months, with refreshing trade-winds.

CUSTOMS

All items brought in by travelers for their personal use are duty-free, provided they are non-prohibited items and are re-exported out of French Polynesia within six months.

These include 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars; 50 grams of perfume; 500 grams of coffee; 100 grams of tea; and two liters of alcohol, champagne, or wine.

No one under 17 years of age is entitled to duty-free tobacco or alcohol.

More information available at: www.tahiti-tourisme.com/planner/tahiticustoms.asp.

ELECTRICITY

Most of the hotels use 110 or 220 volts, a.c. 60 cycles. Power outlets for all shavers is a convenience provided in most hotels. A converter/adaptor for other appliances is usually available upon request.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS / VISAS

All passengers entering French Polynesia must be in possession of a valid passport and outbound ticket.  Citizens of the following countries can stay 3 months without a visa: European Economic Community ( Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Great Britain, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands and Portugal), Andorra, Austria, Cyprus, Finland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, Norway, Saint Marino, The Vatican, Sweden, Switzerland. Citizens of the United States, Canada, South Korea, Hungary, Japan, New Zealand, Poland, Singapore, Czechoslovakia may visit for up to one month without a visa.  Citizens from all other countries need visas for all stays, with the High Commissioner’s approval. Since entry formalities may change at any moment, it is strongly recommended that you check with your airline serving Tahiti, or the nearest French Consulate or Embassy.

FLYING TIMES TO TAHITI

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, Air France, or Air New Zealand.

FOOD

Food in Tahiti is very good.  Hotels and resorts are always excellent and usually offer a good variety.  Resort restaurants often pride themselves on using as many local ingredients as possible, and generally have a distinct French influence in the dishes they prepare…which is not a bad thing! 

For another option try going into the towns, particularly Papeete on the island of Tahiti, for a local dining experience.  The food is good quality and can be far cheaper than at the resorts.

GOODS AND SERVICES TAX

There are no sales taxes or other hidden service charges in French Polynesia.

HEALTH SERVICES

Tap water is good in most hotels and restaurants. Bottled water is also available everywhere in stores, markets, and hotels.

Medical treatment is generally good on the major islands, but is limited in more remote or less populated areas.  Patients with emergencies or serious illnesses are often referred to facilities on Tahiti for treatment.  In Papeete, the capital of Tahiti, two major hospitals and several private clinics provide 24 hour medical service.  Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC's Internet site at www.cdc.gov/travel.  For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's (WHO) website at www.who.int/en.  Further health information for travelers is available at www.who.int/ith.

The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.

HISTORY

Tahiti and Her Islands extend over such a large area that it took several explorers and many years to discover and chart all the islands. The Spanish and the Dutch were first, making daring voyages through certain archipelagoes during the 16th and 17th centuries.  In 1767, English Capt. Samuel Wallis was the first European to discover Tahiti. Bougainville followed in 1768, Capt. Cook in 1769 and Capt. Bligh, of « Bounty » mutiny fame, in 1788.  Tahiti was ruled by the Pomare dynasty until 1880, when the islands became a French colony. In 1957, French Polynesia became a French Overseas Territory and has been internally autonomous since 1984.  As such, it is headed by a High Commissioner representing the French republic, in charge of external relations, Justice, Defense and Currency.

The legislative body is the Territorial Assembly, consisting of 41 members elected by popular vote. This body elects the president of the government and head of the Territory, who chooses his 10 ministers.  French Polynesia also elects one representative to the French Senate and two representatives to the French Parliament.   Ongoing enhancements to the political status of the territory gradually provide increased autonomy to the local government.

LANGUAGE

French and Tahitian are the official languages. English is so frequently spoken in the hotels and shops that communication is rarely a problem.

LIFESTYLE

Tahitians are typical South Pacific Islanders in that they enjoy the slow life, are very friendly, and tend to have a strong connection to their surroundings, especially the water.  French Polynesia is a safe and easy place to travel through and very welcoming of visitors in most cases.  Tahitians make it easy to experience their culture with their friendly, open arm attitudes.

MONEY & BANKING

The local currency, the French Pacific Franc (CFP), is on a fixed parity with the French Franc ( 1 CFP = 0,055 French Francs) and the Euro (1 EUR = 119.331 CFP). The official banking code is "XPF" but "CFP" is widely used here.  The exchange rate for other currencies fluctuates daily. Notes are issued in denominations of: 10,000,5,000,1,000 and 500 francs (CFP); and coins are: 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 francs (CFP).  There are international banks in Tahiti, with branch offices in the resort islands of French Polynesia, including a bank at the Tahiti-Faaa International Airport.  Hotels will also exchange various currencies for CFP.

Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, boutiques and other tourist establishments. Automatic Teller Machines are available to withdraw cash. It is advisable to check with your credit card company at home if you have access to your account's funds from Tahiti.

OFFBEAT FACTS

·          Growing Economy

The primary resources of French Polynesia, besides the key industry of tourism, are products of the coconut (coprah and refined coconut oil), while secondary resources include mother-of-pearl shells, cultured black pearls, fishing and aquaculture and vanilla. The development of agriculture and ocean resources is also of increasing importance.  In the last few years Papeete has become a modern city with new public facilities: shopping centers, boutiques, restaurants, night clubs and bars, travel agencies and airline offices, art galleries and museums, including the Tahiti Pearl Center, a museum featuring the rare and lovely Pinctada Margaritifera, The Tahitian black pearl.

·          How about holding your next convention in Tahiti!

Tahiti offers three auditoriums of contemporary design and equipment, with seating capacity for 208,463 and 830, used for international or corporate conferences and conventions.  The International Golf Course of Atimaono, located on Tahiti’s west coast some 25 miles from Papeete, is open to visiting golfers.

·          More vacation options

Responding to the needs of the outer islands, local authorities have embarked on a major project to improve the economy of the remote archipelagoes (Marquesas, Australs, Tuamotu and Mangareva Islands). More airstrips, port facilities and new roads are being built while public services and utilities are improved.

PHARMACIES

Tahiti has modern pharmacies and can fill most prescriptions.  However it is always best to consult with your personal physician and/or pharmacist prior to departing for your trip.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

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

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

‘Le Truck’ is a very cheap and reliable form of public transport, and is also a great way to become involved in the Tahitian day-to-day life.

Between islands there are ferry services that vary in length and cost.  Visit www.tahiti-tourisme.com/planner/tahitiinterisland.asp. For further information.

QUARANTINE

Strictly prohibited imports include live animals, all plant material, flowers, fruits, and cultured pearls of non-French Polynesian origin. Naturally, guns and weapons of any kind, ammunition, counterfeit items, and narcotics are prohibited outright.

More information available at: www.tahiti-tourisme.com/planner/tahiticustoms.asp.

RELIGION

55% Protestant, 30% Catholic, 6% Mormon, 2% Seventh - day Adventist, 2% Buddhist and Confucianist

SHOPPING

This is the best place in the world to shop for pearls. With first-hand expertise and an infinite selection from pearl shops, visitors quickly discover that part of any vacation to Tahiti should include the purchase of pearl keepsakes.

Every island has pearl experts who can show all price ranges, sizes, and shapes as well as ideas for custom jewelry. Pearls can also be bought individually for mounting by your home jeweler.

Bargaining and haggling over prices in markets and stores is not customary.

SIZE & POPULATION

A 1988 census counted 188,814 people living in French Polynesia.   The population has been estimated at 208 000 inhabitants in 1993, 75% of which live in the Windward Islands, 12% in the Leeward Islands, 6% in the Tuamotu archipelago, 4% in the Marquesas Islands and 3% in the Australs Islands.   Life expectancy has been steadily increasing and now reaches 70 years.  Tahiti has 131,309 inhabitants, comprised of 83% Polynesians, 11.5% Europeans, 4.3% Asians and 8% of mixed races.

More than half the population is under the age of 20. Generally speaking, the Tahitians are a handsome people known for their hospitality, friendliness and easy going approach to life.

SPORT

Tahitians, like most other South Pacific Islanders, are very active and physically capable people.  Traditionally the people of French Polynesia traveled mostly by water on outrigger canoes.  Today modern methods dominate but many still use the traditional method.  European influence has introduced other sports such as sailing, rugby, soccer, scuba diving and surfing to name a few.  All of these activities and more are available for tourists, ask your South Pacific Specialist at Downunder Journeys for more information.

STATES, TERRITORIES AND THEIR CAPITAL CITIES

French Polynesia is made up of five main island chains.  These are: the Society Islands, Australs Islands, Gambiers Islands, Tuamotu Islands and Marquesas Islands.

·          Society Islands: includes the main island of Tahiti (and the capital city of French Polynesia, Papeete), Moorea, Bora Bora and Huahine to name a few.

·          Tuamotu Islands: includes Rangiroa and Manihi, among many others.

·          Marquesas Islands: Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa are the two primary islands.

·          The Gambiers and Australs are not heavily inhabited chains and therefore do not attract as much tourism as the previous islands listed above.

TELEPHONE INFORMATION

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.

TIME ZONES

French Polynesia is 10 hours behind GMT, 2 hours behind US Pacific Standard time and 20 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard time. When it is noon Sunday in Tahiti, it is 2 P.M. Sunday in Los Angeles and 8 A.M. Monday in Sydney.  The Marquesas Islands are a half hour ahead of the rest of French Polynesia. When it is 12:00 Noon in Tahiti, it is 12:30 in the Marquesas.

TIPPING

Although not expected in Tahiti and Her Islands, we leave this worldwide custom to your discretion.

VACCINATIONS

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 TO WEAR

Comfortable and cool, natural fabrics such as cotton sundresses or T-shirts are perfect for daytime wear.   The standard attire for men even at dinner parties is simply slacks and shirt.  Women usually wear comfortable dresses in the evening and normal resort wear around the hotels.   Pareus or pareos are brightly colored and versatile hand blocked or painted fabrics. They are worn at home, at the beach or around the hotel pools. Some are elegantly tied for evening wear. Pareus are not recommended for downtown Papeete, as the city is rather cosmopolitan in dress code. Bathing suits and short shorts are also out of place in Papeete.

REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION

There is no U.S. Embassy or Consulate in French Polynesia.  However, there is a U.S. Consular Agent in French Polynesia who can provide assistance.  Americans living or traveling to French Polynesia are encouraged to register with the local U.S. Consular Agent or the U.S.  Embassy in Suva, Fiji or through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/, and to obtain up-to-date information on travel and security within French Polynesia.  Americas without Internet access may register directly with the nearest Embassy or Consulate.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.  To contact the U.S. Consular Agent, call (689) 42 65 35 or fax (689) 50 80 96 or e-mail usconsul@mail.pf.  The U.S. Consular Agency is located at Centre Tamanu Iti, 1er etage, Punaauia, B.P. 10765, 98711 Paea, Polynesie Francaise.