Travel Essentials › French Polynesia
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Type E (also A and B), 220 V. Emergency: One number for everything 112, Police 17, Ambulance 15, Fire 18. Tipping: Not expected; service is usually included and a small tip is only for outstanding service. Tap water: Tap water in Papeete and larger towns is generally treated; elsewhere drink bottled or boiled water.
Open The French Polynesia Trip Kit
Type E (also A and B), 220 V
| One number for everything | 112 |
| Police | 17 |
| Ambulance | 15 |
| Fire | 18 |
Not expected; service is usually included and a small tip is only for outstanding service.
Greetings and manners. Say 'Ia ora na' and shake hands or exchange a kiss on the cheek as in France. Tahitians are warm and relaxed, and rushing is rude.
Sacred sites and marae. Ancient stone temples called marae are sacred, so do not climb on them or remove anything. Ask before entering private land or a family pearl farm.
Dress and the tiare. Cover up in towns and churches. A tiare flower tucked behind the right ear means you are single and behind the left means you are taken, as local tradition says.
French Polynesia is generally safe. Petty theft from hotels, cars and boats occurs, and sea currents, sunburn and reef cuts are the main risks.
Overpriced taxis. Taxis are expensive and often not metered; agree the fare first, or use Le Truck buses or your hotel's shuttle.
Unlicensed lagoon tours. Book lagoon and whale tours through hotels or known operators; unlicensed boats may be unsafe and uninsured.
Women travelers. Generally safe for women; take usual care at night in Papeete and around bars, and use taxis late.
Legal · Mostly Safe
French Polynesia follows French law, so same-sex marriage is legal and discrimination is banned. The mahu, people who live between male and female roles, are part of Tahitian culture, though the society is church-going and some places are more conservative than Papeete.
| Coffee (café) | XPF 450 | $4.20 |
| Local bus or metro ride | XPF 200 | $1.85 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | XPF 3,000 | $28 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | XPF 4,500 | $42 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | XPF 22,000 | $200 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | XPF 20,000 | $185 |
2026-09
May to October is the cooler, drier season and the best time to visit; November to April is hotter, wetter and more humid, with cyclone risk in some years.